Tires have a lifespan of three to five years on the road before needing replacement, resulting in over a billion waste tires being generated annually. These tires end up in various places, from landfills to being burned as a substitute for fossil fuels. However, some recyclers use them to create rubber products, artificial turfs, and even in constructing buildings like homes and shelters. This innovative approach to repurposing tires not only helps the environment by reducing waste but also provides an affordable and sustainable solution for constructing buildings. With the increasing demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective construction materials, using old tires in building construction is a promising solution. Overall, the tire recycling market has the potential to create a positive impact on the environment and provide alternative solutions for sustainable development.
Table of Contents
1. Earth-packed Tires
One of the most common methods is to pack the tires with clay and earth, creating a durable and heavy brick that can be used to build walls. This method is known as earth-packed tires and results in sturdier walls than those made of wood or brick.
2. Tire Bricks
Another method is to compact the rubber from the tires to create bricks that can be molded into various sizes. Tire bricks use more tires than earth-packed tires, but they allow for greater flexibility in the size of the final brick.
3. Tire Rubber Insulation
Tire rubber is also an excellent insulator, and many construction projects use crumb rubber machinery to create rubber crumb that can be used to fill gaps and insulate buildings from extreme temperatures.
4. Decorative Installments
Tires can also be used for decorative purposes, such as creating art installations for homes or using them in the architecture of buildings to give a sustainable and homegrown appearance.
5. Earthships
Earthships are sustainable homes made entirely from recycled materials like tires, cans, and clay. These homes are designed to be self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, making them an excellent option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
6. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Tires can also be used to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on properties without going over budget. Since tires are cheap, they can be a great material for building extra living space.
7. Smaller Structures
Tire bricks can also be used to build smaller structures like backyard playgrounds, compost bins, dog houses, and volleyball nets. These structures provide an affordable and sustainable solution for homeowners looking to add functional elements to their properties.
Certainly, constructing with tires is not commonly chosen by most individuals, otherwise, it would be a more prevalent practice. This could be because people are unaware that it is a viable option.
In conclusion, old tires can be repurposed for construction purposes, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for building projects. Millions of waste tires are generated each year, and using them in construction by packing them with dirt or other materials is a great way to build a sustainable home with cheap materials. While they may not be as easy to transport as traditional building materials, tires offer excellent insulation and are an affordable alternative.
source: https://ecogreenequipment.com/how-to-repurpose-tires-in-home-construction/
Comments
Download this infographic.