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Are Modular Homes Considered Green Homes?

Many people misunderstand green homes as separate types of residential dwellings from modular homes. A green home is a house that is built to conserve energy and use sustainable materials that can be recycled or repurposed. The method or processes involved in the construction of green homes are also eco-friendly and do not cause harm to the environment. As a result, modular homes are considered green homes unlike the traditional stick-built homes because the nature of the construction process in the factory is rendered eco-friendly. This article discusses why modular homes are considered green homes and reasons why they continue to gain popularity in the real estate market.

The Sustainability of Modular Homes

modular homes can be green homes
Unlike regular housing, modular homes are made of higher sustainable standards because everything is done in a controlled environment. Modular home manufacturers focus more on using a non-toxic or low volatile organic compound. Other prefab homes are assembled on-site with eco-extras such as wildflower roofs that make them greener. All the unique features of modular homes from the materials used and the nature of the construction process are what make them more sustainable compared to the traditional construction methods. In addition, all modular buildings contain embodied energy inside their fabric during the construction phase.

There are several processes used by modular home manufacturers to make a greener form of residential housing. Some of these processes including using renewable energy to reduce carbon footprints, minimizing waste using on-site water treatment plants, and building with renewable waste materials. These are only a few among several ways in which modular home construction improves sustainability. Furthermore, waste in tiling caused by poor workmanship, over-order, or cutting can be minimized using prefabricated building materials. This construction process achieves a potential reduction in waste in tiling with simple applications of modular dimensioning.

Unique Aspects of Green Modular Housing

  • They Are Safe And Durable

Most modules of prefab homes are made of steel, which doesn’t rot and is resistant to termites and other ground insects. Steel is made from recyclable materials, unlike fresh timber that needs to be cut from a tree. Steel frames also stay straight and can withstand harsh weather in areas that experience thunderstorms and strong winds. Timber may warp, shrink, move, or twist during and after construction leading to unforeseen problems with the structure. Since steel is non-combustible, it does not contribute to the spread of fire, unlike traditional stick-built homes.

  • Uses An Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Process

Close to half of the world’s steel production is done in electric plants that generate zero carbon emissions and operate exclusively on recycled scrap. All by-products of steel can be re-used and modular home manufacturers ensure each module meets the required standards and goes through final inspection before it can be transported to the designated site for construction. Since everything is done in a factory or a warehouse, it limits the noise and disruption done in open-air operations. This eco-friendly construction process makes modular homes a great option for homeowners looking for affordable and efficient housing in the real estate market.

  • High Energy-Efficient Structure

The steel used to make green modular homes require fewer wall studs. This means that there will be fewer un-insulated areas (thermal bridges) to transmit heat. Since their frames do not warp or settle, the wall studs remain more airtight. The steel beam depth of modular homes provides a wider space for insulation, thus increasing their energy-efficiency rating. Since these homes are made of high-performance materials, they are more comfortable and save energy bills on heating and cooling because of their superior thermal insulation.

  • Recyclability Of The Building Material

A lot of building materials used in modular homes are often recycled. For instance, steel from demolished buildings and other items from the junkyard can be melted down, molded, and polished to create new steel structures. It is quite different from the traditional stick-built construction process where several trees have to be cut down to produce wood framing for an ordinary house. The good thing about modular homes is that the steel used to create the modules can be recycled indefinitely without losing its qualities. This means that all components of steel frames used in modular structures can be recycled at the end of their life.

All the above features of modular homes are more than enough to convince new homeowners looking for affordable, efficient, and durable housing in the real estate market. Although both modular and regular houses have their benefits and downsides, you can always narrow down your options to what suits your lifestyle, meets your budget, and offers great value for money.

 

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