Air quality and ventilation in new homes
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs), also called foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are sheets of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or another type of composition wood.
Unlike traditional wood construction, SIPs use no studs in the construction process. These strong, super-insulated structural building components can be used for floors, walls and roof.
In this video: An industry expert demonstrates SIPs and how they can integrate into your home.
SIPs also offer a few more advantages over standard framing:
Older types of SIPs did have concerns with fire safety and insect damage, but improved manufacturing techniques, along with proper installation, have eliminated the problems.
While SIPs cost more than traditional building materials, they require less labor to install, making the total construction cost about the same.
New, energy-efficient homes need new solutions to circulate and ventilate the air inside the home.
Learn about some of the changes for new homes built today. An expert highlights some of the things to consider when building a new home.
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.