GREEN PROJECT
Highland Park Green Resident’s Resource Guide
Green Renovation
Renovation Projects:
Your home is your most valuable asset and provides shelter from the elements. It should also be a safe and environmentally friendly place for you, your family, and your friends. Many of us live in older homes that may not have the most environmentally friendly features. When it comes time to renovate or “spruce up” your home, it’s a perfect time to consider using “green” materials and techniques.
Although some of these materials may be a bit more expensive to purchase, their overall life-time cost may actually be cheaper than their alternatives. For example, replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones might cost a bit more but will reduce your heating and cooling costs. This is especially true with the increasing cost of energy. We suggest that you consider all of the costs and benefits of eco-friendly materials and techniques so that you can decide what makes the most sense for your home and your family.
Many of the smaller renovation projects can be easily handled by the Do-It-Yourselfer. And for those of you who are very comfortable around tools, tackling some of the larger renovation projects by yourself (or with your friends!) can help save you even more money.
However, please remember that for the larger renovation projects, you will probably need a permit from the town before you begin the work. If you use a contractor, make sure that they have the necessary permits before they begin their work. All plumbing and electrical work should be performed by licensed NJ professionals. But if you do this work yourself, remember that it must be inspected by a licensed plumber or electrician.
If you have any questions about permits or any part of the renovation process, don’t hesitate to call the Highland Park Construction Office at 732-819-3793.
We’ve divided this section into Interior and Exterior activities so that you can better locate ideas for your next project. Please click on the links below for more information on green renovation projects.
Interior Renovation Activities
| Painting |
Cabinets |
Appliances |
Floor Coverings |
| Insulation Materials |
Heating and Cooling |
Water Filtration |
Radon Testing |
Interior renovation projects can range from painting a small room to a full kitchen remodeling! Some projects are perfect for the Do-It-Yourselfer while others are best left to the professionals.
The primary environmental concerns for interior projects are the safety of the materials that you’ll use or install and the energy implications of your project. On the materials side, you’ll want to know what cautions or special handling procedures are needed to ensure safety during the job as well as the long-term safety after the project is completed. On the energy side, you want to use the most energy-efficient materials and techniques that you can afford as this up-front investment will pay off in the long run.
Thinking “green” for your interior projects will ensure a safe job, a safer home, and cost-effective use of your renovation dollars.
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• Painting
Painting one room or the whole house can really improve the way your family and neighbors feel about your home. However, you need to be mindful of the environmental issues associated with painting and its preparatory work. If your home was built prior to the late 1970s, there is a very good chance that lead-based paint was used. If you plan to strip, scrape, or sand the old paint, please make sure to use proper precautions to avoid contaminating your home with this toxic substance.
Also, both oil and latex paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can aggravate breathing problems. Be sure to have plenty of ventilation when you are painting indoors. Even better, consider using some of the environmentally friendly low- or no-VOC paints.
http://www.environmentalhomecenter.com/shop.mv?CatCode=10050_PAINTFIN
http://www.hsh.com/pamphlets/hazards.html#lead
http://www.afmsafecoat.com
http://www.greenhome.com/info/articles/your_green_home/120
http://www.doi.gov/oepc/reports/cgr_paints.pdf
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• Cabinets
Adding kitchen or bathroom cabinets is a great way to give your room a new look. Although most woods are considered renewable resources, some of the exotic tropical varieties or hardwoods are illegally logged. Make sure that the wood in your new cabinets was harvested in a resource-sustainable fashion.
And if you decide to use man-made or composite materials, check the manufacturer’s product data sheets for any cautions or warnings about the materials. Some pressed wood products contain formaldehyde or other pollutants which can adversely impact the indoor air quality.
http://www.ccworks.com
http://www.neilkellycabinets.com
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• Appliances
Energy efficient appliances make good sense with the increasing costs of energy. Refrigerators and air conditioners can consume a lot of electricity so energy efficient models can save money over their relatively long life times. Water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers save on your water bill and send less wastewater to the local treatment plant.
The Energy Star® label on an appliance indicates that the product has been certified as energy and resource efficient. These products will save you money so look for the Energy Star label when you’re shopping for new appliances.
http://www.energystar.gov
http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_appl.htm
http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/fappl.asp
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/nrr.html
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/energy-savers/shoppingguide.html
http://www.njcleanenergy.com
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• Floor Coverings
New rugs and carpets are another great way to add new life to a room. Carpeting material is generally safe but the pads beneath the rugs can compromise the indoor air quality. These rug pads can give off a number of irritating pollutants such as benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia and formaldehyde.
Check with your carpet supplier to ensure that the rug pads do not contain any of these indoor pollutants. Rug pads made from natural materials make good alternatives to the man-made varieties.
