Browse by Building System
The Technology Inventory is brought to you by
PATH (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing), and is
maintained by the NAHB Research Center. It
provides builders a reliable source of information on new products or
processes, lists details on each technology and provides contact information
for manufacturers. PATH also uses this
list to pick technologies for use in
Field Evaluations.
|
View All Technologies
Below is an alphabetical list of all the technologies in the inventory.
A
|
Building with soil based materials
|
|
Reduce lumber use and still maintain structural integrity
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Injecting air encourages decomposition that produces a cleaner effluent
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
A retrofit method for sealing existing HVAC ducts
|
|
Mechanical devices to equalize sewer line pressure used instead of vent piping through the roof.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Non-metallic, fiberglass product for exterior wall reinforcement of stucco and mortar for lightweight veneer
|
|
Multipurpose pressure piping that can be used for hot and cold water distribution indoors and outside
|
|
Prevent energy dollars from going through the roof with custom insulation at the access hatch.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Manufactured building block made of all-natural raw materials
|
|
Hands-free water faucet operation
|
|
B
|
A quick growing alternative to building with 2x4s.
|
|
Durable wood flooring from fast-growing forests and fields
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Exterior wall system using concrete bricks cast in shapes which require no mortar to install
|
|
C
|
Multipurpose, solid material with the working characteristics of wood
|
|
By-products from other manufacturing or electric generating processes can be substituted for cement
|
|
Strategy to promote occupant comfort and good IAQ
|
|
Alternative rigid polymer pipe
|
|
An appliance which makes home-spun electricity and heat
|
|
CFL's are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than typical incandescents
|
|
Durable exterior decking material that needs no maintenance and doesn't crack, split, or warp
|
|
Window frames that resist warping and fading
|
|
Improving the properties of concrete
|
|
Alternative aggregate materials
|
|
Make your concrete surfaces both decorative and functional
|
|
Alternatives to conventional forming methods for concrete footings and piers
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Replaces traditional solvent-based waterproofing on foundation walls
|
|
An environmental wastewater treatment solution that relies on marsh plant roots for filtration
|
|
Durable wood flooring from fast-growing forests and fields
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
An alternative to traditional threaded black-iron gas piping
|
|
Manage crawlspace moisture with mechanical ventilation dehumidification
|
|
A high-temperature, flexible plastic (polymer) pipe
|
|
D
|
Cooling interior air by removing the humidity with renewable non-energy consuming materials
|
|
A sealed coil that removes the heat from waste hot water for reuse in preheating hot water
|
|
Continuous attic air intake vents for rafter framed roofs
|
|
Shallow, slow, pressure-dosed release of pretreated wastewater directly at or above the surface of the soil
|
|
Drywall clips and stops support drywall or wood paneling at corners and replace blocking
|
|
Structural drywall corners and butt joint systems
|
|
Speeds installation and promotes IAQ
|
|
Combine the flexibility of room air conditioners with the whole house cooling of central systems
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
E
|
Simplify wiring and reduce wall penetrations
|
|
Continued access to electrical service during power outages
|
|
Reclaiming energy from exhaust airflows while providing fresh air to the home
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Frame walls with manufactured wood products for added value.
|
|
Repipe without tearing out the walls or tearing up the front yard
|
|
Durable wood flooring from fast-growing forests and fields
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Whole-house cooling in arid regions at a low first cost
|
|
A synthetic stucco cladding system that acts as a rain screen barrier
|
|
A versatile, moisture resistant closed-cell foam insulation to insulate foundations and control moisture
|
|
F
|
A durable exterior cladding material
|
|
Non-metallic, fiberglass product for exterior wall reinforcement of stucco and mortar for lightweight veneer
|
|
Synthetic-fiber reinforcement to reinforce concrete in non-structural applications
|
|
Prevent water from getting in with flashing on roofs, windows, doors, and cladding intersections.
|
|
Effortless framing of curved planes - from walls to soffits to door and window arches
|
|
Inexpensive replacement for Portland cement
|
|
Innovative modular building unit for creating ventilated under-floor cavities
|
|
Exterior foundation systems that can combine waterproofing membranes and insulation
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Reduce the chances of the foundation being compromised during flooding
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Replaces traditional solvent-based waterproofing on foundation walls
|
|
A resource efficient design for foundations in all U.S. climates
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Converts the energy of hydrogen into electrical energy without the need for combustion
|
|
G
|
Gas flow valves restrict the flow of gas at meters or appliances during breakages or ruptures in a home’s gas lines.
