With the popularity of "green" products on the rise and the trend not looking to slow down anytime soon, construction products and building techniques that are friendly to the environment are seeing a rapid rise in sales. Let's look at some of the green trends in construction:
From The Ground Up
Green practices can be incorporated from the very beginning of the building process. From the concrete. masonry, beams, doors, windows, mechanical and electrical systems, moisture and heat protection, finishes, appliances, pretty much for any aspect of building, there are green options and choices that can be made.
Flooring
There are many green types of flooring now available. Wood flooring made from wood that has been taken from old or disused buildings has gained more popularity, since this is a smart way to recycle. For new flooring products, green builders can now choose from green choices like cork, rubber and bamboo. New linoleum products are also now available that can be recycled and are less toxic than their predecessors.
Carpet
Carpets are now available that are recyclable, use little or no toxic materials in manufacturing and are also lower in cost. Carpet tiles are a very green choice and are extremely easy to install and replace.
Goals Of Green Building
The main goal of green building is not just to be more friendly to the environment, but also be a healthier place to live for the home's occupants. In every aspect of a green home, non toxic or less toxic materials are employed. Green homes will also blend in better with their surroundings and use much less energy and water.
Advantages
There are many advantages to building and living in a green home. While there may be a bit more upfront cost, over the life of the home, the savings on energy costs alone would more than make up for any upfront costs. More cost savings will arise from energy efficiency, water efficiency, landscaping efficiency and materials efficiency. Also, for very sensitive homeowners, a green home will have used much less toxic or chemical based materials, making a green home much safer and healthier for the owner.
Green Remodeling Trends
Not only is green home construction a hot area, green remodeling has also come to the forefront. Existing homeowners can now incorporate green building practices and materials when they are remodeling their homes. For example, in a typical kitchen remodel, the appliances are all replaced. In the case of a green home remodel, the appliances would all be replaced with energy star efficient appliances. Thus saving energy and money at the same time. In the case of a bathroom remodel, simply replacing a toilet with a newer model toilet will save several gallons of water for each flush, which adds up to a significant water savings over time.
Whether you choose to use green practices to build or remodel for cost savings or environmental reasons, it's certain that green building is a trend that will only continue to grow.
Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon's Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights and construction safety lights. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Quinn |
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