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