|
|
An alternative to traditional threaded black-iron gas piping
|
|
Use the natural heat storage capacity of the earth or ground water to provide energy efficient heating and cooling
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Satellites streamline the site grading process
|
|
Alternative leach field design
|
|
Roof-top plants provide a pleasing aesthetic and environmental benefits
|
|
Wastewater from sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers can be treated and reused
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Construction speed and dimensional accuracy
|
|
Easier to fasten properly and make accurate cuts
|
|
H
|
Use a heat pump to heat hot water
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Refrigerants that do not break down the ozone layer of the atmosphere
|
|
Comfort and safety features mark today’s residential windows
|
|
Designed to resist damage from impact and high winds
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
New high-efficiency refrigerators exceed the federal energy requirements and can save consumers a substantial amount of money
|
|
Systems that are placed in the central HVAC system and filter over 90% of allergens and other pollutants from the air.
|
|
The washer-dryer combination unit simplifies doing laundry.
|
|
By tumbling clothes like a dryer, these machines use less water and energy
|
|
A pump rapidly moves water from a water heater to the fixtures
|
|
This device continuously monitors and controls relative humidity by connecting to high efficiency fans, humidifying or dehumidifying equipment.
|
|
A lightweight composite curtain wall panel that can withstand airborne debris impacting at 35 mph and wind speeds of 130 mph.
|
|
HVAC "smart" zoning technology consists of dampers and electronic controls that attach to standard central air systems.
|
|
Installing HVAC within conditioned space improves energy efficiency, comfort, and health
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Proper sizing of HVAC equipment can mean savings in initial and operating cost of mechanical equipment and increased comfort
|
|
Modular houses shipped with the panels for garages and porches.
|
|
A pre-manufactured steel and polymer-surfaced foundation wall system with integral insulation.
|
|
I
|
Floor and roof systems constructed with insulating concrete forms and reinforced concrete
|
|
Foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Cement-bonded recycled wood chip forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain to provide thermal and sound insulation.
|
|
Heat from the friction produced by magnetized molecules: A cool way to cook
|
|
Home automation systems can control a home's systems (e.g., senors, wiring, appliances) from a single control center.
|
|
In-line fan units can service several bathrooms and provide an energy efficient method of controlled ventilation.
|
|
Structural headers that have been engineered for the load and include insulation.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Foam insulated vinyl siding systems that provide thermal insulation benefits
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Floor and roof systems constructed with insulating concrete forms and reinforced concrete
|
|
Foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Cement-bonded recycled wood chip forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain to provide thermal and sound insulation.
|
|
Loose insulation that is installed by blowing it into a cavity like mineral wool and cellulose.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Non-fiberglass batts made of cotton, sheep's wool, and rock or slag wool
|
|
Cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool sprayed in a moist state into an open stud cavity
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Foam insulation that is sprayed into place and then expands to fill cavities
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Electrical circuits continued with plugs rather than junction boxes.
|
|
Increase energy efficiency and maintain exterior aesthetics
|
|
Coatings and caulking that won’t fuel a fire
|
|
Intelligent irrigation for residential landscapes
|
|
K
|
Kitchen recycling centers are modified kitchen cabinets that neatly conceal recycling bins.
|
|
L
|
Make low water flows feel "wetter" because of the pattern of the flow.
|
|
Similar performance to urethane foam with the advantage of soap-and-water cleanup and a lower, more predictable rate of expansion
|
|
Durable solid-state light that is more compact and durable than incandescents
|
|
CFL's are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than typical incandescents
|
|
Rely on sensors, not people, to remember to turn off the lights
|
|
Save substantial amounts of water compared to conventional fixtures
|
|
A cost effective way to address storm water management through site design modifications and "Best Management Practices"
|
|
Low-VOC paints do not release significant pollutants and are virtually odor free.
|
|
Reducing home heating costs
|
|
M
|
A pier foundation system used with manufactured housing.
|
|
Ground anchor system that limits lateral building movement in manufactured homes.
|
|
A strong, easy-to-use alternative to masonry mortar
|
|
High-velocity, small-diameter HVAC duct system that can be easily installed.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Combine the flexibility of room air conditioners with the whole house cooling of central systems
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Heating coil units that are heated with water from the water heater rather than a separate resistance heater.
