Green Building 101

Remodeling “Green”

With the growing popularity of green building, an increased number of remodelers have adopted "eco-friendly" practices and processes to improve existing structures. Green remodelers embrace the same principles of green building to meet the environmental and consumer demand for healthier indoor air quality and sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.

Indoor Air Quality
As the majority of remodeling projects involve interior renovations, indoor air quality is of particular importance to remodelers and homeowners. Harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by products during or after construction are inhaled by both workers and homeowners. These compounds can irritate allergies or asthma and can lead to additional health risks from continual exposure.

Since 2003, state governments across the United States have enforced indoor air quality restrictions to reduce the allowable limits of VOCs. At the forefront of this push, many manufactures of paints, coatings, caulks, sealants and adhesives began producing low VOC products to eliminate or reduce harmful emissions. Green remodelers can significantly improve the indoor air quality by using low VOC products for all interior projects.

Energy Efficiency
While rolling blackouts sweep the nation and energy costs skyrocket, energy efficiency has become a serious concern for consumers and "green" savvy remodelers. The goal of an energy-efficient home is to adequately manage the consumption of energy. One of the most obvious ways to make any home more energy-efficient is to use less electricity.

Many remodelers encourage the installation of Energy Star rated windows and doors to control or eliminate the infiltration of unwanted air. However, the proper installation of these products is required for your home to properly manage energy consumption. Remodelers must ensure that all cracks and gaps are properly sealed to reduce air infiltration. Drafts allow unwanted air into the home, causing your heating and cooling system to work overtime and consume more energy. To reduce air leaks, remodelers must caulk all visible gaps and seal all seams.

In addition, look for the Energy Star label. Air conditioners, major appliances, lighting and electronics with the Energy Star label will help cut utility bills by 30 percent.

Sustainability
Remodelers may utilize durable or sustainable products, which can lower long-term costs associated with additional maintenance hassles. The installation of products made from recycled materials will help conserve our natural resources, placing less of a burden on our environment.

Call it "eco-friendly," call it "sustainable" or call it "green." The popularity of green building has grown roughly 20 percent since 2005. As consumers push for energy-efficient solutions and a growing number of state governments enforce indoor air quality restrictions, builders and remodelers are adapting to meet the growing demand and better the environment.

How OSI GreenSeries can help

OSI GreenSeries Projects

  1. Replace an old single-pane window with an energy-efficient double- or triple-pane window. Use OSI® GreenSeries™ Acrylic Urethane Indoor/Outdoor Sealant sealant around the interior and exterior window face to increase the home's energy efficiency and eliminate unwanted air infiltration.

    During the installation process, fill visible gaps with an expanding foam sealant such as OSI® GreenSeries™ Pro-Foam II Minimally Expanding Sealant. This zero VOC foam sealant is a beneficial solution for sealing large gaps and creating a tight fit between the new window and existing frame.

  2. Install new flooring with the help of a low VOC construction adhesive. An environmentally friendly construction adhesive, such as OSI® GreenSeries™ Sub-Floor & Deck High Performance Adhesive, is the perfect product to eliminate the possibility of creeky floors, while maintaining a healthy indoor air quality.

  3. When adding an addition or updating the appearance of the interior of your home, it’s important to remember that air quality can be affected by the adhesives used for hanging drywall and installing wainscoting and molding. The wrong adhesive can release harmful toxins into the environment and jeopardize the air we breathe for weeks and months after the initial application. Luckily, low VOC adhesives such as OSI® GreenSeries™ Drywall & Panel Construction Adhesive is the perfect eco-friendly product formulated specifically for interior applications minimizing the affects on people without jeopardizing quality and performance.