Plastics are on the rise in construction.
In 1982, builders used 29 pounds of plastic
for every $1,000 of new construction,
but by 1989 this figure had nearly doubled
to 43 pounds. Total use of plastics
in construction is now rising about 5%
to 6% per year, according to Dow
Chemical's Building and Construction
Division.
Researchers at the big plastics companies
are working hard on new plastic
structural products, such as roof and
wall systems that will take the place of
three-tab shingles, stud framing, and
wood siding. And a host of small inventors
are experimenting with plastics and
finding market niches for products
ranging from plastic batt insulation to
foam blocks.
In many cases, new plastic products
will require