If you're planning on some new home additions and you've had green remodeling on the brain then this is the perfect opportunity to start moving in a new direction with your home. There's a different take on going green though; while saving the environment is great there are also a number of health benefits that come from doing a green remodeling and building home additions with the environment in mind.
It might surprise you to know that there are volatile compounds in your home - even if you have a newer household. Arsenic, vinyl chloride and other voltaic organic compounds (VOCs) are common even in new modern homes. These things are byproducts of some of the most widely used building materials and they are in your home. The last thing you want to do is add to it with your new home additions. Feel like improving your lifestyle and living space yet?
Here are proven green strategies for remodeling and building home additions that ensure a safe environment for your family:
Formaldehyde free insulation: Use recycled fiberglass, rock wool or cellulose insulation as the products are very much environmentally friendly and don't contain any formaldehyde - the common additive in fiberglass batt insulation/
Use Low or No-VOC paints, sealants and wood treatments: Most manufacturers are going this route but you still need to be careful about your selection. Most finishing compounds used on walls, flooring and other locations in the home traditionally emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a long period after they're applied - even when dry. Low or No-VOC products minimize these contaminants and in some cases get rid of them completely
Avoid MDF (medium density fiberboard): MDF and particle board are common materials used in budget countertop and cabinet construction. They also give off urea formaldehyde (a known carcinogen). If you use these products, sell exposed areas with a no-VOC sealant or paint.
Avoid vinyl: Vinyl is an attractive option for a budget remodel with new home additions but it should be avoided. It gives off vinyl chloride fumes which can be harmful. Carpet is no better, as it gives off compounds relating to bonding agents, static treatments, stain-guards and more.
Choose the right windows: Invest in quality windows that allow in and retain heat within the home. The more heat that's collected, the less the furnace runs. Forced air stirs up pollutants, dust and allergens which can cause chaos with your family. This is also a great way to reduce your heating costs around the home.
Properly ventilate your home: A home must be properly ventilated in order to move and cycle air, reduce pollutants and allergens, and disperse moisture. It's good to have an air-tight home with no ventilation. When you're building your home additions, make sure that the space will receive proper ventilation from moving air as well as from windows to the outside world.
Home additions give you the opportunity to make a change in how you approach smart living, not just for the environment but for yourself and your family. Green updates are popular in many homes and the greatest benefit is that you could increase the value of your home by making green updates that would even benefit a new buyer. Before choosing materials for your new home addition project, talk to a general contractor about the safest products to use in your home.
Author Resource:
Paragon Remodeling specializes in providing you with Northern Virginia additions that are safe and built to last. For any project - from windows to a Northern Virginia deck - hire the contractors dedicated to delivering quality. Paragon Remodeling - 8000 Towers Crescent Drive - Vienna VA 22182
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