Innovative New Building Materials

Building materials are undergoing huge transformations to keep pace with innovations in architecture and demands that products last longer, cost less and create a healthy home. You need only check out the Internet under "building materials" or peruse a magazine rack to see the deluge of new products flooding the market every year. Terms such as "lifetime warranty" and "no maintenance" are very attractive to consumers as well as builders who guarantee their construction. If you are renovating or building a home you may want to consider incorporating some of the latest designs.

These are just some of the new offerings:

• Vinyl fencing- This is one fence that will outlast you! It is termite-proof and never needs to be painted.
• Dual paned patio doors with blinds on the inside- No more rattling blinds, bent blades or grimy dust!
• Non-PVC wall coverings- These are made of 50% wood fibre and 50% spun-woven polyester which is printed with inks containing no heavy metals or formaldehyde. (These products are not as moisture resistant as traditional wallpaper and should not be used in bathrooms.) Currently, the main supplier is Innovations in Wallcoverings, Inc.
• Recycled cotton fabric insulation-An American firm, Inno-Therm Products has been researching the potential of this insulation and plans to have a residential product on the market by June 2000.
• Home entertainment systems - pre-wired, zoned, and ready for the "surround sound" experience, with controls for the stereo system in each room, and "networked" cable TV.
• "Smart" houses- These are energy efficient and reduce water consumption. Check out the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation site for some of the latest government research.
• Vinyl Window frames- These provide greater insulating properties, less leakage, and more noise abatement, with a smooth glide.
• Never tarnish hardware - Imagine brass door handles, bathroom and kitchen fixtures with lifetime, never-discolour guarantees.
• Lightweight concrete tile roofs - Choose from several styles to suit modern or traditional homes. These roof tiles come with a lifetime warranty.
• Low "E" squared glass - You can now have permanent "sunglasses" for your home, saving you on energy costs, and cabinet and carpet fading.
• No-leak skylights - Easy for builders to install, these add drama, natural light, and a view of the stars. (You might want to get some remote control retractable blinds too!)
• Vinyl wood planking for floors- It looks like wood, wears like iron, and can be even be used in kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic areas.
• Acrylic "glass block" - These blocks are made of lightweight, prefabricated glass-look acrylic that can be installed almost anywhere to provide both privacy and natural light.
• Fibre-cement siding and decking- Rarely heard about siding or decking materials this product offers durability, weather resistance, and a lifetime warranty.

This list is continually growing in response to the needs of architects, builders and consumers. As long as there is a demand for more durable, lower maintenance products manufacturers will continue to improve on tradition.

The environment is also becoming a huge factor in building material design and selection. Insurance companies were the first to voice concerns over the rise in "weird weather" events such as unseasonable flooding, tornadoes and high winds. Since insurance companies end up paying for home damage they have contributed a great amount of data on building materials suitable for various regions. Contact your local insurance company if you would like to find out more about their building recommendations.

Many consumers are also interested in using low-emission and/or recycled products. These demands in combination with the depletion of certain natural resources have spawned a number of inventive products. Plastic fencing and cotton insulation are some of the more unusual new ideas. Traditional manufacturers are also shifting production. Lumber companies are moving into finger-joint and fibreboard products which utilize small pieces of what would otherwise be waste wood.

It pays to do some research and speak to your builder about which products would be feasible for your project. Home design shows are annual spring events in most cities and they're a great way to get see some new products. A home built with products that can withstand the weather (and the kids) will not only be less expensive to maintain, it will be easier to resell!

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