|
|
Segmental retaining walls employ interlocking concrete units that tie back into the earth to efficiently resist loads.
|
|
Modular houses shipped with the panels for garages and porches.
|
|
Apartment buildings built up from cube-like modules assembled in a factory
|
|
Steel is gaining a foothold on wood's long-standing dominance in residential framing.
|
|
New option can increase utility and value of modular homes.
|
|
Apartment buildings built up from cube-like modules assembled in a factory
|
|
Automatically makes slight operating adjustments to achieve maximum efficiency
|
|
Treated products with gypsum cores will not absorb moisture as easily as typical gypsum board.
|
|
Exterior wall system using concrete bricks cast in shapes which require no mortar to install
|
|
N
|
A lighter sheathing panel, less prone to thickness swelling
|
|
|
O
|
P
|
Reinventing the home construction process using assembly line automation and prefabricated panels
|
|
Circulate solar heated air and outwardly-conducted heat back inside to create a higher effective R-value
|
|
Pavement system that allows water to seep through the surface, permitting natural filtration
|
|
A high-temperature, flexible plastic (polymer) pipe
|
|
When the temperature becomes warmer, PCMs liquefy and absorb and store heat, thus cooling the house.
|
|
Photovoltaic (PV) systems incorporate solar electric collectors with power conversion equipment to supply electricity to the home.
|
|
Photovolatic modules that are integrated directly into a roof's surface to provide more aesthetic appeal
|
|
Plastic chamber leach fields can be substitutes for gravel beds.
|
|
High-strength plastic composite does not corrode, rust, or stain wood surfaces
|
|
Below ground ductwork system of pipe and fittings for slab foundation applications
|
|
High density, exterior plastic trim, is more durable and has a lower installation cost than wood.
|
|
Make low water flows feel "wetter" because of the pattern of the flow.
|
|
Save substantial amounts of water compared to conventional fixtures
|
|
Control centers for hot and cold water that feed flexible plastic supply lines to individual fixtures
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
A concrete wall cast in a factory and assembled in the field that can be used below or above grade
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Combine the positive attributes of a traditional system with the energy-saving benefits of solar energy
|
|
A single unit of stair treads, risers and stringers prefabricated of concrete, wood, metal and/or polymers for access to entrances
|
|
Ready-to-install exterior concrete and fiberglass structures with economical and low profile in-ground installation
|
|
In this technique, effluent is delivered to the leach field in intermittent doses by a pump.
|
|
Programmable thermostats save energy by permitting occupants to set temperatures according to whether the house is occupied.
|
|
Pumice-Crete is a low density and resource-efficient concrete consisting of pumice aggregate, Portland cement, and water.
|
|
R
|
Block the effects of radiant heat gain in homes by reflecting radiant heat rather than absorbing it
|
|
Surface-mounted electric radiant ceiling panels provide heating through radiant heat transfer
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Keeping homes cool with chilled water rather than chilled air.
|
|
Radiant heat installed beneath a finished floor that isn’t embedded in concrete.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Deterring rainwater intrusion into walls
|
|
Rainwater harvesting techniques recycle storm water for irrigation.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Walls, floors and roofs made of composite high density foam and stud panels
|
|
Improved on-site wastewater treatment and disposal technology
|
|
Said to be more resilient and colorfast than virgin fiber carpet
|
|
Old wood given new life
|
|
Mix of wood fibers and waste plastics turns into durable material
|
|
Roof-top plants provide a pleasing aesthetic and environmental benefits
|
|
Heat pump uses hot water as the source for auxiliary heating demands
|
|
Continuous attic air intake vents for rafter framed roofs
|
|
Designed to resist damage from impact and high winds
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Housewrap for the roof
|
|
S
|
Duct connections that install quickly and easily
|
|
Treatment system that consolidates wastewater from multiple sources before discharging to a centrally locate drainage area
|
|
Pre-manufactured modular products that are cost effective and easy to design, specify, install, and inspect
|
|
Intelligent irrigation for residential landscapes
|
|
Proper vapor transmission for all seasons
|
|
A roof venting system that may be used for new construction and retrofitting
|
|
Systems that use the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in collectors generally mounted on a roof
|
|
Ventilating is a breeze with solar-powered fans
|
|
Decorative, architectural block that has a rough, stone-like texture
|
|
In areas where pool-construction is common, spray-applied concrete has also been used for home construction.
