Sometimes, remodeling your home is inevitable, rather than a choice. Things wear out over time and must be replaced, or a fire or water damage event destroys flooring, walls, and ceilings. If you’re health-conscious, having dust and construction debris floating around your home probably sounds less than appealing. Ditto for any materials that are known or suspected to be toxic.
Luckily, there are healthier materials that you can choose for your remodeling project.
Paint. We don’t use lead-based paints in homes anymore, but that doesn’t mean all paints are now equally safe. Many still contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, in small amounts. While long-term health effects are currently unknown, these compounds can contribute to headaches and dizziness during painting jobs. Look for paints labeled Green Seal Certified or Green Guard Certified, which contain lower levels of VOCs. Some are completely free of the compounds.
Flooring. Flooring covers a considerable area of your home, so this is a material to consider carefully. Look for materials that trap less dust and moisture if you’re concerned about indoor air quality, such as linoleum, bamboo, tile, wood, or low-pile carpets. And of course, consider whether any adhesives might be toxic, and ask about alternatives.
Insulation. If you prefer “green” products, insulation made from recycled plastics might be a good choice. Yes, it’s still plastic, but it will be reused inside your home for many years instead of heading to a landfill. For4 those who are concerned with fiberglass insulation, research other options made from materials like Airkrete, mineral wool, coconut fiber, or hemp. Remember, too, that environmental conditions and the usage of the room are primary concerns when selecting insulation.
Drywall. Some experts have expressed concern over synthetic gypsum, an ingredient in drywall. You can opt for a drywall materials with lower levels of the ingredient, or those that contain natural gypsum instead. Magnesium oxide boards are another common replacement for drywall.
And, any time you’re considering a remodeling project, ask your contractor about low-dust methods of installing flooring and more. If you have any questions about your home remodel, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
