Sustainable Building Technologies for Green Homeowners

Sustainable building materials have come a long way in a short period of time. Modern homeowners in particular are constantly seeking ways to make their home more sustainable and more eco-friendly.

Solar Panels and Solar Power

Solar energy can be harnessed in multiple ways. Some homeowners use the power of the sun to heat their home by installing large windows on the sides of the home where the sun is likely to shine in. Dark walls on the exterior absorb solar heat, which helps to keep the home warm long after the sun goes down.

Other homeowners choose to harness the power of the sun through solar panels. When sun shines directly on the solar panels, the panels absorb the energy and turn it into electricity. Well-placed solar panels can supply a large percentage of the home's energy in this way. Solar panels are available for sale or for lease, depending on the company supplying the panels and the needs of the homeowner. Homeowners who want to own solar panels for their home can find out more by contacting a reputable solar panel company in their area.

Green Insulation

Insulation is important for keeping a home warm, but the most common forms of insulation are synthetic materials. Green insulation is made from a variety of recycled materials, like old newspaper. The right insulation in a home can improve a home's energy efficiency by as much as 10 to 30 percent. Home buyers who would like to use green insulation for their home building project must tell their contractor that they want to use green insulation for their home building project. Some other common green insulation materials include:

• Wool
• Icynene (made from castor oil)
• Denim.

Homeowners who want to install green insulation in their home should work with a contractor to ensure that the insulation they choose will meet their local building codes.

Rammed Earth

Rammed earth is a process of making bricks from a mixture of moist earth, clay, gravel and concrete. Rammed earth must be cured for a series of months or years. This material stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so homeowners who prioritize natural cooling and heating practices often love rammed earth. Because it's made from natural materials, rammed earth is also better for the environment.

Although this building material has been used for centuries, not many homeowners still use the rammed earth technique. Home buyers who want a rammed earth home will probably have to hire a contractor who specializes in the rammed earth techniques, to ensure the home is built correctly.

Smart Appliances and Smart Technologies

There are a variety of smart technologies that homeowners use in modern homes, including smart lights, blinds and thermostats. Smart products help homeowners save money and conserve energy. For example, smart lights learn the habits of homeowners and turn on and off with the needs of the people who live in the home.

Smart thermostats are similar in that they learn the habits of the homeowner in The Shores and raise or lower the temperature according to the homeowner's usual heating and cooling needs. Some smart thermostats even follow the movements of the homeowner to find out when he or she is returning to the house. When the homeowner is coming back to the house, the thermostat will adjust the temperature accordingly.

Smart blinds are designed to raise and lower depending on when the sun is shining in the home. Smart blinds help homeowners keep their homes looking cheerful and attractive inside, without heating up the house unnecessarily.

Cool Roofing

Cool roofs are designed to reflect the sun's rays and prevent the air inside the home from escaping through the top of the roof. Typically, cool roofs are very light in color. Darker roofing materials absorb heat in summer, which in turn can warm up the air inside the home. In fact, it's said that a standard roof can reach temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a warm day, but a cool roof can stay up to 50 degrees cooler!

In addition to being a lighter color, cool roofing is usually made of materials that insulate the home, like tile or fiberglass asphalt. These durable, green materials help prevent the temperature inside the home from fluctuating.

Contact Your Contractor For More Information

Owning a home made of eco-friendly building products is a good way to save money and give back to the environment. If you're a home buyer who is seeking a home made from sustainable materials, or if you're a current homeowner who would like to make eco-friendly upgrades to your home, contact a reputable contractor in your area for more information.