Determining a climate-appropriate material requires taking into account the weather that the site will experience day in and day out, on a seasonal basis, as well as the particular hazards that a building at this site may experience. While outfitting a building to withstand any disaster would probably result in buildings that were neither affordable nor very attractive, making sure that likely hazards and daily conditions are expected and provided for is key to creating a resource efficient building.
First, plan for known weather circumstances:
Is the material suited to the climate's temperature range?
What is the hottest temperature that building materials will be exposed to on a sunny day? (Note that this can be well above the air temperature.)
What is the coldest temperature that building materials will experience?
How rapidly and how often do temperatures swing dramatically between hot and cold?
Will this material withstand the expected temperature range?
Will this material aid in mitigating temperature fluctuations and keeping the building comfortable for its occupants?
Is the material suited to the climate's and site's moisture/precipitation?
Gather information on the factors that affect the site. Can this material withstand them? Can it mitigate them to improve occupant comfort?
- Humidity
- Rainfall frequency and intensity
- Freeze/thaw cycles
- Runoff
- Snow loads/ snow pack
- Water conserving for dry climates
How does the product enhance the building's energy performance?
- Thermal mass
- Color
- Shading
- Insulation in extreme climates
- Ventilation in moderate climates
Then consider how the material will hold up to less predictable challenges inherent to the area:
What natural hazards exist?
- Termites
- Radon
- Seismic
- Hurricane or other strong wind
- Hail
- Tornado
- Flood
Learn about considerations for climate appropriate Foundations, Wall Systems, and Flooring.
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