Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. However, did you know that there are some building materials that can help spring clean your carbon footprint? Many home construction materials are surprisingly eco-friendly. Here are a few of the most environmentally friendly building materials you can use to clean up your home’s environmental impact.
- Recycled materials: Many people have gotten incredibly creative when constructing their homes and have opted to start using recycled materials in construction. Some will purchase construction materials made from recycled plastics and metals, while others will go straight to the source, using actual plastic bottles or salvaged windows to build their homes. A little ingenuity can go a long way with material selection, and it can help to keep waste out of landfills.
- Solar tiles: While solar panels have been a feature on residential buildings for quite some time now, new technologies are allowing people to incorporate solar roof tiles. These tiles look like standard shingles and roofing, but have the same energy-saving abilities as solar panels. These can help to reduce the energy needed to power your home, making them incredibly eco-friendly. However, they can be a bit expensive, meaning they’re not right for every home just yet.
- Natural building materials: While most conventional houses are constructed of essentially the same materials, some builders have chosen to go back to the basics, using materials found in nature for construction. These materials can include adobe, earth, and even bales of hay. However, it can be hard to find a builder willing to work with these unusual materials for residential buildings.
- Insulated Concrete Forms: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are an incredibly efficient option for constructing homes. While you might not always think of concrete as an environmental option, ICF blocks blocks can reduce construction waste and energy bills later on. The R-value for a typical insulating concrete form is about 22+, which means that ICF blocks are great for reducing your overall heating and cooling energy use.
Looking into ICF blocks as a sustainable construction method for your home? Contact Nexcem for more information on ICF today.