When someone says “technology”, “home improvement” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, you probably think of computers, microwaves, or TVs. However, you might be surprised to learn how much technology is embedded in your home. All of the materials that make up your home–from the shingles on the roof to the concrete in the foundation–represent incredible advances in home improvement technology. In this article, you’ll learn about some more recent advances in home improvement technology.
Window Technology
Windows represent an area of the home improvement field that has undergone a remarkable amount of technological transformation. According to one Virginia roofing contractor, “Sophisticated windows that can significantly cut energy consumption are now available, thanks to recent advancements in window glazing technology.” For example, there are windows now that consist of two panes of glass slightly space apart and hermetically sealed so that there is air trapped between them. The air trapped between the panes reduces the windows ability to conduct heat, drastically improving the insulating capacity of the window. Some versions of these windows even contain heavy gases like argon or krypton to further resist heat flow between the panes. This kind of innovative window technology would have been unimaginable not very long ago, but now it is regularly implemented in homes.
Roofing Technology
Most roofs are covered in asphalt shingles. This is because asphalt is cheap and durable. Unfortunately, asphalt is also porous and dark in color, which causes it to absorb sunlight and get hot. Some of this heat is reflected outside, but some of it also seeps into your home, heating up the interior of your house. Fortunately, advances in roofing technology have produced highly reflective cool roof shingles. Cool roof shingles are covered in a reflective coating that reflects sunlight, reducing the temperature of the roof by up to 50 degrees. For those who don’t want to reroof their home to take advantage of the new technology, the reflective glaze can be applied to the existing roof.
Green Technology
It used to be the case that you had buy all of your electricity from the utility companies. Nowadays, with the advent of green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines, you can actually produce your own electricity. Many homeowners have started taking advantage of green technology to save the environment and save some money in the process. Green technology is still very much in its infancy, so it costs quite a bit upfront to install. However, in the long run, you stand to save a lot of money by taking advantage of recent advances in green technology.
Obviously, there are have been many more advances in home improvement technology than the three listed above. But the ones listed above should serve to remind people that technology is everywhere. It’s not just in your phone or in your kitchen, it’s built into the very house you live in.
