Energy-Efficient Building Materials

Building an energy-efficient home is a great idea. Most modern buildings are built with the issues of energy efficiency in mind. There is a wide range of energy-efficient building materials available in the market for builders. Let's take a look at some of the efficient building materials you can use. 

Recycled steel

It only takes six scrap cars to build an average house. The steel beams are more efficient than the wooden ones and can be used for specific designs. The other major benefit is that steel is long lasting and can be used in areas that are prone to high winds and earthquakes. 

Insulated concrete forms

Insulated concrete forms have been in the market for more than fifty years and are getting more popular because of their high energy level efficiency. The concrete can be used in building blocks and free standing walls. 

Plant-based polyurethane foam

Plant-based polyurethane is a safe building material made from natural materials such as hemp, kelp and bamboo. It is has high resistance to heat, moisture and offers great protection to pests and mold. It is far much better than polystyrene and fiberglass that have been used for long. 

Straw bales

This is another resilient energy-efficient building material that's been used for many years for making beds and for roofing. Straw bales have great insulation properties and if it is kept free of moisture it can last for a very long time and bond well to plaster.

Cool roof

Cool roofing technology has been in place for quite sometimes. This technology enhances heat dissipation and lowers your home temperature during the hot days. It is also environmental friendly because of its ability to reduce the heat in the atmosphere. They have high ability to reflect the sunlight, leading to heat reduction in your house.

Structural insulated panels

Structural insulated panels are made from a layer of foam insulation sandwiched between cement panels and plywood. One of its major advantage is that it is fire-resistant, making it effective for foundations, floors and basements. There is a wide range of the materials to choose from, but the level of energy efficiency is the same.

Plastic composite lumber

This lumber is made from wood fiber and waste plastic and can last for many years compared to the conventionally treated wood. In addition, it has high resistance to mold and rot. Plus, it's stronger in the cold and more pliable in the heat compared to plastic building materials.

Low e-windows

Low e-windows- also known as high performance windows- are a perfect substitute for regular glass. They help reduce heat during summer and block infrared radiation. They are coated with metal oxide and help keep your house warm during the cold season.

Vacuum insulation panels

These panels are mostly used for commercial refrigeration units and may be used for general home building in the future. They are made of textured silver rectangle that encloses a core panel in an airtight envelope. This means that there is a reduction of heat loss leading to greener homes.

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Keep the Home Energy Efficient by Installing the Correct Control Layers

If you are a builder, one of your chief concerns should be ensuring the energy efficiency of your homes. This involves using the correct building materials and installing appropriate control layers.

Total control is the key to building a high performance home. The four control layers that determine the performance of your home are: water, air, thermal, and vapor.

It might sound surprising, but many builders still don't understand the properties or uses of various construction materials. For example, many of them don't understand what a house wrap is. All builders understand that a house wrap is a control layer. But what is it that it is supposed to control?

Most builders seem to believe that a house wrap is an air barrier. Some builders believe that it is a vapor retarder. There are also builders who believe that it is a bit of both.

If you are a builder, you should control the following elements in a home.

·         Heat

·         Water

·         Air

·         Vapor

Here is an overview of the materials and technologies that you can use to control these elements:

Controlling heat

You can regulate the flow of heat around the home by using proper insulation. There are many different kinds of insulation materials. Some insulation materials also act as vapor retarders or air barriers.

Controlling air

There are still many builders who believe that you must not air-seal a home too much. But that is not true. The old theory that the house should be able to breathe no longer holds water. As a builder, you need to keep air leakage at the lowest possible level.

Controlling water

This is more important than anything else. If you fail in this department, your house will fail to achieve the desired level of energy efficiency. This is where a house wrap helps. It helps you control water. It is a drainage plane that protects the permeable materials behind it by keeping water away. House wrap isn't the only drainage plane. Several other materials are also available.

No matter what material you choose, you need to control water using all possible means.

Controlling water vapor

So you thought the house wrap was a vapor barrier. It does have some properties of a vapor barrier, but it is not an efficient vapor barrier. The truth is that it is not as effective as a class III vapor retarder. As far as vapor control goes, there are times when you need to control it and then there are times when you should let it flow. When the climate is really cold, you should keep the vapor on the inner side of the wall but not on the outer side.

