Re-Done Green Construction

Green is the balance of using materials versus the cost to harvest or create the materials and considering environmental health of a space.
To help make ‘Green’ choices, consider the following:

1. Is the product made locally?
2. How far does the product have to travel from manufacturing to final destination?
3. Is the product highly process, thus requiring more energy?
4. Does the product contain chemicals?
5. Is the product recycled?
6. Does the product require special protection during installation?
7. Is the product energy efficient?
8. Does the product have high VOC quantities and off gas them?
9. Does the product have a long life span?

Green products can be used when you want:

1. to save money
2. Better Efficiency
3. Better Environmental Health (air quality)
4. to feel good

It depends on what type of windows your currently have. If you have single pane windows or metal frames windows, then the answer generally is YES.

Windows that are single pane and/or metal frame windows have a lot of heat loss. Newer windows have two or more panes, are filled with an inert gas that limits heat transfer, and have frames that limit heat transfer. Generally frames can be made from metal, wood, fiberglass or vinyl (least favorite). Frames can be a combination of the mentioned materials as well. The formula you have to look at is the total cost of the new window (including the environmental impact of making the window) plus the life span of the new window plus the energy savings of the window. If the end result is more energy savings, better home air quality and lower maintenance, then replace your windows. Also make sure your old windows get recycled.

This is one of the easiest energy upgrades. You will probably save enough money off your energy bills in the first year to pay a contractor to install the insulation into your crawlspace or attic.

Don’t wait, get it done before winter hits. Currently you can also get federal tax credits.

Calling insulation ‘Green’ is a tricky question and depends on the insulation. There are at least five types of insulation that are readily available.

• Fiberglass
• Rigid Foam
• Spray Foam
• Cotton
• Blow In

Each of these have benefits and costs. Fiberglass and Rigid foam have good insulation values but have some chemical properties and installation protection is required. Cotton insulation has similar insulation values and does not require installation protection; however, you do need to install a separate vapor barrier. Spray foam now comes in some great ‘green’ formulas and generally performs the best for insulating. The down side is that you have to have an open wall to apply the product. There are a few different types of blow in insulation, most are made from recycled products.
Keep in mind that any insulation that you can perform to your house will most likely create great savings.