Gore-Tex-like membranes, which are usually found in weather-proof jackets and shoes, are being studied to build breathable, water-resistant walls. Tyvek is one such synthetic textile being used as a "raincoat" for homes.

The so-called construction "buildtech sector" focuses on animal-based fibers such as wool or silk, plant-based fibers such as linen and cotton, and synthetics such as polyester and rayon to develop technical or high-performance materials, thus improving the quality of construction, especially for buildings, dams, bridges, tunnels, and roads.

Researchers cite the fibers' mechanical properties, such as lightness, strength, and also resistance to such factors as creep, deterioration by chemicals, and pollutants in the air or rain.

Natural fibers may be processed into a continuous mat.According to researchers, nylon and fiberglass are being mixed with traditional fibers to control thermal and acoustic insulation in walls, facades, and roofs. Technological innovation in materials, which includes nanotechnologies combined with traditional textiles used in clothes, enables buildings and other constructions to be designed using textiles containing steel polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).

This gives the materials new antibacterial, antifungal and antimycotic properties in addition to being antistatic, sound-absorbing and water-resistant.

Rooflys is another example. In this case, coated black woven textiles are placed under the roof to protect roof insulation from mold. These building textiles have also been tested for fire resistance, nail sealability, water and vapor impermeability, and wind and UV resistance.

In Spain, three researchers from the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) have developed a panel made with textile waste. They claim that it can enhance both the thermal and acoustic conditions of buildings, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the energy impact associated with the development of construction materials.

Experts believe that besides textiles, innovative natural fiber composite materials are a parallel field of the research on insulators that can preserve indoor air quality. These bio-based materials, such as straw and hemp, can reduce the incidence of mold growth because they breathe. Material breathability refers to their ability to absorb and release moisture naturally.