Hardware Cavite: Excellence in construction materials in the Philippines

Guided by the International Building Code, professionals in the construction industry will tell you that there are five types of building construction.  Each type has varied requirements especially when concerning construction materials in the Philippines.

It is important to note that the type of construction supply to be used when constructing something in the Philippines spells the success and safety of the building.  The type of building construction will influence and is influenced by many aspects such as occupant’s load, windows, exit placements, fire resistance, proximity to other structures and many more. 

Fire-Resistive: high rise building

If you are building a high rise or multi-story building, the highest level of safety is required, including its capability to withstand fire for two to four hours.  This means that construction materials should be non-combustible in order to provide the highest level of fire protection.

One major drawback of having this construction type is the high cost of materials required.  In order to achieve fire resistiveness, fire fighting mechanisms such as smoke seals, self-closing fire doors, self-pressurizing stairwells, and smoke doors on elevators are used.

Non-combustible: shopping malls and schools

Type II construction projects are lower than Fire Resistive projects in terms of fire protection.  This type of building has fire suppression systems but are not protected by fire-resistive coatings and are prone to collapse.

 

Buildings such as shopping malls, schools and other big stores belong to this type.  Ventilation to prevent the dangerous rise in temperature is the main priority of this type.

Ordinary: houses

This third type uses both non-combustible and combustible materials (interior structural elements).  Exterior walls may be built with brick, masonry, concrete block, precast panels and other non-combustible construction materials available in the Philippines. Interior structures and the roof may be wood-framed.

If Type II constructions or Non-Combustible buildings prioritize ventilation, Type III or Ordinary projects aim to contain the fire using the exterior walls made from non-combustible materials and prevent spreading to nearby buildings.  The use of ceiling sprinklers and high-grade ventilation systems also help in inhibiting the spread of fire.

Heavy Timber

Type IV offers a higher level of fire protection if you like a wood-framed structure.  This uses large beams of wood connected by metal plates and bolts.  Usually seen in old churches or barns, buildings under heavy timber category are more resilient to collapse.

Wood-Framed

Tagged as the most budget-friendly construction type, Type V or wood-framed buildings cover single-family residential homes, restaurants and even small offices and small hotels.  Because this type uses exposed wood, structures of this kind have no fire resistance and may collapse within minutes.  

These building types should comply with international standards which professionals in the construction industry  are very aware of.  We get you; DIY is fun but professional advice is highly necessary especially when it comes to safety.  The advice of your professional project manager and the availability of quality construction materials from a hardware in Cavite will increase the success rate of the project.