Did you know that some developed countries recycle up to 90% of their demolition materials? In Quebec, it amounts to 1.85 million tonnes of construction, renovation, and demolition debris, which is subsequently recycled every year. The main recycled materials found in the 50-odd sorting centres scattered about the province are wood, asphalt shingles, and gypsum.  

However, do these materials have equal or identical qualities as new materials? Are they cheaper? Where can they be purchased? Here’s all you need to know!

Demolition-Issued Material Categories & Prices

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Wood 

A 1.25" X 28" X 49.63" (2.54 cm X 71.12 cm X 124.46 cm) birch panel costs only $9. Should you prefer a 2" X 27" X 27" (2.08 cm X 68.58 cm X 68.58 cm) panel, it'll only cost you $5. Either way, they can be purchased in several stores across the province, including Mercier 40 in Champlain.

And it doesn’t end here. For $0.80, you can buy a reclaimed ⅜ sheet of plywood. 

If you want to lay a wooden floor for a fraction of the cost, all you need is $78 to buy 17.5 sq. ft. (5.2 sq. m.) of brown barn planks, or $1.50 per linear foot if you’d rather 7-inch (5.1 cm) composite wood planks. 

Windows & Doors

If you’re looking for doorframe stringers with stoppers, you can purchase 4.63 in x 82 in (10.16 cm x 208.28 cm) ones for $16 apiece.

In terms of windows-doors, a 3 in X 8 in (0.91 m X 2.43 m) wooden frame fitted with tempered glass will only cost you $156. If you plan on adding a door cylinder, expect to pay an additional $25. 

For windows only, you can choose between aluminum or hybrid casements, for prices starting at $100 up to $1,050. 

Steel

Are you in need of a good amount of steel at a bargain? How about a 61-inch long (18.6 m), half-inch (1.27m) thick, and 12-inch (30.48 cm) wide H-Beam? For $0.80 apiece, you’ll snag one!

Besides that, you'll have several great deals, such as a 42-inch (12.80 m) hoisting chain and a steel handle, as well as galvanized steel corner plates and elbow-shaped pipes.

Insulation Materials

Besides wood and steel, insulation materials are also worth considering. You can find walk-in freezer insulation boards for as little as $7 per square foot. If you're looking for 8’ X 50’ reflective double bubble foil insulation, you can find it for only $50.

Building a home has never been easier or cheaper than when you can rely on demolition-issued materials!

Demolition Material Density

Naturally, purchasing recycled materials can pique your interest, but resale post-building demolition might be worth considering as well. In either case, knowing the density of the demolition-issued material is super important. Here’s the density of the main materials:

Are Recycled Materials Quality Materials?

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Yes, but not always. Concrete is the perfect example congruent with this uncertainty since the quality of recycled materials depends on two factors: the original state of the material and its in-factory processing method. Together, these two factors make for resistant and durable materials. Those that correspond to the above-mentioned details can very well serve to build entire structures, as required by the city of Zürich, in Switzerland, when it comes to recycled concrete. 

Nevertheless, in Canada, just like in the United States, this material doesn’t have a favourable opinion. Companies would rather stick with pavement or granular fill. It's because recycled concrete replicates the weaknesses of the original material. Deteriorated concrete that’s subsequently recycled will give way to a structurally weak material that won’t respond well to seasonal temperature changes, freeze-thaw weathering, or rain and varying humidity levels. For such reasons, in Quebec, used and recycled construction materials issued from sorting centres are first and foremost wood, drywall, and asphalt shingles. What does that mean in terms of quality?

Is Recycled Wood Quality Material?

Yes, since its use depends solely on its condition. As such, wood planks that are already sized and perforated with nails, screws, or other metallic objects are used as fuel (firewood).

Wood from flooring and framing trusses are processed in the same manner, with or without the metal connectors. Decorative wood can be used for resale, but only if it's clean and unpainted. As for painted wood, it'll be used as firewood, except in cases where lead-based paint was used.

Consequently, reclaimed wood sold in stores is of utmost quality, otherwise, it would’ve ended up in your wood-burning stove.  

Are Recycled Asphalt Shingles Quality Material?

Yes. They’re used for a wide range of settings. They're used as road pavement, asphalt roofing, temporary roadways, and fuel.

Nevertheless, to ensure that recycled asphalt roofing retains its properties, the United States Department of Energy deemed that shingles shouldn't contain more than 20% recycled asphalt.

Is Recycled Gypsum Quality Material?

As a material, gypsum is often used as drywall. The latter can easily be recycled, so much so that manufacturing companies can reclaim the material to produce new partitions. Much like asphalt shingles, the amount of recycled gypsum found in drywall panels is roughly between 10-20%.

Examples of Used Materials & Their Prices

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Second-hand materials are often used when renovating and interior decorating. As such, you can get a bunch of baseboards, moulding, and various decoration pieces for only $3 apiece. If you don’t have the necessary painting materials on hand, you can find paintbrushes and other tools for only $1. 

A Door for Less Than $90?

Absolutely! A 24- to 26-inch (61 cm to 91.4 cm) by 80-inch (203.2 cm) steel door is available starting at $70. Add a door handle with a cylinder and the total for your front door will still only be $82. 

Interior Decoration

Revamp your home’s entire decorative features by investing in floating shelves, storage cubes, and other inexpensive decorative elements. All you need is $6.95 to start shopping. From the kitchen to the bathroom, you can spruce up your decoration without needing to break your piggy bank. Decorative elements for the bathroom: shelves, bath mats, or shower curtains are yours starting at $10.50. 

You can even drape all the windows in your house with opaque or sheer curtains for only $11 apiece! Moreso, you can choose between a wide variety of colours and patterns. For example, bicolour day/night shades are yours for $35 apiece. 

Let your imagination run wild on account of used materials at the best possible prices. 

Why Are Few House Building Materials Recycled?

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Several issues surround the recycling of used building materials. It requires: 

• Choosing used instead of new;

• Demolishing a building in a non-traditional manner;

• Materials must be free of any contaminants (asbestos, lead, etc.);

• Upcycling network;

• Linking supply and demand.

The Government of Quebec is working on these aspects, intending to recycle more and more materials derived from construction, renovation, and demolition. However, companies must bridge the gap between supply and demand. 

To help you find the right companies, here's a list of Quebec-based companies that specialize in salvaging demolition materials and selling recycled construction materials.  

Companies in Quebec/Ottawa Where to Buy, Sell, or Donate Demolition-Issued Materials