Why Build Green Homes? Durability.
Greater Durability = Lower Maintenance Bills
Durability speaks to how long an object will last. Sadly, with today's home construction methods, too many homes are falling apart after 10-15 years and are not very durable.
"Amaris Custom Homes Takes Durability Very Seriously"
"Amaris Custom Homes takes durability very seriously," says Raymond Pruban, founder of Amaris Custom Homes. "A well designed and constructed home is one in which you simply enjoy and requires little to no maintenance." Amaris' proactive approach to durability actually eliminates problems before they are created, which saves our customers money on maintenance bills.
To make this happen Amaris Custom Homes follows a four step durability process. ...
Evaluation
When Amaris Custom Homes designs a new home, we are continually evaluating common industry problem areas that tend to cause durability issues including exterior and interior water and moisture, heat loss, damage caused by natural disasters as well as premature failure caused by poor design. Potential problem areas are quickly identified and designed out of the home or methods are developed for eliminating or minimizing the issue.
Planning
Amaris Custom Homes develops a durability checklist, which becomes part of the construction documents. Each of the durability measures is also incorporated into the drawings and specifications. Sub-contractors are alerted to special durability requirements via preconstruction meetings and contract documents.
Execution
Durability measures are implemented during the construction process. Amaris Custom Homes has made significant enhancements to its construction proces. Many of these improvements are now part of our standard building practices, which deliver a better quality home that cost less to maintain. A home that cost less to maintain, costs less.
Verification
Durability measures are verified by a third-party rater to insure proper implementation.
Below is a small sample of the durability measures incorporated into an Amaris-built home:
| Exterior Water/Moisture Management | Interior Water/Moisture Management |
| - Dryloc foundation coating | - Disaster pan for washing machine (1st / 2nd floor) |
| - Drainage plane to protect foundation | - Braded supply lines for washing machine |
| - Foundation drain tile inside and outside | - Kitchen fan vented to outside |
| - Minimum 2' soffits on non-gable ends | - Bathroom fans w/motion operation |
| - Gutters in high concern areas | - Active radon fan installed to also extract moisture |
| - Positive grading away from house | - Air to air exchanger |
- Covered porches and entries |
- Honeywell IAQ Thermostat w/auto moisture controls |
- All exterior gaps caulked and sealed |
- Tankless water heater |
| - No wood to concrete connections | - Water shuts-offs at water supply locations |
- Trim painted on all sides |
- Sump pump installed |
| - Window ledges cut on min 5% angles | - No hard surface floors in kitchen, laundry, bath, etc |
| Heat Loss | Natural Disasters |
| - R-10 insulated basement floors | - Structure completely metal strapped to footings |
| - R-20 insulated basement walls | - Upgraded cladding materials that resists storm damage |
| - R-26 above grade insulated walls | - Closed cell insulation for added sheer strength |
| - R-60 insulated ceilings | - Upgraded garage doors for high wind events |
- Closed cell insulation walls and ceiling - High performance windows |
- Roof designed for proper water management |
| - Passive solar design and orientation | |
- All gaps caulked and sealed |
|
| - All HVAC ducts taped and sealed | |
| - No HVAC vents installed in unconditioned spaces | |
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