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Materials and technology used in green homes are generally chosen because they save energy, cut construction time, reduce waste, protect the environment or lower home maintenance costs. Some materials and technology are commonly used in home construction today while others have not been widely accepted. Only a few of the many different materials and technological innovations used in green homes are discussed here.One of the more popular materials is metal roofing. Metal roofs are efficient, especially when constructed with a radiant barrier to reflect the heat and an air space between the radiant barrier and the metal roof to allow channeling of hot air away from the roof surface. Proponents of metal roofs argue that asphalt shingles tend to absorb heat during the day and continue radiating it into the house during the night. By

contrast, metal roofs begin cooling almost immediately after dark.

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are also popular. SIPs are typically manufactured by combining a wood wafer board product or steel exterior with a nontoxic foam interior. SIPs typically range in thickness from four to 12 inches and can be as long as 24 feet. SIPs can be ordered as a packaged system that arrives at the site precut with all window and door openings installed. Electrical openings may be cut at the factory or in the field.

Manufacturers state that SIPs can be designed to withstand winds in excess of 160 mph. SIPs have excellent insulating characteristics, with

some homeowners reporting energy savingsas high as 50 percent.

Engineered wood products (EWPs), a popular substitute for conventional solid lumber, are used in many of the homes. Engineered beams and joists offer increased stiffness, more uniform strength and shape and less weight. The length of the finished product is not limited by tree height because EWPs are manufactured from shorter pieces of wood. EWPs can be ordered in various lengths and delivered finished to the jobsite, reducing waste and saving labor. Some of the more popular EWPs are gluelam, laminated veneer lumber, parallel strand lumber and I-joists.