Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Vapor Barriers

A vapor barrier or vapor diffusion retarder is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material. The older term "vapor barrier" is still used even though it may inaccurately imply that the material stops all of the moisture transfer. Since everything allows some water vapor to diffuse through it to some degree, the term "vapor diffusion retarder" is more accurate. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder in Black Mountain we recognize the importance of a properly installed vapor barrier on every home we build.

When installing a vapor diffusion retarder, it should be continuous and as close to perfect as possible. This is especially important in very cold climates and in hot and humid climates. Be sure to completely seal any tears, openings, or punctures that may occur during construction. Cover all appropriate surfaces; otherwise, you risk moist air condensing within the cavity, which would lead to dampened insulation. The thermal resistance of wet insulation is dramatically decreased, and prolonged wet conditions will induce mold and wood rot. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that always goes to great pains to insure that vapor barriers are properly installed in their custom homes during construction. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about high end custom home builders.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Ridge Vents

One of the most cost efficient methods for cooling your home is having a ridge vent placed on your roof. If you have ever sit in a physics class and really listened; you probably remember that heat rises. As heat rises into attic spaces; this causes roofing materials, rafters, and even insulation to weather away, become damaged and ultimately need replacing. Adequate ridge vent can add years to a home; not to mention it is very attractive and appealing to homes. Most new construction homes that are shingled with the raised architectural shingles look for a ridge vent that will combine need with overall visual appearance. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder in Black Mountain we always recommend ridge vents on our new asphalt shingled roof homes.

It is very important for homes to be well balanced with circulating air; when wind is pushed over the ridge vent, it draws air out of the attic; then replacement air is then drawn into the underlying vent on the underside of the ridge vent. This process creates a balanced ventilation system for your home. This will keep your home dry and free from moisture; as well, it will keep your insulation and your homes structural integrity intact. Unlike many other cost saving and energy efficient methods that homeowners use; this one is free. It is all Mother Nature. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that appreciates the law of physics and knows just how well ridge vents work to ventilate an attic space. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better homes.

Black Mountain Custom Builder likes Fiber Cement Hardie Plank Siding

For homeowners that want the look of wood but do not want the hassles and costs associated with it, fiber-cement siding is a great alternative. This product is available from several manufacturers such as John Hardie and in a variety of textures that are said to provide the appearance of wood. Fiber-cement siding is more durable than wood, it is termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible, and warranted to last 50 years. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder in Black Mountain that loves building fine custom arts & crafts style homes we have been using fiber cement siding for decades due to its durability and high quality finished appearance.

Fiber-cement siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that has been autoclaved (cured with pressurized steam) to increase its strength and dimensional stability. The fiber is added as reinforcement to prevent cracking. The planks come in a variety of widths and have a great finished look whether installed by it self or combined with natural stone on a beautiful mountain home. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder making dreams a reality for home owners since 1990. We are experts at designing custom homes using fiber cement siding, natural cedar, and real stone for that true craftsman look so many people adore in the mountains of western North Carolina. Visit or call us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we make dreams come true in the Asheville area.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Saving Water

Showers account for 22% of individual water use in North America. Aerating mixes air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray. Because air is mixed in with the water, the water temperature can cool down a bit towards the floor of the shower. Aerating shower heads are the most popular type of low-flow shower head. By aerating water in homes we save huge amounts of water and energy used to convey water to the homes they serve. As an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Home Builder in Black Mountain and a good steward of our natural resources we always recommend low flow fixtures in our new homes.

Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50%, and reduce your energy cost of heating the water also by as much as 50%.This conservation of water and energy is not only good for the environment, but the savings in your utility bills will pay for the cost of the aerators within a few months. From then on, you enjoy continued savings. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Custom Home Builder that loves educating clients on measures available for saving our precious natural resources like water. We build fine custom homes and believe in saving the planet one home at a time. Visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build higher quality homes and offer a total "Turn-Key" solution for custom home building.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Concrete Homes

Insulated Concrete Wall Homes are one of the strongest and most energy-efficient houses possible. Even hurricane-force winds cannot blow one down. It is true that concrete is not a good insulator and feels cold, but with this method the concrete is totally encapsulated in rigid insulating foam. The foam provides the energy efficiency and the concrete provides the strength. The concrete inside the foam also adds thermal mass to the house. In addition to efficiency, very little outdoor noise penetrates the walls. As an award winning Asheville NC Custom Green Builder in Black Mountain we are always looking for new and innovative ways to build more energy efficient homes.

People often think of efficiency as strictly insulation level, but air infiltration (leakage) into and out of a house is also a significant efficiency factor. With interlocking foam blocks or long continuous panels, there will be very little air leakage. Also, concrete will not settle over time as lumber homes sometimes do, so these houses remain airtight. Other than having thick walls, these homes are constructed like any other home. These foam/concrete houses look like any other home in the neighborhood. In fact, with the superior strength of concrete, you will actually have more design flexibility. Advantage Development Co. is an Asheville NC Builder that is constantly looking for new ways to build more energy efficient homes for our clients. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn more about us and why we build better homes.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Engineered Wood

The decreasing supply of large diameter, old-growth trees resulted in the increased popularity of engineered wood products, those made from young, small diameter trees and scrap wood that is reassembled into I-joists, boards and beams. But did you know that the engineered wood that is well-recognized in residential construction as header and girder material and I-joist chords, can also be used for wall framing with similar effective results? Engineered wood is made from quick growing, abundant species such as aspen, fir, pine and poplar that are processed into wood veneers or strands, coated with adhesive, compressed into large billets, dried, then sawn into standard lumber dimensions. As Asheville NC Custom Home Builders in Black Mountain and engineers we have been advocates of engineered wood products for decades now.

In walls, engineered wood can be used as a replacement for 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 dimensional lumber, installed with the same process, tools, and fasteners. Because engineered wood products are superior in strength, stability, and uniformity to standard lumber species of the U. S., headers and girders can be engineered for greater clear spans or to carry greater loads. This means that taller walls can be designed for greater environmental conditions (like high wind speed or seismic activity) at greater spacing (for windows and doors). This greater design flexibility, reduced waste (no culling), and the materials dimensional stability drive the value decision. Advantage Development Co. is an Award Winning Asheville NC Custom Builder making dreams come true for clients for over twenty years now. Call us or visit us at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we build better high end custom homes.

Black Mountain Custom Builder shares on Low VOC Carpet

Carpet is synonymous with comfort; it is soft, absorbs sound, and makes a house warmer, literally and figuratively. Unfortunately, it also contributes to poor indoor air quality, off-gassing volatile organic compounds, absorbing and retaining moisture that can lead to mold, and is a huge sinkhole for dirt and dust mites. As an Asheville NC Certified Green Builder in Black Mountain we understand the importance of using air quality friendly flooring materials in that new custom home. It is also important to leave your shoes at the door and not carry contaminants into the home that can get trapped in the carpet, emitting toxic vapors at an ongoing rate causing additional health hazards.

If your heart and feet are set on carpet, go with natural fibers, like wool, hemp, silk, linen, and sisal. My favorite is wool: The innate beauty and durability of pure wool provides a natural soil barrier, adds warmth and comfort, is inherently flame resistant, plus, it comes from a renewable resource. Look for natural fiber carpets free of toxic dyes, pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants. Two of my favorites are Earth Weave and Natures Carpet, both 100% wool complemented by solid environmental practices. Advantage Development Co. is an award winning builder in Asheville NC that always educates home buyers relative to health hazards associated with flooring and building materials enabling clients to make wiser choices, thus improving indoor air quality. Visit us today at http://www.advdevco.com/ to learn why we are the better builder in the Asheville NC area.