Sustainable, eco-friendly construction is a top priority in residential developments. Not only is it required to meet tightening governmental standards, but the real estate market is becoming increasingly conscientious about wanting net-zero structures. While there are numerous strategies, techniques, and design principles that can help a home achieve sustainability, sourcing the correct materials gives the project a major head start on the road to eco-friendliness. Keep reading as we explore some of the most innovative sustainable materials revolutionizing residential construction.
ICF Framing
Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are a next-level solution for residential walls. Fabricated of precast insulated blocks, the blocks are locked in place at the construction site and filled with concrete. The result is a unique, double-layer insulation system that leverages concrete’s durability and weather-resistance around the insulative core. While typical wood framing panels provide an R-value around 14, an ICF wall offers an R-value over 23.5 for the most insulative wall system on the market. Due to this great insulation and weather-resistance, ICF is also a great option to vapor barrier basement walls.
Low-E Windows
With the prevalence of the open interior concept, more homes are increasing their window area to leverage natural daylighting opportunities. While this is undoubtedly a net positive, too much window area can lead to excessive warming during the summer.
Enter low-E windows.
This innovative glass style uses a thin, microscopic coating that reflects heat while allowing light to pass through. The result is a home that receives all of the benefits of natural daylighting without excessive warming. Likewise, low-E windows can help the home retain heat during the winter, preventing the loss of warm air that commonly tries to diffuse to the colder exterior.
Class A Fire-Resistant Roofing
The rampant wildfires in Los Angeles serve as a stark reminder of the risks facing residential properties in the era of climate change. Rising temperatures and increasingly strong winds across the country mean that many neighborhoods are one unfortunate incident away from going up in flames.
Due to this threat, many insurance companies in dry regions are denying coverage to homes that do not have fire resistant roofing materials. The industry standard in this regard is a Class A fire resistance rating. This denotes the highest fire resistance possible, indicating that the roofing is noncombustible and unlikely to spread flames no matter how hot the fire becomes. Some of the best Class A roofing materials to use in residential construction are composite shingles, metal, and slate.
Sustainable Insulation
Energy efficiency is atop the list of priorities in modern residential construction. Not only do homeowners want to save on rising energy costs, but they want to feel like they are doing their part to protect the future of the planet.
In this vein, insulation is one of the most important considerations. A well-insulated home can promote a stable interior temperature and reduce reliance on the HVAC system for heating and cooling. A comprehensive insulation infrastructure should be considered for the walls, floors, and ceiling of the home.
Not all insulation materials are created equal when it comes to their sustainability score, however. If it requires a lot of embodied energy to fabricate the product, or if the insulation material contains toxic byproducts, much of the good it does in terms of increased home R-value is negated. Therefore, eco-friendly insulation options are gaining significant traction in residential construction. Recycled denim, sheep’s wool, and hemp are just a few innovative options that are more mindfully sourced than standard blow-in insulation.
Fortified Fasteners
Everyone has heard the old adage “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”
In the home construction industry, this logic can definitely apply to the fasteners. No matter how robust the roofing, insulation, and cladding, the home will not perform up to its potential if the nails, screws, and bolts serve as a point of weakness.
As such, contractors are increasingly choosing fasteners on par with the home’s bulk materials. A great example lies in zinc bolts. These next-level bolts are galvanized and/or electroplated with a thin layer of zinc, ensuring that the home’s fastening system will stand the test of time. You may be wondering: will zinc bolts rust? In short, no time soon. Although zinc will eventually corrode, it takes significant moisture and time for the electroplated zinc layer to break down. Zinc-plated fasteners far outstrip standard steel options in longevity, guaranteeing ongoing performance in even the most adverse weather conditions.
Changing the Residential Construction Game with Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is a leading initiative in contemporary residential construction. Give your project a leg up by sourcing the most sustainable materials possible. From ICF framing to corrosion-resistant fasteners, consider any of the next-level materials listed above for eco-friendly construction. For more of the latest trends shaping the residential construction sector, explore the materials at Construction Daily for ideas and inspiration today!