If the home is situated in a semi-humid climate, you don't need a vapor retarder on the inside or the outside of the walls.

Creating the perfect wall

The perfect wall is one that has got all the control layers in place. By installing all proper control layers, you can keep rain water outside and conditioned air inside. The control layers will also make your home durable, healthy and comfortable. So control the flows.

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Picking a Lot for an Energy-Efficient Home

Building a home that boasts energy-efficient qualities is easier than transforming an already-built home to conserve energy. Building from the ground up ensures that only the best and most efficient features and appliances can be added to the home for maximum energy conservation.

Perhaps the biggest decision when building an energy-efficient home is where you will put the home. Picking a lot for your home involves a few factors that you should be aware of.

How energy-efficient is the lot?

When you scope out building sites, you should measure the potential of the particular lot in terms of energy efficiency. Here are some things to look for and consider:

Solar exposures- Since this is a major key to building energy-efficient homes, you need to figure out what the latitude of the lot is and the sun’s path over a year’s time at that attitude.

Water- Of course homeowners need water to live, so the water situation should be analyzed. How is the water supply? Are there any water problems in the area? Will the home need a well? There are many questions to answer as far as water is concerned.

Prevailing winds- For energy-efficient homes, prevailing winds are very important in ventilation and cooling the home. You want a lot with a great natural breeze in the summer.

Future plans for area- Are you building a home on a lot near train construction or a highway that’s planning on expanding? Find out before you begin construction.

Will local building codes support the home construction?

Before you build an energy-efficient home, you need to find out whether or the area has local building codes that support your plans. To find out, you can ask the local homeowners association or the local building department. You can also get information about the costs for fees and permits as well. It’s a good idea to talk with local contractors and builders to get information and advice on building an energy-efficient home in the area.

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Energy Efficiency Homeowners Care About

Going green has become increasingly popular. Tax credits have encouraged individuals and companies to use more energy efficient products and this has created a giant industry. Add new product innovations that are both energy efficient and cost effective and it is easy to understand the appeal.

Yet consumers are often still confused by industry terms and product effectiveness. What is certain is that, according to the AARP public policy institute, energy costs have increased by over 42% since 2002. As a result consumers are very concerned about their energy costs. Utility bills include electric, gas and water. These costs are often the highest expense for homeowners, after the mortgage payment.

Cost savings are a bigger concern to consumers than saving the planet. If they can make informed decisions that provide a benefit to both, then you have the homeowner’s attention. Consumer promotions like Energy Star ratings are in place to help buyers make financial decisions and home improvements that will lessen environmental impact and save consumers money. Utility companies have even joined the throngs and often offer services that assist customers in recognizing ways to reduce utility bills.

When it comes to home purchases and home sales, energy efficient homes are thought to bring higher prices than homes without energy efficient measures. Items that include energy efficient windows and doors, upgraded insulation and energy efficient appliances top the list of upgrades homeowners find value in.

Other energy efficient measures like solar panels and solar water heaters are associated with higher costs and slower return on investments.  As a result they are less popular upgrades for homeowners. Since they are less available to the average owner, consumers do not have a good understanding about how they operate and how they will save the homeowner money. This impacts buyer interest and willingness to pay for these products.

When marketing a home, it’s important to recognize that consumers are very interested in saving money. While they like the feel good marketing that comes from going green, they are not willing to spend significantly more money in order to reduce the environmental impact. In the end green projects appear to be more about saving greenbacks than saving the environment.

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Essential Features of an Elderly-Friendly Home

Between 2010 and 2020, the number of US citizens aged 65 or older is expected to increase by 35%. As a result, there is a greater need to incorporate elderly friendly features into the design of homes. In fact, new age homes need to be multigenerational where people can spend their entire lives.

According to a survey conducted by AARP, the vast majority of elderly Americans want to spend their entire lives in their homes. And they want to live independently. When people age their general health tends to deteriorate. Elderly people are less mobile and also suffer from poor eye vision. Any new residential design should anticipate these changes and incorporate appropriate features. The homes should still remain comfortable, safe and aesthetically attractive.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed new and potential homebuyers to find out what features they look for in a home. The findings of this survey were released in 2013.

