As the construction industry continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and heightened popularity of eco-friendly buildings, it’s important to focus on the future. Continue reading to gain insights about construction industry trends we expect to have a meaningful impact in 2022.
Construction Supply Chain Challenges
Material shortages caused massive delays for contractors, businesses, and workers in 2021. They were also the main culprit in higher material costs, expanded budgets, and extended project timelines. Unfortunately, the global pandemic and material shortages lead many experts to believe supply chain disruptions will continue into 2022.
Along with construction supply chain problems, a shortage of skilled workers has the construction industry struggling to adequately staff projects. Even as the construction industry trends towards robotic solutions, educated and trained workers must operate that technology and analyze data points.
New Trends in Construction Materials
Rising raw material costs are sure to be an ongoing concern in 2022. Between supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates, price increases are expected to continue from 2021. Even materials and technology that deliver long-term savings may come with higher initial price tags.
Many of the emerging construction industry trends to pay attention to in 2022 focus on eco-friendly building materials. The green movement continues to raise awareness, which drives innovation to keep up. General contractors are looking for new ways to enhance sustainability and efficiency without compromising quality or longevity.
Cross-Laminated Timber
One of the new trends in construction materials is cross-laminated timber (CLT). CLT is a sustainable, prefabricated plank of sawn, glued, and layered wood oriented perpendicularly to the previous plank. This results in greater structural rigidity, tensile strength, and compressive abilities. Additionally, CLT provides commercial buildings with superior acoustics, fire resistance, and thermal and seismic protection.
Another aspect of CLT that builders, owners, and contractors find attractive is its cost effectiveness when used for multistory and long-span new construction or additions. Compared to steel, masonry, and concrete block solutions, CLT is cheaper and easier to install. And because CLT is cut to size, there’s little onsite waste and smaller equipment is required compared to other options.
Self-Healing Concrete
Self-healing concrete is another eco-friendly building material that significantly reduces carbon footprints and the need for expensive, labor-intensive repairs. To combat the degradation of conventional concrete, self-healing varieties contain saturated bacteria or fungi that bind to existing materials to form a new material that grows in concrete pores. This results in more durable and longer-lasting foundations and pillars.
Modular and Offsite Construction
Thanks to the growth of fulfillment centers spurred by online retailers, modular and prefabricated buildings continue to take up a more significant market share in the construction industry. Modular solutions result in more sustainable buildings, shorter construction times, and lower building costs.
Calahan uses proven solutions and emerging construction industry trends alike to deliver your project on time, on budget, and beyond expectations. Reach out today to find out how we can help you.
The Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Buildings
As people become more familiar with construction’s impact on the environment, the demand for sustainable, eco-friendly buildings increases. Building owners now look for everything from sustainably sourced building materials to carbon-neutral, renewable energy sources at their facilities. Design–build specialists are finding new and innovative ways to incorporate natural lighting and earth-friendly materials into their plans.
Some of the new trends in construction materials for green buildings include:
- Steel and metal buildings
- Solar panels
- Smart glass windows
- Composite roofing materials
- Bamboo replacements for wood
- Hemp insulation
- Reclaimed wood
- Recycled plastics
- Green roofing
Calahan: A Constant Among Ever-Changing Construction Industry Trends
You don’t stay the Denver area’s most trusted commercial construction contractor for over 80 years without being able to keep up with new trends in construction materials, processes, and technologies. Calahan Construction also has the expertise to know what construction industry trends we should build into our best practices and which are merely a fad.
We’re a family-owned business that provides the focused services of a small firm backed by large-scale results. Reach out to Calahan Construction today to discuss any new construction, addition, tenant finish, or remodel projects you have.