|
|
The Fast Track Foundation System: for Retrofit or New Construction
|
|
Cold-formed steel members in c- sections with standard dimensions used for framing
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Automatic tools that speed steel construction.
|
|
Steel L-headers consisting of single or double steel "L" angles that significantly reduce installation time.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Steel is gaining a foothold on wood's long-standing dominance in residential framing.
|
|
Efficient and economic material in great supply
|
|
Sheathing constructed of straw based products, designed to replace labor intensive 2x4 stud and drywall construction
|
|
Panels made from a thick layer of foam (polystyrene or polyurethane) sandwiched between two layers of Oriented Strand Board (OSB), plywood or fiber-cement.
|
|
Structural insulated panels with a finished surface
|
|
Combines insulative and water-resistant barrier benefits with structural properties to offer an affordable method of bridging the thermal short-circuiting of a building’s frame
|
|
Available option to meet networking needs of homeowners.
|
|
Change the light transmittance, transparency, or shading of windows
|
|
Housewrap for the roof
|
|
T
|
Hot water on-demand with 10-20% water heating savings
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Methodical inspection and treatment program eliminating excessive pollution
|
|
Physical barriers rather than termiticides
|
|
New option can increase utility and value of modular homes.
|
|
Toilets that flush with an average of 20 percent less water.
|
|
Materials that permit diffuse natural light into the home
|
|
Trusses that can be shortened by as much as 12 inches on each end
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Add natural lighting to rooms through a small tube rather than a large roof window.
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
New product now opens up many more durable sealants to the industry by eliminating the need for special mixing or applicator tools.
|
|
Two-stage evaporative coolers improve efficiency and reduce the amount of moisture added to the air.
|
|
Quality, cost control, and land use efficiency
|
|
U
|
Taking accessibility a step further
|
|
Taking accessibilty a step further
|
|
V
|
Special core panel enclosed in an air-tight envelope
|
|
Increase energy efficiency, reduce moisture condensation problems, and increase indoor air quality
|
|
Strategy to promote occupant comfort and good IAQ
|
|
Resource efficient clothes washing machine
|
|
W
|
By tumbling clothes like a dryer, these machines use less water and energy
|
|
Resource efficient clothes washing machine
|
|
The washer-dryer combination unit simplifies doing laundry.
|
|
Injecting air encourages decomposition that produces a cleaner effluent
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
An environmental wastewater treatment solution that relies on marsh plant roots for filtration
|
|
Shallow, slow, pressure-dosed release of pretreated wastewater directly at or above the surface of the soil
|
|
Alternative leach field design
|
|
Treatment system that consolidates wastewater from multiple sources before discharging to a centrally locate drainage area
|
|
Numerous advantages over air-cooled units
|
|
Prevent extensive water damage from plumbing failures
|
|
Use a heat pump to heat hot water
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Systems that use the sun to heat either water or a heat-transfer fluid in collectors generally mounted on a roof
|
|
Hot water on-demand with 10-20% water heating savings
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
A single unit can heat water for domestic washing and provide a source for the home's conditioned air heating
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Multipurpose pressure piping that can be used for hot and cold water distribution indoors and outside
|
|
Repipe without tearing out the walls or tearing up the front yard
|
|
A high-temperature, flexible plastic (polymer) pipe
|
|
Designed for use over concrete floors to alleviate moisture problems associated with placing wood subfloor in direct contact with concrete slabs
|
|
Systems that are placed in the central HVAC system and filter over 90% of allergens and other pollutants from the air.
|
|
Give control of air-exchange to homeowners rather than to weather or wind speed
|
|
Improvements from old, labor-intensive metal roofing
|
|
Powering homes is a breeze with wind turbines scaled for personal use.
|
|
Improve energy efficiency, reduce solar gain, and block ultraviolet radiation
|
|
Comfort and safety features mark today’s residential windows
|
|
The flexibility to control the temperature in one or more locations of your choosing.
|
|
Durable wood flooring from fast-growing forests and fields
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
Preservative treated, infestation and decay resistant lumber used as an alternate material for crawl space, basement, and stem wall foundations
CAD Drawings available for this technology
|
|
An affordable alternative to custom millwork
|
|
Same benefits of conventional wood preservatives, with fewer health concerns
|
|
X
|
A water-conserving alternative for attractive exterior space planning
|
|
A versatile, moisture resistant closed-cell foam insulation to insulate foundations and control moisture
|
|
|