| The construction industry is seeing a boom in | | | | maintain a proper water ratio. Insulating concrete |
| technological advances that make insulation and | | | | forms, or ICF, are solid plastic forms that are used |
| energy efficiency easier and more cost-effective. | | | | for holding concrete in place during the pouring |
| These technologies are giving way to a competitive | | | | process. Later, these forms serve as thermal |
| market for environmentally friendly materials and | | | | insulation in the concrete walls. ICF walls are |
| processes used to cut down the use of excess | | | | extremely durable and lightweight, and are easily |
| power to generate comfort and protection. Insulation | | | | installed. ICF walls also have a higher R value, meaning |
| provides a proper sealing against outside moisture, air | | | | it has the unmatched ability to absorb excess |
| and noise. Because of the function and protection | | | | moisture from the surroundings without causing any |
| that insulation provides, it is the key component to | | | | damage. Other popular insulation techniques include |
| building an energy-efficient structure. | | | | Thermal Insulation, Insulative Foam Underlayment and |
| Any gaps in insulation, or the use of low-quality | | | | Wall Panel Systems. |
| insulation, will result in a higher usage of energy | | | | Using effective insulation techniques along with green |
| consuming mechanical and electrical units, costing the | | | | building technologies will make your home even more |
| building owner or homeowner more money in utility | | | | energy efficient. Consider installing a solar water |
| bills. Spray foam insulation is a great technology, and | | | | heater, which uses the sun's power to heat a home's |
| is popular due to its adaptable and moldable nature. | | | | water by solar panels. A solar water heating system |
| Since spray foam insulation is so flexible, it doesn't | | | | reduces the cost of heating water dramatically. You |
| require a high level of skill to install. Spray foam is | | | | may also consider installing a wind turbine, especially if |
| sprayed in between wall connections and cavities until | | | | you live in a higher elevation, to use the natural wind |
| they are filled. The excess foam is scraped off to | | | | to generate electricity for electric heaters, stove |
| provide a neat and clean finished look. Spray foam | | | | tops and any other electrical need. |
| insulation doesn't shrink, sag or deteriorate over time, | | | | Many efficient homes also employ the use of a |
| so it will not require extra maintenance as the home | | | | rainwater harvesting system, where large tanks are |
| ages. Sprayed fiber insulation is a fiberglass or | | | | used to collect rainwater. This water can be filtered |
| cellulose insulation that is sprayed into the wall | | | | and used for flushing toilets, watering plants, etc. |
| cavities, framing and gaps using a water component. | | | | Green building technologies use natural resources so |
| Since it is a moist fluid, water composition is an | | | | there is less pollution and contamination in our |
| important issue. High water content will mean the | | | | environment. It helps to create a healthy home and |
| sprayed fiberglass will attain a higher fluid state, sliding | | | | cuts down on the amount of money spent on |
| off of the surface. Therefore, it is important to | | | | energy bills. |