Top Building Trends for 2025: Resilient, Efficient, and Smarter Homes

As the demand for high-performance homes continues to rise, the building products industry is evolving with new technologies, materials, and construction practices that improve energy efficiency, durability, and overall home performance.

From weather-resistant materials to continuous insulation, here are the key trends shaping residential construction in 2025.

1. Resilience: Building for Extreme Weather

With wildfires, hurricanes, and severe storms becoming more frequent, builders and homeowners are prioritizing materials that enhance resilience. This includes:

• Fire-resistant cladding, decking, and roofing materials that meet Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliance.

• High-wind-resistant siding and roofing options to withstand storm conditions.

• Advanced envelope designs that improve water drainage and prevent damage.

• Self-adhered underlayments that provide an extra layer of roof protection against shingle blow-off during extreme weather.

2. A Systems-Based Approach to Energy Efficiency

The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) has set new energy efficiency standards, which are being adopted across more jurisdictions. Builders are taking a systems-based approach, focusing on:

• Better weatherization strategies to reduce water intrusion and air leaks.

• Enhanced moisture management to prevent mold and rot in tight, high-efficiency homes.

• Computer modeling and HERS raters to optimize home energy performance.

Builders are investing more in energy-smart solutions, ensuring homes stay comfortable, dry, and efficient year-round.

3. Rainscreen Requirements for Stone Veneer and Stucco

One of the biggest code changes is the requirement for rainscreens behind manufactured stone veneer cladding and stucco.

Why is this important? These materials are highly absorptive, meaning they can trap moisture and lead to:

• Mold growth

• Structural damage

• Premature deterioration

A ventilated rainscreen creates an air gap that allows moisture to escape, preventing long-term damage. This involves openings at both the top and bottom of the wall, creating a convective airflow that dries the cavity behind the cladding.

4. Continuous Insulation: Eliminating Thermal Breaks

To meet new energy codes, builders are adopting continuous insulation (CI), especially in Climate Zones 4 and above.

By installing continuous exterior insulation, homes gain:

• An extra R-5 insulation value

• Fewer thermal breaks, improving energy performance

• Reduced condensation risks, protecting the structure from moisture damage

However, CI also requires careful planning to integrate with weather barriers and flashing, ensuring a seamless, energy-efficient building envelope.

5. Conditioned Attic Spaces for Energy Efficiency

As homeowners demand higher energy performance, conditioned attics are becoming standard practice. Unlike traditional attics, these spaces must be properly ventilated to avoid:

• Trapped moisture and condensation

• Mold growth and wood rot

• Premature roof failure

To prevent these issues, builders are using vapor-permeable underlayments like VaporDry SA, which allows moisture to escape and keeps roofing systems dry.

Final Thoughts: The Future of High-Performance Homes

The building envelope is at the center of energy efficiency, durability, and resilience. With evolving codes, materials, and best practices, builders must stay ahead by integrating smarter, more effective solutions into their projects.

For manufacturers, contractors, and architects, embracing these trends is not just about meeting regulations—it’s about delivering better, longer-lasting homes that offer real value to homeowners.

At The Bridger Group, we connect companies in the building products and interiors sectors with exceptional leaders who drive results. Contact us today.  

‍