Nearly 47% people who participated in the survey rated non-slip floors as a desirable feature. And 36% people want a full bathroom on the main level and a main entrance without steps. All of these clearly indicate that buyers are purchasing with aging in mind.

The NAHB has also compiled a checklist for builders working on new or renovated housing projects for the elderly. In fact, by incorporating these features into their projects, developers can build multigenerational homes that resonate with buyers of all age groups.

So what are the most important features of a multigenerational home? Developers building elderly-friendly homes should keep the following features in mind:

Features of the overall floor plan

·         The main living areas should be on one level.

·         There should be no steps between rooms on the same level.   

·         There should be clear walking space between rooms in the main living area

Hallways

·         The hallways should be well-lit and at least 36 inches wide.

Entry

·         The path leading to the home should be easily accessible.

Windows

·         There should be plenty of windows so that natural light can enter the home.

Garage or Carport

·         A carport should have a covered boarding area.

·         The floor of the front part of the garage to the back part should be sloping. This will be helpful if the floor is lower for the purpose of fume protection.

·         The door height should be 9 feet, so that they can accommodate raised roof vans. The door also needs to be wide.

Kitchen

·         There should be removable base cabinets and adjustable height counters in the kitchen.

·         Upper wall cabinetry should be somewhat lower than traditional height.

Electrical and lighting features

·         An audiovisual system should indicate when smoke or carbon monoxide detector has been activated. There should also be a system that monitors telephone and doorbell activity.

·         Light switches, controls and thermostats must be easily accessible. They should be at a height of less than 48 inches (120 cm) from the floor.

·         It should be possible to monitor the home security or intercom system from any TV set in the household.

·         Other desirable security features include a 911 switch that directly contacts the police, fire service, and EMS if necessary.

The homes should require less maintenance. They should have floors that can be cleaned easily. There should also be video phones and inbuilt recycling systems. Energy efficiency is another highly desirable feature.

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Why Energy Efficient Homes are the Norm Today

Builders conduct quite a few studies before launching a residential project because the stakes are usually high. They do feasibility studies and analyze the market. And only the most viable projects are approved. Still, all that pro forma work merely reduces the risk; it doesn't eliminate it.

Until recently, builders only needed to focus on codes for guidance on ensuring energy efficiency of their homes. However, in many markets across the country, houses with third party energy efficiency certifications are attracting more buyers. In fact, some prominent builders now only offer homes with energy efficient certifications. This has made it necessary for builders to incorporate some form of energy efficiency into their projects.

In today's housing market, the number of buyers who factor in the cost of ownership is steadily increasing. Since energy efficiency is crucial for reducing utility bills, more people are looking for homes boasting of Energy Star certifications.

What if you don't already offer energy certifications on your homes? That is no cause for major concern now because you can choose from several certification options. The National Green Building Standard is a voluntary certification developed by the International Code Council and the NAHB in 2009. This has been approved by ANSI.

Over the last 5 years, about 30,000 new houses received NGBS certification, and almost 2,000 homes are waiting for approval.

Since the certification is non-prescriptive, there is no way builders can take short cuts. That also explains why NGBS is the only green certification approved by ANSI.

There are several other competing standards and each one has its proponents and benefits.

Depending on the kind of competition you face in your local market, you need to know more about each of these certifications and choose the one that allows you to differentiate your products from your competition.

This year will be remarkable for builders in many ways. The housing sector is expected to register exponential growth in 2014. This year, buyers of all segments are expected to enter the market. In 2013, the real estate market received a major boost from investors who purchased a large number of properties. This helped dry up the existing inventory and also drove the prices up.

In 2014, the market will see the participation of more entry level buyers. And then we will also get to know more about the specific buying preferences of people aged 18 to 32. Since many of these buyers have waited several years to enter the market, they will have a decent understanding of the products. They will also be more interested in learning about ways to make their home more energy efficient and comfortable.

There is enough evidence to prove that buyers are showing greater willingness to pay slightly higher prices for homes that possess energy-efficient certifications.

In fact, energy efficiency has become the norm today, and builders can no longer ignore it. The year 2014 will be a great year for builders who have exciting projects on offer. But the risks associated with the trade are also becoming bigger. Not offering homes with energy-efficient certifications is the biggest mistake that builders can commit now.