It might be surprising to find out that everything you need to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is right below your feet. Geothermal energy has been around for decades and is rising in popularity as the most energy and cost-efficient, environmentally friendly source for indoor climate control. Geothermal […]
Solar Power for Your New Build
Solar power is probably one of the most well-known alternative energy sources. For many, capturing energy from the sun using solar panels was the first way regular residential homes could switch to a more environmentally safe process. When it comes to fighting climate change, solar panels, along with all of the other alternative energy systems […]
What is Vapour Diffusion?
What is Vapour Diffusion Water and moisture accumulation can be potentially dangerous when it comes to construction, and dampness can wreak havoc on basements and the insides of walls, causing structural damage or even mold build-up. There are several ways that water and moisture can get into a structure, and the more common causes are […]
Different types of Insulation: EPS vs XPS vs GPS
Different Types of Insulation: EPS vs. XPS vs. GPS Winters in Canada are no joke, and to make sure that your new home is up to standard and maximizing your heat efficiency, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the different types of insulation available. Insulation is a key component of sustainable, energy-efficient home design, and […]
Pros and Cons of Zip System Sheathing
The Pros and Cons of Zip System Sheathing All new outdoor structures require some form of water-resistant barrier between the building’s inside and regular and severe weather. Although the use of building wraps has been around for well over a century, their construction hasn’t always been as weather-resistant as today’s available options. The need to […]
Benefits of Fibreglass Rebar
The Benefits of Fibreglass Rebar The advanced composite material of fibreglass rebar—fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP)—was commercially recognized in the 1980s when Japan first used it in their high-speed trains. Traditionally used reinforcement materials had been found to lack strength and durability due to their propensity toward corrosion. In particular, this defect was shown to shorten […]
Pex A vs. Pex B
Pex A vs. Pex B One of the most important things to learn if you’re new to plumbing is the difference between PEX A and PEX B. Both types of PEX, which were introduced in the 1970s, have been experiencing a bit of a renaissance in the last few years. PEX A and PEX B […]
Fibreglass Sound Insulation vs. Roxul
Fibreglass Sound Insulation vs. Roxul Safe and Sound When it comes to the world of sound insulation, the first thing you need to know is that more is more, within reason, of course. There are two types of insulation that we’ll be looking at in this blog: fiberglass sound insulation and Roxul Safe and Sound. […]
Light Gauge Steel Framing
Light Gauge Steel Framing Light gauge steel framing provides structure in buildings and, compared to traditional wood framing, is pretty. The major difference is that instead of wood, thin steel pieces are used. Light gauge steel framing can be shaped at room temperature in a process called cold-formation, specifically because of that lighter weight. This […]
Air Sealing (The Importance of..)
The Importance of Air Sealing The ability to keep the heat out in the summer and keep it inside in the winter is a hallmark of a well-built home. GenCorp Homes builds homes for our clients to reflect the significance of design and flow, functional design, and its importance in investing in the highest quality […]
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure may be described as “…the range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters.” Green infrastructure is a cost-effective, resilient approach to managing wet […]
Why Build a Green Wall?
What if it was possible for urban areas to grow alongside plants and vegetation? If it is, Green infrastructure might be part of the solution. These eco-friendly building and home designs could help reduce the negative ecological impact of urbanization while simultaneously setting a standard for environmentally conscious indoor spaces. It is undeniable that climate […]
Solid vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Choosing between solid and engineered hardwood for your new floors can be a confusing process. Friends and family have probably told you several times that traditional solid wood is the best choice — but if that’s the case, why has engineered wood become so popular over the past few decades? The reality is that neither […]
Porcelain Countertops
Porcelain countertops make a stunning addition to any household, though most homeowners choose only to install porcelain fixtures in their bathrooms. However, many Canadians are now beginning to see that porcelain makes for a beautiful kitchen countertop. Porcelain countertops are more than just a trend — they’ve had a long history in European homes, […]
Resilient Channels
What Is A Resilient Channel Let’s begin by explaining what exactly resilient channels are and how they function. Resilient channels were first introduced to the US market in the 60s as an inexpensive and effective soundproofing material. They become very popular and widely used quite quickly because they were much superior in comparison to other […]
Spray Foam Insulation
Whether you’re planning a new home build or looking to renovate, installing the right insulation plays a key role in how healthy and energy-efficient your home will be in the long-term. If you require cost-effective insulation that does the job better than other options on the market, spray foam insulation is the ideal choice for […]
Smart Home System by Control4
Living in an automated home is no longer a fantasy. Today, anyone can install a smart home system to connect and control their entire home from one device. Homeowners are embracing the idea of living in a smart house, and the world’s biggest tech companies are beginning to listen. The market is slowly becoming […]
Forced Air vs In-Floor Radiant Heating
Forced Air vs. In-Floor Radiant Heating: Which is Better There are many important decisions to make during home construction. Perhaps one of the most important choices Torontonians can make is how they’ll decide to heat their new property. The majority of Canadians rely on forced-air heating systems to get the job done, but radiant […]
What is a Green Roof?
Often dismissed as nothing more than an experimental design trend, green roofs are a lot more ingenious than common misconceptions would have you believe. Green roofs are thought by some to be aesthetically pleasing but expensive ventures that can rack up costs in structural issues and upkeep, when, in fact, the opposite is true. Green […]
Geothermal Heat Pump
5 Things to Know About a Geothermal Heat Pump A geothermal heat pump can save money on energy but costs a lot to install We list geothermal energy pros and cons to help you decide whether this system is best for your home. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine The promise […]
What are Net Zero Homes?
The age of eco-friendly living is here. Municipalities are now offering environmental incentives for green housing through grants & incentives. But, even with additional funding for a green home project, the modifications necessary to create a truly sustainable home have long been considered tedious to implement and just too expensive for the average homebuyer. However, […]
What is a Passive House and Why Should You Build One?
No one would blame you for not knowing exactly what a passive house is. Though the term is intriguing, there aren’t many passive homes being made around in the GTA just yet; this is due to a lack of public knowledge on the benefits of passive homes, as well as a lack of training and/or […]
