Plastic Makes Home Improvement Projects Easier and More Affordable
The use of plastics in home improvement has not only made DIY projects more affordable it provides additional benefits including increased energy efficiency and cost savings, making DIY projects a trend that’s here to stay.
Plastics in flooring
From synthetic rugs to luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), flooring alternatives made with plastics are the future of home improvement. These products are functional and easy to install and, better yet, look like the real thing—but without the price tag. LVTs, for example, mimic the modern and durable look of wood, slate or even marble flooring, but at a fraction of the cost. Consumers can access attractive designs without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, installation of LVTs is made easy with simple adhesive or nails, increasing accessibility and reducing the need for external contractors or workers. These products are also more environmentally beneficial compared to traditional products such as wood, which can contribute to deforestation.
Plastic polymers like nylon, polypropylene and polyester are also delivering affordable carpeting and rug options to home improvement enthusiasts. Synthetic carpets, which altogether amount to about 97 percent of the total carpet market, are moisture- and stain-resistant, making them easy to clean. They are also more durable, reducing the need for replacement carpeting even in high-traffic areas that might wear down more easily. Synthetic carpeting has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordability and is now carried widely in home improvement stores making it accessible to all consumers.
Plastics in paint
While synthetic flooring alternatives help keep home improvement costs down, latex paint made with polyvinyl, polyurethane, polyester and acrylic is keeping walls clean and bright. Such paint is quick-drying, providing DIYers with easy application and long-term durability. Furthermore, this type of paint also requires fewer coats, which reduces overall product need and reduces time spent on projects.
Plastic piping saves lives.
Over the last few decades, aging lead pipe infrastructure across the United States has contaminated drinking water leading to lawsuits that have cost regional and local governments millions of dollars. However, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill allocated $3 billion in funding to replace lead pipes.
The best replacement for lead pipes? Plastics.
Experts recommend durable PVC pipes, which are more affordable and energy efficient than alternatives, particularly copper piping. Affordability means that more pipes can be replaced faster with PVC. This same type of piping that can eliminate contaminated water on an industrial scale can also be used in DIY home improvement projects.
PVC pipes help homeowners modernize in-home water distribution systems by improving energy efficiency and reducing wastewater. These systems can also be used for home heating and cooling systems, increasing energy efficiency and keeping homes at a more stable temperature. PVC is modernizing at-home water systems, while also preventing drinking water contamination.
Foam installation saves time and money by increasing efficiency,
Even with floors, walls and water systems outfitted with better, more durable plastic products, plastics go further to also fortify the insulation in our homes. Foam insulation made from plastic polymers is more effective at regulating temperatures inside structures, increasing energy efficiency. With foam, homes can rely less on constant heat or air conditioning, leading to energy and cost savings. According to one study if foam insulation were used in all homes nationwide, energy savings would equate to $2.58 billion. Over 50 years, that number would grow to $128.6 billion in savings.
TIn addition to insulation, plastics are vital to house wraps, foam sealants, caulks and coatings, which deliver additional efficiencies for temperature regulation and translate to energy savings for consumers. Even better, these are all available at affordable prices for DIY home improvement enthusiasts.
Plastics are vital to homes and home improvement projects. From flooring and paint to new water systems and insulation, plastic polymers are the future of homes due to their affordability and durability.