Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt roofs, but over the life of a metal roof, you would have to replace the same asphalt roof 2-3 times.

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance in Belfair, Wash., a metal roof will last two to three times longer than a traditional asphalt roof. Once apt to corrode, especially in seaside applications, metal roofs now come with specialized finishes and coatings to handle salt spray.

(Via EcoHome Magazine.)

Sustainable building experts at PCBC provide tips for going green without breaking the bank.

(Via EcoHome: Alternative Building Materials.)

Yesterday, Laura and I attended a LEED for Homes review seminar. Overall it was a full day of information, from marketing LEED to going over every credit point in the program. I learned a lot about the program, and it cleared up a lot of confusion we had about providers and raters.

LEED for Homes works a lot differently than the commercial version. The USGBC recognized that builders don’t always have an architect on the team or have design done in-house. To help builders through the process and expedite everything, they started the LEED for Homes Provider network. It looks like this approach will be much more efficient than the commercial version, and lessen the burden on the LEED AP’s. By the way, there currently is no LEED for Homes AP accreditation, but it will be available next spring. Most likely one of us will get the LEED AP accreditation, and the other will get the LEED for Homes AP accreditation.

A highly efficient alternative to conventional framing, SIPs are gaining more traction with builders.

By now familiar to most builders, SIPs are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two structural sheets of oriented strand board. About 12,000 homes were built with SIPs in 2002, according to the Gig Harbor, Wash.-based Structural Insulated Panel Association.Considering how many houses are erected annually, this number is barely a blip on the national radar. The technology, however, is gaining acceptance. Even the nation’s largest home builder, Pulte, is testing the viability of producing large quantities of SIPs houses.

(Via EcoHome: Most Read Product Reviews.)

A primer on air barriers and vapor retarders.

Air barriers, which prevent air leakage, and vapor retarders, which control moisture diffusion, are both important for controlling moisture in a building envelope.

(Via BuildingGreen.com News.)

 seier+seier+seier

This commentary explains perfectly our decision to design and build “Green”. Building for the long haul and building correctly not only saves materials and energy, but saves the owner money in utility costs and repairs.

No matter whom I speak to about green building, the conversation always seems to circle back to what I and many consider to be the most important aspect of a sustainable home: durability. It’s a term I define broadly as a house built using proper installation techniques, with an awareness of building science principles and the right combination of products and details that will keep it leak-free, mold-resistant, and rock solid for years to come.

Via EcoHome Magazine