Professional builders always look for ways to build better homes. Nowhere is that more evident than in the many new and improved building products that are introduced into new homes every year.

In particular, great advances have been made in products that contribute to the "greening" of Canadian homes. Today's new homes show clearly that environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and healthy indoor living go hand in hand with comfort, convenience and great design. "Environmental" products in a new home have two main objectives-preserving natural resources and enhancing indoor air quality for the benefit of the homeowners. Most builders routinely make use of a number of these products. For instance, R-2000 Homes must meet certain targets for energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and include a certain number of environmentally responsible products.

New products enter the market all the time. Below is a small sampling of the latest materials, products and technologies that professional home builders are working with. Not all are brand-new ideas. Some are simply improvements on standard products, or old ideas given new life. Some already enjoy widespread use, while othiss are at the early stages of market acceptance.

The Structure

Steel studs are used in framing, particularly for interior walls, to reduce the amount of wood used. The studs contain a significant percentage of recycled metal from consumer waste.

• Composite beams and joists used in framing are made from fast-growing trees using sustainable forestry practices.
• Waste from building materials is processed and incorporated in siding, sheathing and under-sheathing. Even compressed wheat straw can turn into practical particle board.
• Insulation (bat and loose) is made from an astonishing array of natural and recycled materials, from newspapers and waste glass to volcanic rock, steel slag and even cotton.
• Insulated concrete forms used in foundations and exterior walls provide high levels of energy efficiency. They are also easy to assemble.
• New roofing shingles may look like slate, but they are actually made with recycled plastic and rubber materials.
• With today's incredible selection of high-performance windows, builders select windows with different technical characteristics for each area or wall of the house.

Systems

Integrated heating systems combine space heating and hot water heating in one system.

• High-efficiency systems and furnaces vent exhaust gases through a pipe, eliminating the need for a chimney.
• Radiant floor heating (which pumps hot water through coils embedded in the floor) is gaining popularity for its foot-warming comfort and even heat distribution.
• Zone control allows you to set separate temperatures in different areas of the house-saves energy and increases your comfort.
• CFC-free air conditioning lets you enjoy inside summer comfort without worrying about harming the environment.

Finishing touches

Home buyers can choose from an abundance of flooring options:

• new or reused hardwood, with a low-toxicity finish
• ceramic tiles composed largely of waste glass
• natural stone such as granite and marble, also used for countertops
• all-natural products such as linoleum, cork and bamboo Trim and molding for windows and doors are
• made from sawmill wood wastes.
• totally solvent-free paints are available.

Ask professional home builders about the products and materials they use, and about "green" options and alternatives. If you or someone in your family has allergies or special environmental sensitivities, a professional builder can provide you with valuable advice on special products and techniques to enhance your indoor living environment.

For information about R-2000, contact Natural Resources Canada toll-free at 1-800-387-2000, visit eeb-dee.nrcan.gc.ca on the Internet or check the Canadian Home Builders' Association's Web site. For information about Healthy Housing, contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 1-800-668-2642, or check the Internet at www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

          Finding the home that's right for you
          Understanding specifications and options
          Permits, inspections and quality control
          Indoor air quality is important for everyone
          Good products make a quality home
          Building products for a better environment
          New Home Warranty protects your investment

Return to: Buying a New Home

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