Achieve energy efficiency as you build
17 March 2007(NC)—Outside cold can easily travel through the typical wood-framed wall to create uncomfortable cold spots inside, called ‘thermal bridging’. To achieve maximum energy efficiency, there is technology to substantially reduce energy costs and consumption. As importantly, there are also advancements to achieve even temperatures by eliminating drafts, cold spots and dampness throughout your home.
“The answer is in the attention-to-detail as you build,” says Todd Blyth of Nudura Corporation, a leading name in building systems. “Technology does exist to reduce the temperature exchanges that cause thermal bridging and this detail starts with concrete walls, not wood. For example, our Integrated Building Technology is a system that consists of ceiling and floor technology and builds walls with pre-assembled forms filled with steel-reinforced concrete. Research shows that if the building envelope of your home is constructed with this method, you’ll get a far more energy efficient home, as well as superior air filtration, and a home that is up to nine times stronger than the typical wood framed home.”
Advanced wall construction of this kind says Blyth, can save up to 70% in both heating and cooling. Here are a few more Nudura (nudura.com) tips on building for energy efficiency:
• Heat Transfer: Slow it down with advanced concrete walls. Concrete walls transfer heat at a much slower rate allowing your home to use less energy when heating and cooling. Having an integrated floor and ceiling technology with air filtration is also a big advantage.
• Control Moisture: Moisture created in a traditional stick frame home can be detrimental. Traditional wall structures trap moisture propagating mold growth. Building a concrete home alleviates moisture being trapped in the walls at the construction phase. Make sure the structure provides for efficient air filtration but prevents air leakage.
• Construction Quality: By building an energy efficient home or building with the proper sized heating and cooling system, the money you save on operation costs will more than pay for any other upgrades you decide to put into your structure.