Cavity wall, plumbing and loft insulation
Chemicals are important in making sure that modern homes are well insulated so that they stay warm and energy is saved. The cavity walls are filled with foam such as polyurethane or phenol-formaldehyde resin, and the floor of the loft is lined with glass fibre.

Insulation of electrical fittings is important too, with the wiring being coated with polyethylene, PVC or neoprene rubber, and electrical plugs and sockets being made of phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin.

Pipework for the gas and plumbing is in polyethylene and the drainpipes and gutters are of PVC. The water tank in the loft may be in GRP, using a glass-reinforced unsaturated polyester.

Timbers and brickwork
The brickwork of a house would not stay together without the chemicals in mortar, while adhesives and sealants are used widely for assembly and joints in the construction. Interior walls are made smooth with plaster. A growing range of paints provides attractive options for coating the timber. Window frames and patio doors are fabricated from aluminium and unplasticised PVC.

Foundations and underground pipework
Cement and concrete are needed for the foundations and a membrane of PVC or polyethylene is put down before the floor is laid - often with PVC tiling. Bitumen is relied on for insulation against water, in damp-proofing and in roofing. Underground pipework is of PVC.