Adding Green Features to Your Home

The benefits of adding green features to your home are numerous. In addition to obviously helping the environment, eco-friendly materials also decrease utility expenses, and reduce if not eliminate potential health problems. They also add value to your house, whether or not you sell it, rent it out, or keep it within your family. Here are a few of the main elements in your home to consider, from Clayton Construction:

Windows: First, don't forget about the possibilities and the benefits of extra shading. Awnings, shutters, external blinds, and even trees can reduce how the temperatures filter through your existing windows. If you do still decide or need to replace windows, go for double panes, insulated frames, and/or low emissivity glass.

Roof: How about a green roof, literally? A layer of moisture and root resistant material is placed upon a section of the roof, and plants grow. It results in heating and cooling effects for your home, a reduction in pollutants in the air, and a unique aesthetic characteristic.

Flooring: In lieu of carpeting, try recycled glass, bamboo, sustainably sourced wood, or even cork. If you decide to still have carpeted floors, find companies that use natural fibers for the backing as well as the top layers.

Insulation: A safe alternative to common fiberglass is cellulose, which comes from recycled paper, particularly newspapers. Another option is cotton, which is made from recycled denim.

Paint & Stains: Choose paints that have little to zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Milk based paints are a favorite, and for staining, choose products that are based in water, not oil.

It's important to work with general contractors who are familiar with green materials. Call us at 615-969-9758, to discuss how we can help improve your Nashville Metropolitan home with the environmentally friendly features that you want!