Biochar’s reputation as a soil and crop enhancer is well-known in the Australian agricultural sector. However, this permeable material has made an impact as a cladding substance that enhances the durability and aesthetics of structural exteriors.
Are you considering biochar for your next cladding project? As trusted wall cladding Gold Coast experts with extensive industry experience, we’re here to help. This blog explores the basics of biochar cladding and its benefits in empowering Australian homeowners and project managers with knowledge and making sound, long-term buying decisions.
What Is Biochar Cladding?
Made of Air has revolutionised the concept of waste by transforming biowaste into carbon-negative resources contributing to global sustainable manufacturing. This innovative process involves producing biochar from carbon-negative thermoplastics through pyrolysis, a method that isolates carbon. Manufacturers combine biochar with bioplastics to create a sustainable and durable material.
Contractors use specialised rendering equipment or conventional plaster coating methods to apply biochar cladding to exteriors. They supplement plaster or concrete blocks with biochar at a maximum 80% ratio when mixed with mud, limestone, and cement mortar. This mixture produces resilient exterior panels that regulate year-round humidity.
Today, biochar cladding is a versatile option for many Australian residential and commercial structures, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Its thermal insulation and ability to absorb moisture up to five times its weight make it appealing to many buyers. This material has been integral to the country’s sustainable architecture for several years, inspiring new possibilities and innovations in the building materials and construction industries.
How Is Biochar Made?
Manufacturers produce biochar by burning organic material at high temperatures with minimal oxygen, a process known as pyrolysis. This procedure transforms the organic material into a stable form of carbon added to soil to retain moisture, enhance soil fertility, and minimise nitrogen leaching.
What Is Biochar Made Of?
Biochar is made from organic material, including wood waste, weeds, grass, hay, grains, animal bones, urban and green waste, and animal manure. Production from a variety of sources contribute to biochar’s sustainability and eco-friendly advantages.
Thermally enhanced biochar can last hundreds to thousands of years in the soil because of its enhanced chemical stability and resistance to microbial breakdown. In contrast, lower-temperature biochar lasts just a few decades to several centuries because of its increased vulnerability to microbes.
Biochar cladding’s longevity provides clients with a long-term, cost-effective solution for their construction needs.
Benefits of Biochar for Wall Cladding
Biochar’s wall cladding advantages include the following:
- Humidity control: Biochar’s permeable structure absorbs and releases moisture. Hence, it’s an excellent choice for regulating humidity, improving indoor air quality, and improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial structures.
- Heat retention and soundproofing: Biochar’s thermal performance helps insulate heat and energy expenditure. Its permeable structure absorbs sound and significantly reduces noise in busy urban settings.
- Contaminant stabilisation: Biochar absorbs and traps contaminants and improves indoor air quality. This material traps airborne toxins, including formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia, improving homeowners’ and employees’ long-term health and well-being and providing valuable peace of mind.
- Odour reduction: Biochar traps and neutralises odours from pets, cooking, and other sources by absorbing odour-generating substances.
- Electromagnetic protection: Electromagnetic interference can cause delays and disruptions in business operations. Fortunately, biochar can protect electronic equipment from interference and ensure smooth workplace procedures.
- Regenerative properties: Biochar can self-sense, self-heal, and enhance structural integrity and longevity. For instance, biochar enhances cement composites’ ability to detect cracks, improve self-healing, and increase structural longevity. These advantages allow clients to significantly minimise maintenance costs.
- Carbon sequestration: Biochar cladding captures and retains carbon dioxide, significantly diminishing toxic greenhouse gas emissions.
- Durability: Biochar can withstand decay and pests that compromise structural durability and lifespan. This resilient, cost-effective material helps prevent pricey replacements and increase long-term savings.
- Visual appeal: Biochar cladding enhances residential and commercial structural aesthetics, providing a timeless, elegant look that enhances property value and curb appeal.
Conclusion
Biochar cladding has significantly impacted Australian residences and businesses for nearly a decade. This wall cladding’s ability to isolate carbon, improve construction material performance, enhance aesthetic appeal, and provide environmentally friendly benefits makes it an excellent choice for many clients.
As the country continues exploring ways to neutralise climate change, biochar cladding provides clients with a long-term sustainable strategy that minimises carbon footprints and preserves long-term health.
As wall cladding Brisbane and wall cladding Sydney specialists with extensive industry experience, we can help you with your wall cladding needs. Contact us today to discuss your unique requirements, schedule an on-site inspection, and receive a 100% upfront, customised quotation for your needs and budget.