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
