Sustainable Building Materials to Look for in 2022
With all the drastic changes in our society, more people are switching to more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives. With society becoming more conscious of the environment, more project owners are now looking for sustainable building materials to include in their properties. Eco-friendly buildings can also increase the resale value of a property in a forward-thinking market, and at the same time, they can help save on utility and maintenance costs.
With all these advantages mentioned, it may be a wise choice to switch to a greener option. Here are some sustainable building materials you should check out in 2022.
1. Solar Panels
Solar panels are the best sustainable option if you want to reduce your electricity bills and, at the same time, make use of renewable energy. Incorporating solar panels on the roof and in the yard increases as technology improves and designs become more aesthetically pleasing. You can install solar panels on top of your roof; thus, you might want to consider installing galvanized roof hatches to provide easy access to your roof when establishing or when needing repair.
2. Smart Glass Windows
Recently, a trend has sprung in commercial and industrial construction. Natural light and large windows reduce electric light consumption. With this, the invention of intelligent glass windows was born. Smart glass is a newly developed material that changes its heating capabilities based on the amount of heat and air conditioning present in the house. For example, the glass turns translucent during the summer months to prevent any heating wavelengths that may need your air conditioning to work overtime. In colder seasons, the glass becomes transparent to allow the sunlight to aid in healing efforts.
3. Composite Roofing Shingles
Sustainable products are not always about energy conservation. Some products like composite roof shingles are sustainable since these materials stay true to the natural aspect of traditional materials while requiring only a fraction of the maintenance resources. Constant repairs, management, and replacing building materials are a significant drain on your means. These scenarios are common for roof tile types like asphalt shingles and wood shakes that usually produce cracks and fade. They can turn into energy pits because of introducing moisture and air into and out of the house, and because of this, they may require regular maintenance.
4. Bamboo Floors
Bamboo is now also on the list of trends in construction. Bamboo has a related appearance to traditional wood while having a harvest cycle of only three years, compared to a standard tree with a harvest cycle of 25 years. You can help slow down the rate of deforestation by giving trees time to grow back by choosing bamboo as an alternative. In addition, you can use bamboo in other interior designs, such as for antechambers and mudrooms. Not only does it help lessen the rate of deforestation, but its unique and natural appearance adds a fresh aesthetic to any room.
5. Insulated Concrete Framing
Framing can help determine what kind of renovations your home can withstand. In addition, framing is also a fundamental element in controlling heating and cooling costs. Pre-manufactured wood panels will come with small cracks and crevices that can potentially transfer moisture and air into and out of your establishment. In contrast, those using an ICF construction will provide an airtight blockage that will prevent unwanted energy transfers while also providing thermal mass to help maintain a consistent temperature on the inside.
6. Environmental Friendly Insulation
Mainly, any type of insulation will be eco-friendly because it will help your establishment cut down on energy utilized for heating and cooling. Although, some of this negates saving if batts, fillers, and sprays used for insulation are not sustainably sourced or toxic chemicals to help bind and fire resistance. You can try using hemp insulation. This material comprises 92% natural hemp and maintains the same insulative properties as traditional cellulose or fiberglass. In addition, you can determine which hemp can even provide superior insulation for establishments that are willing to pay extra.
When choosing the right products for any of your construction needs, it is better to choose based on the product's longevity and sustainability. Having sustainable products for construction purposes will not only help you in conservation, but it can also make a significant difference in saving our environment.