Creating an Eco-Friendly Home This Summer

Growing concern for the environment is driving sustainability and climate-conscious initiatives in the construction industry, influencing the materials we use for our homes. Many homeowners are now looking for sustainable material choices, such as composite decking, that offer long-lasting quality with a low environmental impact (LEI).

More sustainable materials have become available on the market that provide homeowners with the high quality and durability needed to protect their homes while helping the environment. In this guide, we will discuss some ways you can create an eco-friendly home by incorporating green building features into your designs or remodeling projects.

Revamp Your Outdoor Space with Composite Decking

As warm weather sweeps across the Atlantic Northeast and coastal Delaware, you may be considering expanding your home’s exterior entertainment space by installing a deck. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly alternative to other decking materials because it is made from reused plastics, like polyethylene film, sawdust, and other wood-waste materials.

Composite decking manufacturers, such as TimberTech and Trex, offer competitive and quality materials with great transparency regarding their eco-friendly manufacturing practices. We encourage you to explore the manufacturers’ respective websites to learn more about their dedication to green manufacturing systems through the use of renewable energy sources, recycled water, and recycled materials.

Related Article: Is Composite Decking Environmentally Friendly?

Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Improving the energy efficiency of your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and energy usage while saving money on your utilities every month. What’s even better is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on solar panels or other high-tech appliances to optimize your home’s efficiency. There are many cost-effective ways homeowners can optimize the efficiency of their homes and improve overall functionality, such as:

• Insulating the attic — Insulation is key for optimal energy efficiency because it helps manage the airflow in and out of the house. Without insulation, your home cannot properly regulate internal temperatures, which can lead to damage caused by condensation or even pipe bursts. Insulate exposed areas of your attic with attention to the perimeter, joists, and doorways.
• Reinforcing and treating windows — Treating and reinforcing your windows helps create an air-tight seal that increases energy efficiency. Treatments like weatherstripping, caulking, or window film, can be applied directly to the glass, around the frame, or to fill in any gaps.
• Use LED light bulbs — According to the S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use approximately 75% less energy than traditional light bulbs. Swapping out your light bulbs for LEDs is a cost- and time-effective solution for improving energy efficiency.
• Clean or replace dirty air filters — Dirty air filters can make your HVAC system work harder to regulate temperatures throughout the home. The Department of Energy reports that routine replacement of your air filters can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

Related Article: Affordable Ways to Improve Home Energy Efficiency this Spring

Upgrade Your Roof with Eco-Friendly Shingles

The market is brimming with eco-friendly roofing options for any homeowner and offers numerous colors, textures, and materials for various home styles.

Before the development of recycled shingles — made from a combination of wood chippings, plastics, and other materials — options like slate, wood, or metal were popular choices. Today, if you’re in need of a roof replacement or upgrade, you have the perfect opportunity to explore more eco-friendly roofing materials. There are so many options to meet your budget and stylistic preferences.

Ready to create the eco-friendly home you’ve been dreaming of?

At Advance Roofing, Windows, Siding & Doors, our deep industry knowledge provides homeowners great peace of mind when undertaking an exterior remodeling project. Our services result in a home renovation that’s beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly.

Contact Advance Inc. today to speak to an expert for a quote, or browse our services on our website. We are happy to help!