ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY

A StalwartBuilt home is designed with such efficiency that a smaller-than-usual solar power system can be used to dramatically reduce or even eliminate electricity cost. Solar power systems are low maintenance and pay for themselves. If you choose to not have solar power now, StalwartBuilt homes are engineered with interior chases to better enable installation of a solar system later.

StalwartBuilt HVAC systems are geo-thermal, tapping the earth’s constant underground temperature for heating and cooling. They typically use about a third less energy than a standard heat pump system. NBC News link. The programmable thermostats alone save about $150 per year in energy.

Free hot water, provided by a de-superheater connected to the geo-thermal unit, redirects heat taken from the home. In some cases a solar water heating system is utilized.

The nationally recognized Home Energy Rating System (HERS) independently calculates overall energy consumption and costs for all StalwartBuilt homes. After inspection a computerized rating is issued to the homebuyer or lender. More about HERS pdf

A built-in energy monitoring system has been proven to greatly enhance the homeowners ability to reduce energy consumption. (link) See real-time energy monitoring of a StalwartBuilt, solar powered LEED Platinum home.

The “building envelope” or outer shell of the home is scientifically designed to be exceptionally airtight and is rigorously tested to prevent mold, control indoor air quality and greatly minimize the energy needed to heat and cool.

A specially designed, closed, unvented attic assembly with foam insulation on the underside of the roof deck, dramatically reduces air conditioning load and lowers utility costs.

100% water-blown, formaldehyde-free spray foam insulation not only provides extreme energy efficiency, but also helps keep the interior’s relative humidity between 35% and 50%, inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew and dust mites.

High quality metal roofing reflects heat, providing an annual cooling energy reduction of 11% to 26%. Metal roofing also typically lasts 2 to 3 times longer than asphalt or wood shingles.

Low E glass reduces heat gain through windows and doors, saving energy and protecting interiors from UV damage.

Energy Star rated appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models.

Energy Star compact fluorescent lighting produces about 75% less heat than standard lighting.

Smart home options monitor your home while you’re away, turn on lights for you before you come home, or adjust your thermostat automatically.

Smart breakers turn off selected circuits when not in use and reduce “phantom loads.”

Whole House Surge Protection relieves the worry of lightning, utility grid switching and other sources that destroy appliances, computers and entertainment systems.

Water-saving showerheads and faucets are standard along with water conserving toilets to reduce water consumption, water heating demands and wastewater treatment loads.

A built-in rainwater harvesting system not only reduces water consumption, but can provide a better quality of water for landscape irrigation.

Gray water recycling systems are also available.

AIR QUALITY

A mechanically controlled ventilation system brings in outside air, filters it, and distributes it.

A slight, positive interior air pressure is maintained to inhibit outdoor pollutants and allergens from entering the home.

50 cfm Energy Star rated bath exhausts and 100 cfm kitchen exhausts remove moist air.

A Central Dehumidification System, designed for your specific climate zone, keeps air moisture properly controlled.

Honeywell F-100 high performance media filters are 40 times more effective at capturing airborne particles than standard 1-inch filters, creating interior air that is 98% allergen-free.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are installed to save lives by alerting homeowners to the presence of this odorless, colorless, toxic gas.

Low VOC paints, ceramic tile and sustainable flooring are all installed off-site for superior quality, no odor, no mess and cleaner indoor air.

WINDLOAD CAPACITY

Up to 200 mph windload resistance is achieved through the engineering and manufacturing processes of “systems-building.”

Systems engineering insures that every brace and fastener in a StalwartBuilt home is constructed for superior strength.

Adhesive weatherproof underlayment helps preserve the structural integrity of the roof in the event of wind damage.

Foundations are engineered for quality and stability according to site-specific conditions.

A BETTER WAY TO BUILD

“Systems-building” means StalwartBuilt home modules are precision constructed in a climate-protected factory environment by a consistent and experienced workforce.

Category specialists perform each craft — framing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, plumbing, finish work, etc.— lessening the need for transient labor or dubious subcontractors.

Computerized equipment and pneumatic tools are used to drive fasteners to precise depths and provide several times more fasteners than ordinary homes.

Efficiency-controlled in-plant construction systems eliminate almost all material waste.

Building materials are stored and used in a protected plant environment as opposed to being exposed to damaging on-site weather conditions, and jobsite theft.

By bulk-purchasing the best quality lumber, sheet rock, carpet, paint, and other materials, our plants pay less for them and material supply is better controlled for production.

A 30-60 day build-time is normal for StalwartBuilt homes. Unlike conventional construction, sitework and foundations can be constructed at the same time as the main home portions are being factory built. On-site assembly is then finished quickly and efficiently.

A shorter build-time makes cash flow more manageable and helps reduce financing costs.

Felt wrap and polyethylene vapor barriers in addition to the exterior wrap help keep water and moisture out.

A specially designed drainage plane inside exterior walls allows water that may penetrate exterior cladding to drain out of the wall assembly. This is an invaluable protection against one of today’s most common and damaging home health and decay problems.

Proper site grading directs surface water away from building foundations and walls.

Crawlspaces and raised floors minimize floodwater and pest damage.

Termite shields and capillary breaks at foundation walls and piers add another layer of pest and water protection.

Non-paper faced sheetrock in shower and tub areas provides superior mold and moisture resistance.

Factory-installed structured wiring creates an in-home communications network that allows for multiple computers on one internet connection; a DVD played in one room to be watched on TVs in other rooms; a dozen different phone lines and more.

With the fixed-pricing of in-plant construction there's much less room for the large cost overruns that are so common in conventional homebuilding.

The science of StalwartBuilt continues to advance through research and development, as well as collaboration with our industry partners. Sign up for email updates.