Sustainable Exterior Building Materials

Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC)

Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) makes an excellent sustainable building component, especially for manufactured commercial or residential building systems. Although it is a concrete product which typically has high energy costs associated with its manufacture and transportation to the site, some short and many long term benefits suggests much of that cost may be reclaimed and then some. It is light-weight, non-off gassing, breathable, and moisture resistant. It a good thermal and sound insulator due to a high density of small encapsulated air pockets. Its more masonry-like characteristics make it completely fire proof and resistant to insect infestation, mold and fungal growth. AAC can be cut, shaped, and routed with common wood-cutting tools equipped with carbide tipped blades or bits which give it broad creative latitude and super functionality in cutting channels for mechanical passages. Properly reinforced, it can also be used for beams, floors and roofs.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood, also called composite wood, "man made wood" or "manufactured wood", includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials. These products are engineered to precise design specifications which are tested to meet national or international standards. Typically, engineered wood products are made from the same hardwoods and softwoods used to manufacture lumber. Sawmill scraps and other wood waste can be used for engineered wood composed of wood particles or fibers. (Courtesy Wikipedia) The use of this type of wood creates additional value from trees harvested and reduces the local water usage and other associated negative environmental impacts. We also attempt to supply all of our projects from sources that are either FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or ISF (Institute for Sustainable Forestry) certified.

Cement Based Siding & Exterior Trim

Cement Based Siding & Exterior Trim Good quality cement based siding and exterior trim is virtually indistinguishable from the wood based applications. It has numerous additional values impossible to obtain from wood. Through temperature variation, it does not expand and contract as wood so it retains good paint coverage for a longer period of time. It is resistant to insect infestation e.g. termites, carpenter ants and wood bees, prolonging that new clean tight finish for many years. It is fire resistant, slowing the spread of fire should it arise. It is moisture resistant, obstructing the growth of mold and fungi. It usually comes with a warranty often between 15 to 25 years. In sum, the collective value in long term benefits and savings in maintenance costs make this an excellent choice in sustainable building components.

Green Roofs

Green roofs can take many different forms, but they are usually created with indigenous species to minimize maintenance and care. Not only do they beautify the external surfaces of building, they also provide additional areas for folks to commune with the outdoor environment. More functionally, they help reduce a building’s energy cost through the reduction in cooling loads and negate contribution to the urban heat island effect . The abundance of vegetation can also have favorable storm water retention effects in that rain water is not released as quickly relative to a smooth or ballasted roof.

Cool White Roofs

Cool white roofs can be achieved using a number of different applications and can save between 15-35% of energy costs associated with air conditioning. They also help diminish urban heat island effects. Some white polymer based built-up roofing systems can be used to repair other roofing materials and then ultimately applied to completely encapsulate the existing membrane. Often, this improvement can be re-applied in cycles between 5 and 15 years, with successive warranties. Installation cost can typically be a fraction of the cost of a regular built-up roof replacement. These systems can meet the highest Energy Star standards for reflectivity and emissivity. They are seamless and remain flexible in hot and cold conditions-reducing thermal shock; old joints and seams are typically warranted and the expense can currently be completely deducted for the year in which it was applied, unlike a typical re-roof which is usually subject to depreciation.


Sustainable Exterior Building Materials	Back to Green Build

Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (AAC) makes an excellent sustainable building component, especially for manufactured commercial or residential building systems. Although it is a concrete product which typically has high energy costs associated with its manufacture and transportation to the site, some short and many long term benefits suggests much of that cost may be reclaimed and then some. It is light-weight, non-off gassing, breathable, and moisture resistant. It a good thermal and sound insulator due to a high density of small encapsulated air pockets. Its more masonry-like characteristics make it completely fire proof and resistant to insect infestation, mold and fungal growth. AAC can be cut, shaped, and routed with common wood-cutting tools equipped with carbide tipped blades or bits which give it broad creative latitude and super functionality in cutting channels for mechanical passages. Properly reinforced, it can also be used for beams, floors and roofs.

Engineered Wood Engineered wood, also called composite wood, "man made wood" or "manufactured wood", includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials. These products are engineered to precise design specifications which are tested to meet national or international standards. Typically, engineered wood products are made from the same hardwoods and softwoods used to manufacture lumber. Sawmill scraps and other wood waste can be used for engineered wood composed of wood particles or fibers. (Courtesy Wikipedia) The use of this type of wood creates additional value from trees harvested and reduces the local water usage and other associated negative environmental impacts. We also attempt to supply all of our projects from sources that are either FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or ISF (Institute for Sustainable Forestry) certified.

Cement Based Siding & Exterior Trim Good quality cement based siding and exterior trim is virtually indistinguishable from the wood based applications. It has numerous additional values impossible to obtain from wood. Through temperature variation, it does not expand and contract as wood so it retains good paint coverage for a longer period of time. It is resistant to insect infestation e.g. termites, carpenter ants and wood bees, prolonging that new clean tight finish for many years. It is fire resistant, slowing the spread of fire should it arise. It is moisture resistant, obstructing the growth of mold and fungi. It usually comes with a warranty often between 15 to 25 years. In sum, the collective value in long term benefits and savings in maintenance costs make this an excellent choice in sustainable building components.

Green Roofs Green roofs can take many different forms, but they are usually created with indigenous species to minimize maintenance and care. Not only do they beautify the external surfaces of building, they also provide additional areas for folks to commune with the outdoor environment. More functionally, they help reduce a building’s energy cost through the reduction in cooling loads and negate contribution to the urban heat island effect . The abundance of vegetation can also have favorable storm water retention effects in that rain water is not released as quickly relative to a smooth or ballasted roof.

Cool White Roofs Cool white roofs can be achieved using a number of different applications and can save between 15-35% of energy costs associated with air conditioning. They also help diminish urban heat island effects. Some white polymer based built-up roofing systems can be used to repair other roofing materials and then ultimately applied to completely encapsulate the existing membrane. Often, this improvement can be re-applied in cycles between 5 and 15 years, with successive warranties. Installation cost can typically be a fraction of the cost of a regular built-up roof replacement. These systems can meet the highest Energy Star standards for reflectivity and emissivity. They are seamless and remain flexible in hot and cold conditions-reducing thermal shock; old joints and seams are typically warranted and the expense can currently be completely deducted for the year in which it was applied, unlike a typical re-roof which is usually subject to depreciation.