Tendencias del sector6 min
Cómo las barreras radiantes energéticamente eficientes reducen el consumo de energía en la construcción ecológica
La construcción ecológica es un tema candente. A medida que más propietarios esperan que sus casas funcionen de la manera más eficiente posible desde el punto de vista energético, muchos constructores están recurriendo a estándares de construcción ecológica para mejorar la función general de la estructura.
Let’s start at the top and see why installing energy-efficient radiant barriers like LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier may reduce energy consumption and explore other benefits of this green builder favorite.
What is Green Building?
Green building prioritizes the sustainability and performance of a building with a holistic approach that maximizes economy, resiliency, and occupant comfort over the entire life cycle of the home. Green building can include factors like the home's site selection, design, construction, maintenance, renovation and even deconstruction at the end of its usable life.
Homeowners living in a green-built home can likely expect smaller gas, electric and water bills compared to their neighbors living in traditionally built houses.
Are Codes Changing to Impact Green Building?
Just as builders construct homes to meet or exceed local building codes, some communities across the U.S. are adopting green building practices to improve overall sustainability and clean energy usage. In addition to energy conservation, many of these methods involve water, air, and eco-friendly building materials.
Building codes, however, are a bit different from building practices. Codes are mandated by state and by some local municipalities while practices—like building to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)—are optional programs often using tax breaks as incentives.
Both the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer programs to help homeowners save on energy costs. One example is the ENERGY STAR certification program, an EPA green building certification that helps homeowners make good choices by identifying products that can reduce energy consumption.
The ENERGY STAR Rating System and Its Impact on Green Building
To be eligible for an ENERGY STAR certification a product must score 75 or higher on the EPA's scale of 1-100. Essentially a score of 75 or higher means that a particular product can perform more efficiently than 75% of similar building products across the nation.
Whether you’re building green for mandatory code or to enjoy ENERGY STAR-rated efficiency, topping the house with a radiant barrier is a simple and smart way of building a more energy-efficient home.
How Does a Radiant Barrier Impact Energy Usage?
A radiant barrier can significantly decrease thermal radiation and heat transfer. Energy-efficient radiant barrier sheathing combines a sheathing material, such as OSB, with a reflective material that allows it to reduce heat gain in homes while providing a structural element.
LP TechShield Radiant Barrier is one of the LP Structural Solutions products that can help a building be evaluated for and certified as ENERGY STAR.
"LP TechShield sheathing can block up to 97 percent of the radiant heat from entering into the attic in the first place, helping to keep attic temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler," explains Casey Smyth, brand manager for LP Structural Solutions. "This should help curb energy costs while improving the overall efficiency of the HVAC unit."

Smyth further explains the living areas bordering the attic have an easier time staying cool. "The HVAC doesn't have to work so hard to keep the entire house cool and comfortable, increasing its overall efficiency," says Smyth.
Using ENERGY STAR radiant barriers in green construction not only affects the overall energy consumption of the house but can also impact the longevity of the HVAC system. A unit that doesn't struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures can last longer, which extends the time when that unit hits the landfill, and more energy is consumed to manufacture and ship a replacement unit.
Do Radiant Barriers Qualify for HERS Points?
The Home Energy Rating System or HERS, as it's commonly called, is the industry standard to measure a home's energy efficiency. The lower the HERS score, the more energy-efficient a home operates. Some states require a specific HERS score for new construction.
Installing LP TechShield Radiant Barrier may result in lower HERS scores, helping builders meet various energy codes and qualify for local energy efficiency programs.

Looking for more tips on building an energy-efficient house? Read about passive house construction, and read more about energy-efficient solutions here.
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Soluciones de resistencia
5 minPresentamos la colección LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Naturals Collection™: la combinación de belleza de inspiración natural con rendimiento de ingeniería
We’re excited to introduce the LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Naturals Collection™, a bold new addition to our trusted line of engineered wood siding and trim that delivers the warmth and beauty of nature with the advanced protection and performance builders and homeowners expect.
Soluciones laborales
5 minChoosing the Right LP® Structural Solutions Product for Your Build
Cuando se trata de construir estructuras fuertes, confiables y de alto rendimiento, los materiales que elija son importantes. En LP Building Solutions, entendemos que cada proyecto, ya sea una vivienda unifamiliar o un desarrollo multifamiliar, requiere componentes estructurales que satisfagan sus necesidades de resistencia, durabilidad y eficiencia.
Soluciones de sostenibilidad
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En el mundo actual, la sostenibilidad ya no es solo una palabra de moda, es un modelo para una vida responsable y una construcción más inteligente. Con la industria de la construcción en busca de formas de reducir su huella ambiental, LP Building Solutions se enfoca en proporcionar materiales de construcción innovadores para constructores con conciencia ecológica para ayudar a remodelar lo que significa construir de manera sostenible
Noticias y artículos3 min
Historia de la asociación con la Fundación Gary Sinise
La Fundación LP se enorgullece de ser socia de la Fundación Gary Sinise, que apoya a los veteranos heridos de varias maneras. Puede obtener más información sobre la Fundación LP aquí.