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.
When new products come onto the market that offer some promise of savings or environmental benefits there’s always a certain amount of hype. Cross laminated timber is no exception. First introduced in Europe in 1994, it gained support as an […]
Fiberglass is a suitable material for underground, embedded and overhead conduit installations, but versatility is not the main reason why it’s gaining popularity fast. As long as the fiberglass polymer can meet the installation’s requirements, it is difficult to find
Both wood and bamboo have great aesthetics and can be used to make various furniture items. However, that is not all there is to think about. The environmental impact goes beyond looks. If you plan on making a difference, it
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
