Modern plastics, sealants, coatings and synthetic fibers form the anatomy of a modern home

Home front

04 February 2008 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Modern houses incorporate a raft of advanced materials, chosen for their longevity, insulating and even power generating capabilities

Cabling and conduit

Cables are the veins of the house, pumping electricity to all the gadgetry that dominates our living areas. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) are used in the electrical conduit or plastic sheathes that surround the wiring. Both have excellent electrical insulation properties and high temperature resistance. Longevity is also essential with most cabling hidden in the walls, maintenance work can prove extremely costly and disruptive.

Pipework and guttering

Strong and durable polymers such as HDPE and PVC have usurped copper and cast iron for modern drainpipes. Long-lasting and extremely forgiving in all weather, the lightweight materials are easy to install with push fittings, and inexpensive to replace.

Windows/skylight

Today's PVC double glazing is highly insulated and, unlike wooden and metal frames, needs little or no maintenance or painting. Double- or triple-glazed windows, with high U-values, often add value to the sale price of a property.

Skylights and conservatories may include polycarbonate, an engineering thermoplastic renowned for its toughness and thermal resistance.

Walls

The average home loses around a third of its heat through the walls, so insulation can significantly reduce household bills.

During construction, insulated concrete formwork - hollow expandable polystyrene (EPS) blocks - can be used instead of conventional bricks to build the structure. These are then filled with concrete, providing rigidity and insulation.

Structural insulated panels are another option polyurethane (PU) insulation sandwiched between wooden boards (see page 23).

Alternatively, installing EPS foam retroactively is often preferred. EPS can be injected in to the wall cavity. The resulting energy savings mean the foam pays for itself within only a few years. Polyurethane foam is also common.

Solar panels

Harnessing the sun's rays can provide all the necessary electricity for a home. Although not the most aesthetically pleasing addition to a rooftop, the potential cost savings are undisputed. Installation costs may still be at a premium in some regions but the time it takes to recoup the investment, through cheaper electricity bills, is shrinking.

Wind turbine

Still regarded as an indulgence because of the high system costs, a small turbine installed on the roof will harness the prevailing winds and supply around 5-6 kilowatts of electricity. PVC or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are ideal for producing the blades, which have to be lightweight and resistant to the stresses of high winds, and are relatively inexpensive to replace if damaged.

Wall fittings - plugs/light switches

Molded plug sockets and light switch plates can be made from various materials including PET, polystyrene, polycarbonate or ABS.

Wallpaper

Methyl cellulose is used to form the paste that keeps wallpaper firmly in place without signs of discoloring. It has high viscosity, spreads well and allows the wall surface to breathe.

Sealants

Polyurethane sealants have strong adhesive properties and are ideal for most surfaces. Typically used to line baths, sinks and windows frames, PU sealants are dirt-resistant, can be painted, and are ideal for wet environments.

Paints and coatings

Consumers certainly aren't short of choice when it comes to painting. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is perhaps one of the best-known pigments used in paints and coatings. Various combinations of solvents, resins and pigments affect appearance, protection, drying times, durability, color, aging, and cleaning properties. Add thickeners, plasticizers, surfactants and flame retardants into the mix, and the options are endless. Polyurethane varnish is also used for the treatment and staining of timber used in skirting, doors, banisters and stair rails.

Carpets

Synthetic fibers are used in carpets as an alternative to wool. Nylon 6,6 is the most common as it is cheap to manufacture and hard-wearing - although prone to staining. Alternatives include polyester and polypropylene (PP). Both are easy to clean, stain-resistant and extremely durable.

Bath/basin

Acrylic now fills most modern bathrooms to make shower doors, bath enclosures and wash basins/sinks. Hard-wearing and easy to mold, they can be made to suit most users' requirements.

Doors

Wood stain and varnish protects external doors from the elements, while maintaining color and highlighting the detail of the grain. New products include a thin plastic film that is glued on to the door and laminated.

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