Environment
Build with Concrete to be 'Green'
By
May 29, 2008, 22:24

(NC)-Do you notice cold spots from time to time throughout your house?

All too easily, an uncomfortable chill is produced when the air outside travels through a typical, wood-framed wall.

It's called 'thermal bridging'.

To address this problem-and achieve energy efficiency at the same time-ask your builder about the latest technology in 'green' building methods and materials.

Canadian technology continues to deliver environmentally friendly advancements and that includes the elimination of drafts, cold spots and dampness throughout your home.

"The answer is the use of concrete, not wood, for walls" says Todd Blyth at Nudura Corporation, a leading name in building systems.

"Our system, for example, consists of Lego-like, stay-in-place concrete forms and among other benefits, it reduces the temperature variables that cause thermal bridging.

"In addition, builders prefer the Nudura pre-assembled units because they cut construction time in half.

The system also produces far less waste than the traditional wood-framing method-and already, this Canadian innovation (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) is the choice building method for the construction of more efficient homes, schools, hospitals, condominiums, hotels, offices and other public buildings."

Better still, says Blyth, research shows that if the building envelope of your house is constructed with these interlocking concrete forms, you can save up to 70% in energy consumption in a home that is up to nine times stronger than those built with traditional stick building methods."

Here are a few more Nudura (nudura.com) tips on building for energy efficiency:

Sizing

Build with a proper sized heating and cooling system. If you get that right, the money you could save with operation and energy efficiency will pay for a long list of upgrades.

Temperature Exchange

Concrete walls transfer heat at a much slower rate allowing your home to use less energy when heating and cooling. Combining integrated floor and ceiling technology with an air filtration system is also a big advantage.

Moisture Reduction

The moisture produced by a traditional wood-frame home can be harmful to your health if it leads to mould growth.

Building a concrete home eliminates moisture being trapped in the walls during the construction phase. Ensure that your structure provides for efficient air filtration without air leakage.

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