Modular Homes: A Safer, Eco-friendly Alternative
There are many misconceptions about modular homes — one of the most popular being that modular homes are not as safe as traditional stick-built homes. Some people also mistakenly believe that modular homes are not eco-friendly or that they waste energy.
In reality, however, modular homes offer an abundance of safety and environmental benefits that make them an excellent choice for the 21st– century home buyer who is looking to live in a solidly constructed, eco-friendly home for many years to come.
Are Modular Homes Safe?
Understandably, modular home safety is a primary concern, especially in areas prone to flooding, high winds, hurricanes and tornadoes. Modular homes feature a solid construction that can withstand the most challenging weather conditions.
Regarding wind, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has developed a Wind Zone Map that categorizes winds based on three zones. In Zone 1, which comprises most of the country, modular homes must be built to withstand winds of up to 136 mph. In Zones 2 and 3, which are considered at higher risk of experiencing hurricane-force winds, they’re constructed to handle winds of up to 150 and 163 mph, respectively.
Are modular homes safe in a tornado? When you consider that the strongest tornado winds speeds typically do not exceed 113 mph, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your modular home will provide excellent protection against these potentially devastating wind events.
What’s more, FEMA indicated that modular homes withstood the massive wind and water damage inflicted by Hurricane Sandy better than site-built homes!
Modular homes are inherently more eco-friendly than their stick-built counterparts. “Green” modular homes are constructed in a controlled factory setting that significantly reduces waste.
How Can I Make My Modular Home More Eco-Friendly?
Modular homes are inherently more eco-friendly than their stick-built counterparts. “Green” modular homes are constructed ina controlled factory setting that significantly reduces waste. Many of the leftover materials can be recycled and reused in future building projects. The high quality of the construction process also eliminates gaps and drafts, making them extremely energy efficient.
As a Westchester Modular client, you’ll have access to multiple options for making our green modular housing even more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. As an Energy Star Partner, we can inspect your home to ensure it complies with or exceeds the lofty Energy Star standards for energy efficiency. This covers critical areas such as insulation, air filtration, plumbing pipes and more.
The Westchester Green Agenda is an excellent way to reduce water consumption in your environmentally-friendly modular home. Our Green Agenda enables you to select faucets, toilets and showerheads designed to conserve water — and lower your utility bills.
Contact Us to Learn More About Our Safe, Green Modular Homes
With more than 30 years of high-quality modular home experience, you can trust Westchester to help you design and build the safe, environmental modular home of your dreams. Contact us to learn more!
