Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
This year’s Earth Day is almost upon as, and the theme this time around is all about “Climate Literacy”. That’s because while many homeowners know that it’s important to run an eco-friendly home, many don’t know how to go about doing so.
With this in mind, Ply Gem, a manufacturer of exterior building products, offers the following tips on how to upgrade your home in a way that won’t harm the environment.
Vinyl matters
First up, Ply Gem says it’s crucial that homeowners use the right products when building or renovating their homes. It recommends materials like vinyl siding, fence and railing and windows. It cites the U.S. Green Building Council as saying that vinyl is one of the most durable and cost-effective construction materials as it offers a long life with little to know maintenance. Vinyl also saves on energy and material costs.
Start at the top
Ply Gem also reiterates its belief that every green home should begin with the roof. It says a “functional, green, yet aesthetically pleasing roof” is achievable for most homeowners at a reasonable price. The company recommends using materials such as engineered cedar or slate because these are recyclable, easy to install, reduce material waste and last for many years.
Energy efficiency
Another important consideration is the amount of energy you use. Ply Gem points out that half of the energy used in the average home goes on heating and cooling, and says it makes sense to make these systems as efficient as possible. The company suggests purchasing energy-efficient windows to help improve thermal insulation, save energy and reduce dust and noise in the home.
