Today’s homes have a number of advantages over houses that have been built in the past. From the use of insulated concrete forms (ICF) to other kinds of energy efficient green building materials, the most recently build homes are better for the environment, while at the same time saving property owners significant amounts of energy costs.
With the latest developments in home building products it should come as no surprise that there is an entire industry that is trying to help build more energy efficient homes. Just as there are many building products of the past that are no longer used, there are also many of our current home building products that are not serving the best purpose any more. Inefficient windows and doors and insulation that can cause damage to the lungs of residents, for instance, are being eliminated from any new building sites. In addition, there are many current property owners who are trying to implement the best and the newest materials.
Green Architects Offer a Number of Newer Products That Help Property Owners Build Energy Efficient Homes
The latest research indicates that buildings constructed with ICF are six to nine times stronger than traditional buildings. In addition to this strength, however, there are also other energy efficient advantages. The mere fact that ICFs weigh less means that they take less energy to transport. Once, build into a home, these ICF wallss, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, can save home owners 20% to 25% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Even the building process itself is efficient. For example, when constructing ICF walls, only one row is constructed at a time, and end blocks are cut to fit to reduce waste. Although this technology may seem new to many potential home builders, the truth is the first foam concrete form was patented in 1966 by Werner Gregori, a contractor from Canada. Those first forms measured 16 inches high and 48 inches long. Since that time the sizes and dimensions may have changed, but the intent is still the same: to provide a stronger building material that is also more energy efficient.