Answers To Your Questions About Net-Zero Sustainable Building
If you are considering the purchase of a net-zero sustainable home, then you need to understand the building techniques and materials used in its construction.
Here is a list of the most common questions about net-zero sustainable homes:
What is Net-Zero Sustainable Home?
A net-zero sustainable home is a residence that was built using specialized building materials and construction techniques. The home is so well insulated and air-tight that it does not require heating or cooling, except very occasionally. Additionally, the building is made of sustainable building products that do not harm the environment in their manufacture or disposal.
Net-zero sustainable homes are built with special features:
- well-insulated exterior walls
- specialized roofing materials
- rigid foam insulation
- moisture barriers
Additionally, net-zero homes have all of their duct work very well sealed with tape and mastic at every single joint. This helps to eliminate air leakage and power waste.
Do Net-Zero Sustainable Homes Look Different?
No. You might be surprised to learn that a net-zero sustainable home appears the same as any other home from the outside. After all, most of the energy-saving materials are within the walls of the home. The only caveat to this is that many sustainable homes will have solar panels installed on the roof. This power is used within the home, and often to heat swimming pools.
How is the Exterior of a Net-Zero Built Home So Well Insulated?
Zero-net homes use a different building material configuration to prevent exterior heat and cold from entering the living space of the home. Where the interior temperature of a traditionally built home will fluctuate depending upon the outside weather, a net-zero home will not. This is because net-zero construction uses a combination of the following materials to completely seal-out the outdoor weather:
- 2' x 6' studs for additional insulation space and less wood
- plywood sheathing
- a continuous, plastic air-moisture barrier from foundation to roof peak
- plastic insulated sheathing to insulate exterior studs
- sustainable, insulating siding materials
In addition, the roof of a net-zero home will be made of an insulated plastic material which prevents heat and cold from entering the attic space.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better understanding of the building techniques and materials used in the construction of net-zero sustainable buildings, you can make a better purchasing decision.
If you are interested in learning how you can build or retrofit your own home using net-zero sustainable building, then you should speak with a building contractor in your local area. To learn more, contact a company like Wilson Buildings.