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• Insulation Materials
Most homes have at least some insulation in their exterior walls. However, some older homes may not have any insulation at all! If this is the case with your home, insulating your exterior walls and attic should be your first major project as this will significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills. Even insulating just the attic space will reduce heat loss in the colder months.
Even if your home is insulated, adding another layer of insulation to the attic will improve your insulation efficiency.
In all cases, be sure to take appropriate precautions during installation. Most insulating materials can be irritating to your skin so you should cover up as much as possible. And when working with fiberglass insulation, always wear at least a dust mask as the fiberglass fibers become airborne and will irritate your throat and lungs.
http://www.owenscorning.com/around/insulation/insulationhome.asp
http://www.jm.com/insulation/default.asp
http://doityourself.com/insulate/insulationmistakes.htm
http://www.sustainableenterprises.com/fin
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• Heating and cooling
Your heating and cooling systems should be serviced each year to ensure that they are working at peak efficiency. When the time comes to replace either of these critical systems, you should install the most efficient system that you can afford. The potential for long-term energy cost savings is significant and can easily pay for any extra “up-front” costs.
For more information on energy considerations, please see our “Energy” section.
Your heating or cooling contractor can help you select the best model for your home. And you can research the latest options on the Web. You should also check with the heating and cooling system manufacturers and installers to see if there are any state or federal rebate programs that could subsidize part of the cost of a high-efficiency system.
You can be warm, cool, and “green” at the same time!
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/cb7.html
http://www.lennox.com/selectionguide
http://www.trane.com/Residential/ResidentialHome.aspx
http://www.residential.carrier.com/generic/0,2804,CLI1_DIV109_ETI8031,00.html
http://www.acdirect.com/index.php
http://www.acdoctor.com
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/nrr.html
http://www.njcleanenergy.com
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• Water Filtration
Adding a water filter can improve the taste and color of your water. In 1986, lead-based solder was banned for use in residential water systems. If your home was built prior to 1990, lead-based solder may have been used in your water plumbing. A water test will tell you if you need to get a filter to address a lead problem. You can find water testing labs in the Yellow Pages.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply
http://www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water/index.asp?program=WaterTre
http://www.purityplanet.com
http://www.waterfiltercomparisons.net/Water_Filter.cfm
http://www.water-filter-guide.net
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• Radon Testing and Mitigation
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in some rock formations throughout NJ. Middlesex County is in a ‘moderate’ radon zone. Radon can affect indoor air quality and can have serious health consequences. Fortunately, testing for radon is fairly easy and inexpensive and test kits can be found in most hardware and Do-It-Yourself stores.
If your home has a radon problem, mitigation generally involves a basement air exhaust system. This ventilation system moves the basement air to the outside where the radon harmlessly dissipates. Radon testing is very simple and ensures that your family will not be affected by this natural pollutant. Since radon is a serious problem in some parts of NJ, the DEP has great information on its Web site: http://www.nj.gov/dep/rpp/radon .
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Exterior Renovation Activities
| Windows |
Doors |
Decks |
| Exterior Siding |
Roofing |
Exterior renovation projects are generally large-scale efforts. Some projects can be perfect for the experienced Do-It-Yourselfer while others are best left to the professionals. Also, please check with your local bank or mortgage company for lower-rate loan programs that they might offer for energy-efficient or green renovation projects.
The primary environmental concerns for exterior projects are similar to the interior projects. That is, you should be concerned about the safety of the materials that you’ll use or install and the energy implications of your project.
On the materials side, you’ll want to know if any of the materials warrants special precautions or any special handling procedures. This will ensure safety during the job as well as the long-term safety after the project is completed.
On the energy side, you’ll want to use the most energy-efficient materials and techniques that you can afford as this up-front investment will pay off in the long run. This is especially true for these exterior projects as they tend to have longer time durations.
Thinking “green” for your exterior projects will ensure a safe job, a safer home, and cost-effective use of your renovation dollars.
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• Windows
Windows provide protection from wind, rain, heat, and cold and are a key component of the architecture of your house. Replacing the old, drafty windows in your home is a major project but is an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your home has storm windows in conjunction with single paned windows, current multi-pane windows allow you to remove the storm windows for a cleaner look to your home,
Some multi-paned windows also have special glass that minimizes the amount of ultra-violet and infra-red radiation that causes fading of fabrics and carpeting. These extra features cost more but may make sense over the long life-time of the windows.
Make sure that you or your contractor caulk around the new windows after they are installed. Caulking is essential to provide a tight seal between the window and the house to prevent air penetration.
