Go green this 2017! Three more trends to incorporate into your home.
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
Reclaimed hardwood can be sourced from a number of different places including old barns, factories, homesteads, railway sleepers and even wine barrels. Because it is reclaimed, this flooring alternative eliminates the use of virgin lumber and helps preserve our forests. Aside from its green benefits, reclaimed hardwood flooring can be stronger and more durable than floors installed using newer wood. Old hardwoods are less likely to split or warp since the boards have fully dried out. On top of that, reclaimed hardwood has a visible history, giving depth and distinct character to flooring and the home interior as a whole.
Modified Wood for Decking
Nothing brings family and friends together like an outdoor deck, where homeowners can host moonlight bonfires or backyard cookouts. Installing a new outdoor or indoor deck can be a big investment in building or upgrading your home, so picking a deck material that will last a long time, require little maintenance, be environmentally friendly and add undiminishing beauty to the house is crucial. Composite decking has been popular in the market for quite some time due to its low purchase cost, many color options and low maintenance requirements. However, due to increased demand for eco-friendly materials, modified wood is now being viewed as a green alternative for decking. Modified wood has the look and feel of a real wood but its chemical structure has been altered to increase durability. Like all wood, it stays cool during the summer, but it will not contract and expand as much as non-modified wood, unlike some composite decks. Overall, modified wood is a great green option, as it can be from sustainably sourced wood and treated with non-toxic products. Here is one option to get started.
Photo provided by Allura USA.
Fiber Cement Siding
If you want to go green and upgrade to a modern house exterior, you may want to consider installing fiber cement siding. Unlike cedar, fiber cement siding is a composite material made with fibers from recycled wood. It is also inert and gives off fewer VOCs than other types of siding . Among other advantages of fiber cement sidings, it can be repainted, giving the exterior of the home a versatile design. Paint stays in place better than with wood siding, as fiber cement boards don’t expand and contract as much as wood. This green siding option will stand up to extreme weather conditions, preventing warping, color fading, rotting or cracking of walls. Fiber cement siding is an investment that assures longevity and the reduction of maintenance costs for your green home.
Photo provided by Allura USA.
Go Green This 2017!
Owners of green homes can see financial benefits by investing in long-lasting, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly materials. It is crucial to educate about going green so that homeowners can have a more durable, energy-smart and healthier home for less or the same cost as a conventional home. Knowledge is power; make a smart choice and go green.
This blog was contributed by Matt Lee, Outreach Coordinator for Allura USA.
