Building Materials can be classified based on their characteristics i.e. Strength, Ability to be easily shaped, Heat Resistance, Protection from elements, and aesthetics. This is a simple classification system, however, increasingly building materials with multiple properties are being invented and used to reduce building costs and time. Roof- An Example Each element of a house, roof, floor, and wall comprises all these five categories of building materials. For example, the roof is made of structural wood beams and rafters that transfer the weight to the walls, to the foundation, and finally to the ground. On top of the rafter comes the shapers, the particle board or plywood commonly called the sheathing of the roof deck that provides a continuous rigid surface to hold other materials on top of it. Often there is also an insulator layer underneath. Then comes the protective layer, underlayment, made of heavy felt or felt-like materials that provide a water-tight barrier. The last and topmost layer is the decorative layer which also protects the underlying materials from the elements, the asphalt shingles. Here, the asphalt shingles perform a dual function it not only serves an aesthetic function and protects the underlying layers from the elements. In addition to serving their primary and secondary functions, the building materials should be sourced from sustainable sources that have minimal impact on the environment. They should also be safe to work with, and should not emit VOCs or emit within permissible limits. The increase in prices of building materials over the past few years, caused by disruptions in existing supply chains, has had a major impact on the costs of the completed house. Fewer houses are being built because fewer people can now afford them. On the other hand, there is a huge demand for affordable housing particularly when a large percentage of people in low-wage jobs are becoming homeless. The need of the hour is to build affordable homes and one of the ways to bring down the costs is to use smart and low-cost building materials. Building Materials and Labor costs combined account for close to 60-70% of the total cost of the completed house. If we could reduce even 10-15% of this cost, it would make a significant impact. About Us We, at Brickk, supply affordable building materials to home builders and architects worldwide. We are part of the Royale Estate Group, a respected name in real estate development in North India having delivered 10,000+ properties in 20 years. Over the years we have built a network of Building Material manufacturers in India that enables us to source good quality, low-cost building materials. Some of the building materials we provide include Engineered wood floors, Laminate flooring, Vinyl flooring, Glazed Vitrified tiles, Full-body tiles, Quartz Countertops, Granite Countertops, Painted Mild Steel Railings, PVC Fences, uPVC Windows and Doors, Carved Teak Wood Doors.