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The majority of scientists and other experts now agree that human activity is having a negative impact on the planet. Global warming, increased pollution, and our diminishing natural resources have resulted in an urgent need to change our lifestyles. One way of creating a more sustainable environment is by building eco friendly homes.

By building eco friendly new homes we are protecting our forests and reducing the amount of toxins and green house gases being released into the air. For instance, bamboo is becoming popular as a source of wood for building homes. Bamboo is durable and it grows quickly therefore we are replenishing forests quickly instead of depleting them. As well, it absorbs four times as much carbon dioxide as most trees.

Another method of obtaining wood is through harvesting wood from sustainable forests and from recycled wood. One should consider using “green” lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Acquiring furniture made from eco-friendly methods is another way of protecting environment. There are many companies that recycle old furniture into beautiful products. As well, waste wood from lumber yards and wood from sustainable forests are also used to make eco-friendly furniture.

For concrete foundations, fly ash, the residue from coal-fired power plants, can be used to replace at least half the cement used to make concrete. Utilizing fly ash reduces the cost of concrete, and produces a superior quality product.

One main source of indoor pollution is carpeting and rugs. They are known for collecting toxins, dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. Using an eco friendly carpet made from eco friendly materials helps reduce the amount of indoor harmful toxins in the home.

Other methods of making a home eco friendly include:

- Make sure windows are air tight to reduce energy consumption. – Use recycled and environmentally friendly insulation that do not contain any chemicals. Baled straw is a good choice. – Bricks can be recycled and reused with very little processing and energy consumption. – Concrete countertops made from recycled newspaper and fly ash – Paint walls with an eco-friendly paint. – Use energy efficient light bulbs. – Install ventilation systems to remove dust, dirt, and toxins that are in the air. – There are a host of energy efficient appliances on the market such as refrigerators, washers, water heaters, etc. – Install cabinets that do not contain any toxic substances – Install fans in the bathroom to remove moisture and install exhaust fans over the stove to remove gases. – For flooring, use either cork, bamboo, hardwood from certified sustainable forests, or biodegradable linoleum. – Install low flow shower heads and water conserving toilets.

According to the Worldwatch Institute, an independent organization that evaluates serious global issues, “one-fourth of the world’s wood and one-sixth of its fresh water are used in building construction”. More companies are now responding to consumers’ demands for an eco friendly lifestyle. Because there are now such a wide range of earth friendly materials available, building an eco friendly home is one way we can reduce our carbon footprint.

Ranging from luxurious interiors to fresh exteriors, our service is dedicated to providing a warm Guelph home for families and individuals. Asides from home building, home improvement is also highly emphasized. If you are looking for greater detail for guelph homes, please visit us!

Comments (0) Dec 29 2009

When a person is looking at homes to purchase, one of the most common factors that are overlooked is the type of roof insulation installed. Roof insulation should be inspected before a home is purchased. There are many things that can go wrong after purchase if the proper precautions are not followed.

Roof insulation has several important jobs. The first job of any type of roof insulation is to trap heat in order for a home to keep warmer. No matter what type of roof insulation which is used, it will be located directly under the material which makes up the outer side of the roof. The type of insulation which is sold in rolls, gets rolled into the roof between the rafters, and then is attached most likely by staples.

Between the rafter and the underside roof is the area most likely taken up by roll in roof insulation. This allows the space of the attic or crawl space to be adequately used as a handy storage area for seasonal items such as Christmas decorations and other small items which are used annually.

When a crawl space or attic is accompanied by the type of roof insulation that gets blown into place by a person using a machine, the amount of storage space diminishes completely. The blown insulation sticks to anything, such as materials, and generally even is placed on the floor of the attic or crawl space. This type of insulation is the easiest to install, but is not the best space saving method to use.

Also, most roof insulation is not very flammable. Which means if a wood stove is the only method of heat, and the roof insulation is installed correctly, a chimney fire will not spread as quickly as it would if there were no roof insulation present in the home.

Also, when air conditioning is used inside a home regardless of the source, the cool air will be pushed downward into the living area of the home, because good roof insulation traps heat, and causes the cool air to stay in the home.

In conclusion, a prepared visual inspection before home purchase will save a sufficient amount of living costs when using insight. As a matter of fact, a successful inspection on the purchaser’s part, could request the seller replaces the roof or the roof insulation in order to gain the sale of a home.

April Kerr owns blog Types of Roofing where you will find details on cheap flat roofing materials plus cheepest vinyl rain guttering.

Comments (2) Dec 15 2009

A fireplace has long been a favorite of everyone. They bring class and romance to any home just by merely being there. If you are considering building fireplace in your home, there are a few things that you need to consider before moving forward to make sure that the project goes as smooth as possible.

If there was ever a doubt about how much people like fireplaces, all which need be done is a quick look at a study that was done by the National Board of Realtors. Homes are perceived to have about 10% additional value when there is a fireplace present and a whopping 60% of single homes that are under currently under construction will feature at least one fireplace in them.

As with all home remodel projects, taking the time to plan and learn about options is important when building fireplace. Think about what is most important to you in a fireplace, the look, the size, efficiency and economy, or heat output? Carefully research your community’s building and environmental regulations as well as the location factors within your home.

The most common choice is still the traditional wood burning fireplace, but if economy is important to you this may not be your best selection. About 90 percent of the heat generated in these hearths goes right up the chimney. It is possible to revamp this type of fireplace with a factory built insert that recirculates the air and has glass doors. Vents draw in the cold air, warm it up and then push it back out into the room.

Another route to go is a natural gas burning fireplace. They are very easy to use and while you obviously have to pay for gas, there is no longer the need to chop your own wood or have to buy it from a vendor. They are also able to be lit via a switch so you will never have to worry about damp wood ruining an evening.

Finally, think about what kind of mantel you are going to have as well. This will more than likely become the focal point of the room so you will want to dress it up as much as possible. You can set it up for a vase, picture displays or even hang your big screen over top of it. One things is for sure, home life will never be the same once a fireplace is installed.

Building a build an outdoor fireplace is a prevalent choice for scores of homeowners who enjoy the added comfort and warmth that they afford. Dive into our webpage at Outdoor fireplaces for extra specifics.

Comments (1) Dec 01 2009