From natural building materials to the high-tech, browse through these pages to discover a variety of materials used in green building as alternatives to conventional materials.
How long does it take tile grout to dry? The short answer is 24-72 hours of drying time. It’s a big range because grout drying time depends on external factors like humidity and temperature and type of grout you’re using. […]
Every so often over the course of architectural history, windows have a moment. And while we’re not currently witnessing the aesthetic heights of the Gothic cathedral era, we are witnessing big evolutions in window technology. Where once windows were a
Sustainable building materials are gaining traction now in everything from public buildings to rental properties, but in the future, we’re likely to use materials that don’t just not harm the planet, but actively help it. Living building materials are being
Fiber cement siding has a longer history than you might suppose, with asbestos-based cement siding products first coming onto the scene at the beginning of the 20th century. These products were phased out in the 1980s, for obvious reasons, and
Even though living roofs (aka green roofs) are what most people think of when asked about sustainable roofing materials, it’s not the best option for existing buildings and homes because of weight limitations on roofs and the resulting high cost
Floors are one of the most vital finishes for your home. Let’s face it, you’ll see your floor every day as you step on it every time you are in the house. Since conventional PVC floor types harm the environment
New Brunswick-based PLAEX Building Systems, Inc. has developed a modular construction block system made from over 90 percent recycled materials. The system uses interlocking blocks that look and function a lot like Lego. A series of interlocking panels go over
Quality insulation is a cornerstone of an energy efficient building. It improves thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and wasted resources. In doing so, insulation makes a building greener not just at the time of its completion, but over the course
Our green building materials guide offers an introduction to choosing and using materials more sustainably in your building and renovation projects. If you’re interested in learning about your options when it comes to sustainable materials, or in how to evaluate
A common assumption about environmentally friendly building construction materials is that they must be more expensive. It’s a myth that’s worth busting because it drives the false perception that sustainable building isn’t cost effective. In that spirit, here are 5