Check out these sites for more information on replacement windows.
http://www.efficientwindows.org/
http://www.dulley.com/docs/f974.htm
http://www.replacement-windows.com
http://www.vinyl-replacement-windows.com/energy-star-windows-program.html
http://homesource.thebbb.org/Tips/Tips_5.aspx
http://www.1st-replacement-windows.com/replacement-window-ratings.htm
http://www.nfrc.org
http://www.environmentalhomecenter.com/shop.mv?CatCode=10060_CALKSLRS
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• Doors
Replacement doors are another great way to improve the appearance of your home and its energy efficiency. If you can see daylight around your current door or if cold drafts sneak in, it may be time for a replacement!
Replacement doors are available in various materials and styles to fit your home and your budget. Although steel and fiberglass doors provide better thermal protection than wood, a well-sealed wooden door will also keep out the drafts and preserve a particular “look” for an older home.
http://www.homeimprovementideas.net/energyefficientdoors.html
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows
http://www.jeld-wen.com/exteriordoors
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• Decks
A deck on your home extends your living space outdoors and provides a great spot for gatherings of family and friends. The most common deck material is pressure-treated wood. Although this material withstands the rigors of constant exposure to sun and weather, its resistance to the elements is accomplished through the use of toxic chemicals. These chemicals are impregnated into the wood, thereby protecting it from weather and insects.
Unfortunately, these chemicals can leach from the wood and contaminate the surrounding soil. Also, when working with pressure-treated wood, you must be careful not to inhale the wood dust and quickly remove any splinters. Pressure-treated wood also requires annual treatment with a water repellent.
A number of environmentally friendly alternatives exist for use in your deck project. Some woods such as cedar and mahogany are naturally weather and insect resistant and have the added benefit of being renewable resources. Composite materials and plastics are now available in different colors and surface styles. Many of these composite and manufactured decking products include recycled materials
http://www.bobvila.com/ArticleLibrary/Subject/Green_Building/ResponsibleWood.html
http://www.beconstructive.com/greenbuilding/finish.asp
http://doityourself.com/deck/deckmaterials.htm
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• Exterior Siding
The exterior of your home is its face to your community. Exterior home coverings include a wide range of materials: wood, stone, stucco, aluminum siding, vinyl siding, and asbestos shingles.
To preserve the value of your home and the aesthetic quality of your neighborhood, you should regularly maintain the exterior. This means washing and cleaning the relatively maintenance-free coverings like stone, stucco, and aluminum and vinyl siding. Wood siding and shingles should be washed and painted or stained every three to five years to prevent the wood from deteriorating. When you perform this maintenance, make sure that you read and follow the product instructions for safe usage of the cleansers, paints, or stains.
When you need to renovate or replace the exterior, you can use the same siding material or change to a different material. The links below provide information on these various choices. Each material has its own benefits. Be sure to consider the long-term maintenance costs as well as the initial purchase and installation costs to get a complete cost of the project.
For older homes that have asbestos shingle siding, care must be taken when handling this material. If the shingles are going to be removed, you should use a professional contractor who has experience in the proper removal and disposal of asbestos material. Using a professional will minimize the health risks to you, your family, and your neighbors. In many cases, the new siding material can be installed over the asbestos siding to minimize health risks and project costs. Please check the Yellow Pages for asbestos inspectors and contractors who are licensed to handle this material.
http://www.beconstructive.com/greenbuilding/finish.asp
http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/siding.htm
http://www.soundhome.com/topics/topic_exteriorsiding.shtml
http://www.ebuild.com/guide/products/default.asp?catCode=14
http://www.health-science-report.com/mesothelioma/asbestos/asbestos-siding-removal.html
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• Roofing
Renovating or replacing a roof is definitely a major project. But a sound and water-tight roof will protect your home from water damage during rain and snow storms. By carefully choosing your home's roofing material, you can reduce the cost of replacement. In the long run, you'll use less building material, fill up less landfill space with discarded material, and put less demand on our natural resources.
Another consideration when you replace your roof is attic ventilation. Too much heat in your attic may cause some roofing materials to deteriorate more rapidly so you want to make sure that your attic is adequately ventilated. Passive vents in the eaves or peaks will help. Ridge line vents are also a great way to vent the attic. You can also install thermostatically controlled attic fans that turn on when the temperature reaches a pre-set level. These fans require a specific amount of vent openings to ensure effective and efficient operation of the fan
Experts at local home supply companies or roofing contractors can help you select the right combination of vents and fans for your roofing project. Check the links below for more information on roofing materials and ventilation.
http://www.bobvila.com/ArticleLibrary/Task/Building/RoofingMaterials.html
http://doityourself.com/roofing/index.shtml
http://www.nrca.net/consumer/consumer.aspx
http://www.gaf.com/General/GafMain.asp?Silo=RES1&WS=GAF
http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Homeowner/Homeowner/Roofing/
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