Beach areas usually have rustic and scenic constructions, that give those territories a special character, a differentiative attribute that promotes tourism and a relaxed environment. However, these constructions suffer from environmental agents that cause deterioration, needing high cost year-round maintenance and care. Now, we are aware that advanced construction materials have an increased life cycle and by using them as building materials can help us prevent many heartaches.

The challenges of building in coastal areas are mainly two: Humidity that cause corrosion and proliferation of fungi and mold; and deterioration caused by Termites, a prevalent plague in wooden constructions, comments Martín Grez Walker, architect that for more than 15 years, has specialized in near shore construction.

Coastal humidity expands wood, promoting the proliferation of microbes such as fungi and mold. When the wood dries up, “fungi and mold stays traped inside the wood, stimulating its re-flourishing with each humidity episode”, describes Grez. Fungi and mold are a serious problem in construction. It not only make materials stain, affecting their look and feel and giving an overall dirty appearance. It also deteriorates materials, affecting their duration and affects human health though spore inhalation.

Regarding termites, these are seen in all climates, especially in warm and humid ones, making coastal areas a big prevalence focus. The damage that termites can produce to construction structures is huge. These enter the house from the floors, going inside foundations and pillars, affecting the core of the building by feeding from cellulose and bacteria that lives there. Termites can go unnoticed, laying larvae in foundations, only to become apparent when it’s already too late. This is seen in house remodeling “when we lift the floor we can see them in the beams, foundations, everywhere” adds Martín.

Products available in the market today to control fungi, mold and termites are highly toxic chemical agents, that can stain and impregnate wood with chemicals to prevent microbial propagation. But as they have serious negative consequences to our health, one may wonder, is the solution better than the problem?

Antimicrobial technologies can solve these two problems in an effective, safe and permanent way: An OSB wooden panel protected with Copptech Technology. In the first place, being antimicrobial means it will not allow microbes like mold, fungi and termites grow in the material, creating a hostile environment where they can’t survive. Being a chemical-free solution, it will not affect negatively construction workers or final users. It also allows materials to last longer, not suffering from damage produced by termites, fungi and mold. Copptech technology works permanently and continuously. As it is part of the material itself, it doesn’t require constant re-applications or maintenance.

There is no question that high quality building materials, that last longer and provide safe and effective solutions to construction issues in coastal areas are a growing trend, where people are looking for protection from microbes, because they directly affect their wellbeing.

Alongside Copptech protected OSB panels, you can find other antimicrovial construction materials like concrete, grout, melamine, pvc tubes, among others. Visit https://www.copptech.com/industry/ for more information.