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Home Resources
GREEN BUILDING
ROOFING-
Metal roofs are environmentally friendly and cost effective. They generally contain recycled content and are fire-proof. Metal can be stamped to replicate the look of wood without the warping, or rotting that can often be associated with wood. Metal roofs can be installed over an existing roof, which saves space in the landfill.
Resources:
Classic Products www.classicroof.com
Tamko Roofing Products, Inc. www.metalworksroof.com
Everlast Roofing www.everlastroofing.com
Recycled shingles can be made of plastic or rubber and can resemble cedar shakes or slate. Rubber shingles are generally made from old tires, and plastic shingles contain materials such as garden hose scrap. Recycled shingles are durable and usually come with a 40-50 year warranty. Shingles are lightweight, are resistant to hail and wind, and have a high recycled content.
Resources:
Crow Building Products Ltd www.authentic-roof.com
Re-New Wood, Inc www.ecoshake.com
Asphalt is a popular & lightweight material, usually containing some form of recycled paper content. Asphalt shingles generally come with a 30-40 year guarantee.
Resources:
B&H Lumber (608) 524-6446 www.alexlbr.com
Ondura www.ondura.com
Clay and slate tiles are very durable. Clay, although effective at preventing heat gain, may be damaged by hail. Slate roofs, if installed properly, may last up to 100 years. Systems generally need to be strongly supported because of the weight. Slate and clay may be more expensive, especially considering shipping costs.
Resources:
Durable Slate Co. www.durableslate.com
Renaissance Roofing, Inc www.claytileroof.com
WINDOWS-
Windows play a large role in the efficiency of your house. With high performance windows, you will save money heating and cooling your house. Look for the Energy Star label, a U value less than or equal to .35, an air leakage rating of less than or equal to .06 cfm/ft, solar heat gain coefficient less than .40, wood or fiberglass windows and doors.
Resources:
Hilltop Installations (608) 524-9195 or (608) 215-6993 cell www.hilltopinstallations.com
B&H Lumber (608) 524-6446 www.alexlbr.com
Marvin Windows & Doors www.marvin.com
Pella Corp. www.pella.com
Andersen Windows www.andersenwindows.com
Weather Shield www.weathershield.com
SIDING
If youre looking to give your houses exterior a new look, there are a multitude of options that are attractive, environmentally-friendly, and healthy. Look for a product that has recycled content and a good warranty. You may want to add foam insulation or air seal to increase your home's efficiency. Consider installing a weather water barrier, such as Tyvek.
Vinyl has enormous health and environmental effects throughout its manufacture, product life, and disposal that are not factored into its supposed affordable price. Dioxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to modern science, is the primary byproduct of vinyl manufacturing.
Alternatives to vinyl siding: FSC-certified wood comes from forests that have been grown and harvested sustainably. Wood siding is natural, renewable, biodegradable, and relatively energy-efficient to produce.
Resources:
B&H Lumber (608) 524-6446 www.alexlbr.com
Brunsell Lumber & Millwork www.brunsell.com
Cedar Siding Inc. www.cedarsidinginc.com
Fiber cement siding can be formed to look like wood siding, but is generally more durable, will not rot, and is not susceptible to termites or fire.
Fiber-cement also retains paint well and typically comes with a 50 year warranty. Some manufacturers produce asbestos-free and formaldehyde-free siding, while others utilize low VOC binders. It is composed of cellulose fibers, cement and sand.
Resources:
B&H Lumber (608) 524-6446 www.alexlbr.com
Brunsell Lumber & Millwork www.brunsell.com
Cedar Siding, Inc. www.cedarsidinginc.com
Certainteed Corp. www.certainteed.com
James Hardie Building Products www.jameshardie.com
Metal siding is more durable than wood siding and is resistant to such problems as moisture and termites. Metal requires little maintenance.
Resources:
Alcoa Building Products www.alcoahomes.com
Classic Products www.classicroof.com
Everlast Roofing www.everlastroofing.com
Stucco is made of naturally-occurring materials that are widely available and is low maintenance.
Resources:
Badger Brickface & Stucco Co. (608-241-3213)
Brick or stone exteriors can be a good option if locally produced or if from salvaged materials.
Resources:
Badger Brickface & Stucco Co. (608-241-3213)
Deconstruction (608-244-8759)
Reclaimed wood is reused from buildings that are abandoned or to be demolished and wood that is salvaged from fallen trees.
Resources:
INSULATION
The type of insulation you decide to install in your home can have a significant impact on your homes energy consumption. A well-insulated home will be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and your energy bills will be lower. When choosing insulation, it is important to examine several key factors: durability, reusability and recyclability, indoor air quality, recycled content & pollution generated during manufacturing.
Alternatives to conventional insulation: Formaldehyde-free fiberglass, spray foam, cotton, cellulose and recycled content insulation.
Resources:
B&H Lumber (608) 524-6446 www.alexlbr.com
City Wide Insulation (608-222-2182)
Icynene Inc www.icynene.com
CertainTeed Corporation www.certainteed.com
Johns Manville www.jm.com
UltraTouch Natural Fiber Insulation www.bondedlogic.com
Inno-Therm Fiber Insulation www.innotherm.com
BioBase 501 www.biobased.net
Air Krete Foam Insulation www.airkrete.com
PAINT & WALL FINISHES
Paint is a main contributor of poor indoor air quality. Paints and finishes typically contain formaldehyde, mercury, benzene and sometimes lead and chromium. This chemical combination releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can produce many types of physical problems.
Alternatives to conventional paint: Low or No VOC paints, Natural paints, plasters and AFM Safecoat.
Resources:
Hartje Farm & Home Center (608) 985-8124
FLOORING
www.ecofriendlyflooring.com Wholesale cork, bamboo, tiles and smartwoods. 866-250-3273
www.earthweave.com Non-toxic, biodegradable, natural fiber flooring products. 706-278-8200
WATER
Bosch-Hot Water Systems, Serenity Springs Eco-center (608) 985-8181
www.butlersunsolutions.com Butler Sun Solutions, 858-259-8895
www.solarhart.com Solarhart Solar Water Heaters, Rheem water heaters, 334-260-1525
MISC HOME PRODUCTS
www.greenbuildingsupply.com Green Building Supply, Hundreds of the best name brand eco-products. 800-405-0222
www.safebuildingsolutions.com Mid-West Safe Building Solutions, 800-697-5371
www.seventhgeneration.com Seventh Generation, Non-toxic cleaning and paper products.
www.myhealthyhome.info My Healthy Home, Air testing. 866-743-8563
www.lifekind.com Lifekind Products, Inc. Mattresses and bedding products. 800-284-4983
www.nontoxic.com Nirvana Safe Haven, Organic bedding and more. 800-968-9355
www.lehmans.com Offers the largest selection of old-fashioned and non-electric items. 888-438-5346
www.dehydrators.com Mountain Home Basics, Quality food preservation products and more. 800-572-9549