Color Corrected
The same principles that govern dark- and light-colored clothing apply to your houses as well. In a warm climate, avoid dark siding, trim, and especially roofs. “The roof is the No. 1 heat-gaining product on a house,” says architect Edward Binkley. “So look at Energy Star–approved roofing, use metal, or pick the lighter-colored asphalt or fiberglass shingles.” Dark roofs also require the use of a radiant barrier to cut down on the heat gain, says architect Peter L. Pfeiffer.
Window Dressing
Pfeiffer often notes that a single-pane window in the shade is more efficient than an insulated window in direct sunlight. Super insulated low-E windows are not a substitute for common sense techniques such as window shading and solar control. Still, window technology has come a long way; high performance glass, in the presence of good passive strategies, will make your houses highly energy efficient.
Shell Game
The construction of a home’s walls is very important. As the barrier between inside and outside, the shell is the primary defense against wind, moisture, heat, and cold. It also helps keep the indoor temperature constant. It’s important, then, to construct walls for maximum efficiency, which includes adequate insulation, a good vapor barrier (installed based on regional climate), properly flashed windows, and adequately installed siding. Architect Allison Ewing prefers walls constructed with 2-by-6 framing and sprayed foam insulation. “Sprayed polyurethane insulation is especially effective in reducing infiltration and vapor [humidity] flow,” says architect Peter L. Pfeiffer. Architects Binkley and Ewing also like panelized construction such as structural insulated panels that create an energy-efficient shell. Panelized systems, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing agrees, can be assembled rapidly on site, cutting cycle times and reducing waste. “They provide superior insulation and are often lightweight, making installation easier.”