Green Roofing and Flooring Options

More and more homeowners are turning their homes green one upgrade or repair at a time. This trend is also affecting the way buyers view houses that are on the market. Green options for houses are a hot commodity. They are better for the environment, cut down on the cost of living, and add value to the house.

Here are some green options for the top and bottom of your house.

Green Roofing and Flooring Options:

Roofs are vitally important to a house. Aside from the extremely obvious reason - providing shelter - roofs can protect a house from excessive heat by reflecting the sun’s rays thereby reducing energy costs, and they can add aesthetic appeal. Green roofing options have become more viable in recent years. When choosing the right roof for a home, it is important to consider durability, weight, and resource costs.

Here are some green roofing options to consider.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is an excellent option for those living in hot climates, fire prone areas, or earthquake zones. Metal roofs are available in a variety of durable materials including steel, aluminum, and copper, and a variety of styles and colors. These roofing materials not only typically contain a large percentage of recycled material, they can be recycled over and over. Metal roofs are lightweight, fireproof, and can be painted light colors for better reflectance of solar rays.

Solar roof shingles

Solar roof shingles or photovoltaic (PV) solar roof laminates are an excellent green option.

Photovoltaic cells generate an electric current or voltage using solar rays (sunlight). With new technology, PV roofs have been designed to blend in with more traditional roofing materials. Not only do PV systems create reliable energy, they are also durable. They typically last 30 years with minimal maintenance.

While this is a more expensive option, trends show that the PV solar systems continue to decrease in price year after year.

Living green roofs

Green roofs are a truly environmentally friendly option.

A waterproof membrane is put over a rooftop and covered with soil and living plants. Sound crazy? Consider the benefits before dismissing this green idea. They reduce energy cost by providing extra insulation, and they keep the surface temperature of the roof down in hot summer months. They absorb air pollution, collect and process rainwater, reduce noise pollution, and they create a habitat for birds.

Green Roofing and Flooring Options:

Now that the top of the house is covered, here are some options for going green below your feet.

Green flooring is becoming more popular as homeowners increase demand for green products.

When choosing green flooring options consider the durability, the sustainability of the materials, and whether or not the products have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Materials containing low VOCs reduce harmful off-gassing that can create unhealthy air quality in a home.

Here are some green options that deserve attention.

For Carpet Lovers

Wool carpet

This durable, renewable resource is becoming more and more popular. Other green advantages of wool carpet include ease of maintenance, stain resistance, no VOCs (no off-gassing), fire retardant, and soft natural feel.

There are some disadvantages including expense.

Recycled carpet

This option is green and economical. Fibers are made from used carpet, soda/water bottles, and other plastic materials. Using recycled carpet also helps reduce landfill waste that is not biodegradable.

For Hardwood Lovers

Wood

Wood floors create a warm look to any house and now there are more green options than ever before. Bamboo, eucalyptus, and cork are not only beautiful, they are environmentally friendly options for floors.

Linoleum

Not to be confused with vinyl flooring! Linoleum contains organic ingredients that are biodegradable, does not produce off-gassing, and is easy to install.

Concrete

Concrete* is not just for industrial buildings anymore.

Concrete floors are durable, easy to clean, and can be colored, stained or patterned to create a unique look for any home.

Demand for green products continues to increase and prices on these environmentally friendly products continue to decrease.

Green houses are not only healthier to live in, they are more attractive to buyers when it comes time to sell.

If green repairs and upgrades are not in the budget, visit www.homevestorsfranchise.com for information on selling your house as is.