High Performance Comfort
Fort homes typically achieve HERS scores around 50, which means they use about half the energy of a typical new home. In simple terms, the lower the HERS score, the less energy a house needs to stay comfortable. In a desert climate where the sun pulls no punches, that translates to lower utility bills and a home that holds its ground against the heat. With tight construction and smart systems, energy efficiency at The Fort isn’t a feature, it’s the standard.
2x6 Construction Standard
At The Fort, 2×6 exterior walls come standard: not as an upgrade, but as the baseline for a better-built home. The deeper wall cavity allows more insulation, better structural rigidity, and a tighter thermal envelope. In a climate that swings from blazing summers to cold desert nights, that extra depth quietly does its job. It’s simple physics and good building practice.
High Performance Building Envelopes
We insulate with ½-lb open-cell spray foam, the kind that expands into every crack and seam like it’s on a mission. It seals the envelope, quiets the house, and turns the walls into a thermal buffer against the desert’s mood swings. No loose batts in the thermal envelope, no shortcuts. Just tight, energy efficient construction.
SPF Roofing
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Our roof system uses 2.8-lb spray-applied roofing foam topped with a durable acrylic coating: a rugged setup built for the desert. The foam goes down as one continuous, seam-free layer, eliminating joints, fasteners, and other common failure points while creating a monolithic waterproof barrier that bonds directly to the roof deck. It delivers additional R-6 insulation, reduces thermal bridging across framing, and the bright white surface reflects the sun instead of absorbing it. The real advantage is longevity: the acrylic coating can be recoated, extending the life of the roof for decades.
Precision HVAC for Desert Living
At The Fort, comfort is quiet. We integrate 18-SEER split systems and mini-split heat pumps, carefully matched to each home and supported by thoughtful duct design. Mini-splits deliver precise control and whisper-quiet operation, while properly designed ducts keep airflow smooth and efficient. The result is simple: steady temperatures, low energy use, and quiet comfort.
High Performance Windows
We install Alpine windows with upgraded glazing, built to handle the realities of desert sun and big temperature swings. The insulated glass and tight construction help keep heat where it belongs: outside in the summer, inside in the winter. The result is better comfort, lower energy loss, and windows that quietly do their job day after day.
Tankless Hot Water Systems
We exclusively use Navien tankless water heaters paired with a dedicated hot water recirculation line for fast, efficient delivery throughout the house. Navien’s smart learning technology studies usage patterns and circulates hot water when it’s most likely needed, reducing wait times while conserving energy and water. The result is reliable, on-demand hot water with efficiency built into the system.
Water Filtration Ready Plumbing
Every Fort home is plumbed with a soft water loop, giving homeowners the flexibility to install the water filtration or softening system of their choice. Whether it’s a traditional softener, whole-home filtration, or a more advanced setup, the infrastructure is already in place to make installation simple and clean.
Solar Options
Solar integration is available for homeowners who want to take energy independence a step further. When installed, we work with our electrician to right-size the system to the home’s actual energy use, ensuring the panels and inverter are properly matched to the house. Because Fort homes are already built for high performance, the result is a smaller, smarter solar system that works efficiently with the home’s design.
