The American home

Upcoming trends

A “green”, environmentally friendly approach to building is becoming a significant trend in the construction industry. Together with “zero energy” (or “passive”) homes, we are also seeing the emergence of more sustainable and more easily renewed products offering the aspect of traditional materials, but at lower cost.

Fibre cement – guaranteed resilience

With its low maintenance, long life and excellent resistance to fire, water and woodworm, etc., fibre-cement siding is becoming more widely adopted. Weatherboards and ColorMax by CertainTeed are products made from fly ash, Portland cement, wood fibre and special additives, delivering a more ecological, lighter and lower density material.

The triumph of vinyl

Vinyl has now become the most frequently used material for exterior siding.
It offers good resistance to weather, pests and mould. CertainTeed markets vinyl and polymer siding products in a wide choice of colours and finishes. With recycled materials accounting for 80% of its raw materials, they can be maintained without the use of chemicals.
CertainTeed also manufactures and sells roofing shingle in asphalt and fencing, terraces and balustrades in vinyl that are finished to look like traditional materials.

Heading for Europe?

Can these products and technologies be easily exported? “If Europeans are looking for pleasantly-styled, easily cleaned homes,” explains Lucas Hamilton, director of building science applications at CertainTeed, “American homes could set an interesting example.”