Energy-efficient building materials we recommend for Texas homes

Texas heat is no joke. A well-built home in Austin should be designed for 100-degree summers, not mild climates. The materials and techniques below make a measurable difference to cooling costs and year-round comfort.

Spray foam insulation

Closed-cell spray foam in the attic and walls creates an air barrier that stops heat transfer. In Texas, this is the single biggest upgrade you can make. A spray-foamed attic can stay within 10 degrees of the living space, instead of hitting 140 degrees. Expect a 30-50% reduction in cooling costs.

Low-E triple-pane windows

Windows are the weakest link in your building envelope. Low-E coatings reflect infrared heat. Triple-pane glass with argon gas adds another layer of insulation. In Texas, prioritize south and west-facing windows — that's where the afternoon heat load is highest.

Radiant barrier roof decking

Radiant barrier plywood has a reflective foil layer on the underside. It reflects up to 97% of radiant heat from the sun back through the roof. Combined with spray foam, it can reduce attic temperatures by 30+ degrees. It's inexpensive and should be standard on any new build.

High-SEER HVAC with zoning

A 16+ SEER variable-speed HVAC system with zoning allows you to cool different parts of the house independently. In a two-story home, this means the upstairs doesn't run constantly while the downstairs freezes. Pair it with a smart thermostat for 10-15% additional savings.

Cool roofing

A light-colored metal roof or reflective shingle reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it. This reduces roof temperature by 50+ degrees and can cut cooling costs by 10-15%. Metal roofs also last 40+ years in Texas and are hail-resistant.

The payoff

These upgrades add $15k-$30k to a build. They pay for themselves in 5-8 years through lower utility bills, and they make the home noticeably more comfortable. We include most of them as standard on every custom build.