Are You Familiar With Your House Construction?

While observing different homes in your neighbourhood, each appears similar from outside however it’s the inside that matters most. You must’ve heard “never judge a person by his looks”, same goes for a home as beyond the painted brick skin lies the skeleton of wood and steel studs, insulated concrete, straw bales or wood panels. Each construction type comes with specific qualities that may fit your lifestyle and needs perfectly. So are you familiar with your home construction material? If not, read on and find out!

Wood Frame

In U.S. majority of homes are built with a concrete foundation bearing wood wall studs to support wood roof trusses. It also features interconnected structure of wood joists supporting wooden subfloor with interior wood studs; its wood everywhere! This may sound complicated because wood frame homes, commonly known as stick homes in building trade terms are precisely engineered promising incredible structure.

These homes are designed with sufficient space between exterior wall fasteners providing insulation. Additionally, entire structure is compatible with huge selection of exterior armour like stone, brick, vinyl and cement siding. “Wood frame structures aren’t only economical but regulates temperature perfectly thus providing maximum comfort to dwellers”, a citation by American Forest and Paper Association.

Insulated Panels

Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) comprise of robust insulating foam crammed between two layers of adjusted filament board. A typical SIP is eight feet tall and four feet wide however size and shape tends to vary. Standalone panels are virtually designed for swift assembly at construction site with complete plans for doors, window openings, customised patterns for plumbing and electrical systems.

This type of house construction is ten times better protected than wood-frame construction. Panels are affixed in such precision that there’s nearly no risk of air leak or drafts; reducing temperature maintenance cost surprisingly. Expert engineers and builders say that all new house constructions should use nothing but insulated panels. SIP can have siding, stucco, brick or stone exterior sheathing with sheet-rock interior walls.

Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are hollow foam panels with concrete filling used during construction. These panels stick tightly together forming home walls that are layered with siding or any other exterior cladding, thus resembling traditional homes. Like SIPs, these structures are hermetic and well-insulated with additional benefit to stand erect during fierce gust. That’s one reason why ICF is more preferred for coastal regions posing a risk for hurricane and other deadly storms.

Properties in Dubai are mostly ICF. Dubai property management companies would further assist you with construction details so you may further query management. Portland Cement Association says; “Walls with ICF built enhance building’s durability, solidity, resistance against natural calamities, energy efficient and offers ultimate comfort for all settlers.”

Straw-Bale Edifice

Behind the limestone or stucco walls of a straw-bale home are multiple rows of straw-bales heaped from foundations all the way to the roof. These bales are fire, mould and vermin resistant forming a tight, hermetically sealed insulating wall. There’s always room for drywall indoors but you’ll definitely find interior walls of such homes comprising traditional materials like clay or lime plaster. Straw-bale homes are eco friendly and renewable where as Mother Earth News have this to say;

“Straw-bale edifices are terrifically energy efficient, environmentally safe, easy to handle and fun. A durable, innovative and beautiful home is that the element promises”

While moving across different parts of UAE, you may encounter straw-bale homes in particular areas especially a villa community. A few Dubai flats for sale also boats straw-bale as “eco-friendly” is the latest trend worldwide.