In order to create environmentally sustainable environments, Golden Hammer Construction is experienced in retrofitting, working with geothermal systems and radiant floor heating systems and installing energy efficient windows, walls and roofs. All of these procedures are designed to save money on electricity and cut down on environmental waste.
Retrofitting
The term 'retrofitting' is used in the field of environmental engineering, describing construction or renovation projects on previously-built sites, improving water quality in nearby streams, rivers or lakes. Sites with impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, can generate high levels of storm water runoff, which can contaminate surrounding bodies of water. These problems can often be remedied by installing storm water management features on the site, a process that practitioners refer to as storm water retrofitting. Storm water management practices used in retrofit projects include rain gardens, permeable paving and green roofs.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal home heating involves the use of heat that is stored in the earth. The primary system for this is known as the closed loop; pipes containing a mixture of water and antifreeze are installed under the home, buried at least 2 meters in the soil. The pipes then run up through the home and into a heating pump. In this closed loop system, the pipes are all connected and form a continuous circuit throughout the house. As a result, the cost of fossil fuels and their effects on the environment are cut dramatically.
Radiant Floor Heating
A radiant floor heating system simply radiates heat upward from the floor. Warm water circulates through special tubing, installed under the floor, turning its surface into an efficient, low-temperature radiator. The water is warmed in a certified efficiency rated boiler, which is also the same boiler that can be used to heat the swimming pool and hot tub. Evenly distributed heat from a radiant floor heating system enables homeowners to set the thermostat 2°F to 4°F less than in a forced air heating system. As a result, energy costs are reduced by 10% to 40%.
Energy Efficient Windows, Walls and Roofs
To create an environmentally sustainable home, it is important to install energy efficient windows, walls and roofs. These items have an R-value classification. 'R-value' stands for thermal resistance, or the ability of a material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more the material resists the movement of heat. The objective here is to reduce the amount of heat loss from the house during the winter and to minimize the amount of heat getting in during the summer. As a result, we are able to rely less on our heaters and air conditioners. Windows, walls and roofs also have a U-value classification, measuring the amount of heat that escapes per hour through the material; the lower the U-value, the more energy-efficient it is.
Golden Hammer Construction
Golden Hammer Construction would like to invite you to explore its online portfolio, showing you a selection of environmentally sustainable projects ranging from live-in studios and laneway houses, to Cape Cod style homes. The company is a one-stop source that satisfies all of your construction and design needs. Its clients bring imagination, vision and passion, and Golden Hammer Construction will implement the building strategy, bring the client's revelation to life.
