Who doesn’t want to save money on their monthly utility bills? Everyone is interested in how to save money on their bottom line, but not everyone is aware of the energy-efficient materials that are now available in the construction of new homes.
“MAX is on the forefront of energy-efficient building,” says Ed Grimes, Vice President of Construction Lending at MAX. ” The EcoMAX HomeExpo is a prime example. MAX led the way in educating the River Region about the new technologies and green home building materials. We are working hard to help our community realize the benefits of energy-efficient home building.”
While a movement toward sustainable living has been sweeping across the nation, the Southeast has been said to be on the last frontier of energy efficiency, primarily because of our low energy costs and relatively abundant supplies of energy and gas. But again, who doesn’t want to reduce energy costs and increase the comfort of their homes?
MAX has several construction loans under way that are helping members take advantage of new energy-efficient building materials:
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
MAX members Jeff and Belinda Webb have designed their dream home out of autoclaved aerated concrete, an energy-efficient lightweight concrete material. The Webbs didn’t set out to build a “green” house, but as they did their research and found materials they liked, it just made sense.
The Webbs first became aware of the concrete block when they began asking questions about the building materials used on Lee Anne’s Interiors on Vaughn Road. The couple liked the look of the building and learned it was constructed with autoclaved aerated concrete block.
“We started doing some research and found that the product is energy-efficient, termite-proof, high-wind resistant and sound-proof. It has a high fire rating and it doesn’t require any other insulation. We found all these qualities very attractive,” says Jeff.
The concrete block also eliminates the need for sheet rock. A veneer plaster on the walls is the only finishing work needed before painting the walls.
“People think that a block house has to be square,” says Belinda, “but you can do anything with this material … arches, bay windows, anything is possible.” The Webbs explained that the material cuts and even nails like wood.
While the concrete material was new to subcontractors in our area, the installation process was easier than anticipated. “We got over the learning curve. Now if other homeowners want to use this material, it is no problem,” says Belinda.
The concrete block is not the only cutting-edge building material the Webbs used. The home appliances are all Energy Star rated, the windows are double-paned low-e glass, and they have installed tankless hot water heaters. Even some of the home’s design elements, including the tile in one of the bathrooms, incorporates recycled glass.
Spray Foam Insulation
MAX member Dr. Babatunde Abolade plans to save at least 30% on his energy bills by using spray foam insulation in his new home.
Dr. Abolade was not familiar with insulation technology until his builder suggested using it in the home. A colleague then told him about Advanced Insulation Technology, a contractor out of Auburn.
“While it is more expensive than the traditional bat insulation,” says Dr. Abolade, “it will more than pay for itself in the long run. Additionally, our air conditioning unit did not need to be as powerful as it would have with traditional insulation. A home our size would need two 5-ton units, one upstairs and one downstairs. With the spray foam insulation, we were able to have two smaller 3.5-ton units installed.”
