See Chapter 6, Room Additions in the book Green Remodeling for more details. 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Additions Finishes Checklist

  • Use paint, adhesives and caulks that have low or no VOC.
  • When picking a carpet, look for the Green Label Plus or recycled content carpet which has lower emissions than many carpets.
  • Install FSC certified wood floors
  • Use wood products made with renewable or recycled content.
  • Whenever possible, use products that are made locally (within 500 miles) to reduce the energy used in transportation.
  • Choose cabinets and shelves that do not contain urea formaldehyde.
  • When using conventional cabinets seal all exposed edges with low VOC paint
  • Choose materials that can be recycled at the end of their life.

Green Additions/Remodel Best Practices

Green Finishes for Additions

Choosing the right interior finishes has a huge impact on indoor air quality and consequently the health of the inhabitants. Many popular products and finishes are made with dangerous chemicals that can off gas for years in a home. Be sure to choose finishes that are environmentally friendly and won’t cause health problems.

Here are some strategies to help you plan healthy, cost-effective finishing touches on your home.

Use Formaldehyde-free Materials - The formaldehyhe, a suspected human carcinogen, offgases or releases into the air in your home, for years after installation. Whenever possible, eliminate new particleboard inside your house by using solid wood for stair treads, exterior grade plywood for shelving, and formaldehyde-free MDF for cabinets and countertops substrate.

Seal All Exposed Particleboard or MDF - Use non-toxic, low permeability paint to seal exposed particleboard or MDF and encapsulate the formaldehyde. This will slow the release of formaldehyde; sealants simply lower the formaldehyde emissions rate for a longer period of time.

Paints & Adhesives

Water-based or Latex Paint -  use water as a thinner or base, there are not harmful solvents to evaporate. Alkyd or solvent-based paints offgas numerous VOCs and contain over 300 toxic ingredients.

Low- or No-VOC and Formaldehyde-free Paint - reduce the danger of flakes since they are manufactured without mercury or mercury-compounds, or pigments of lead, cadmium, or their oxides. They also reduce the emissions of VOCs into the home, improving indoor air quality.

Solvent-free Adhesives - reduce toxic gases such as aromatic hydrocarbons or solvents that contribute to air pollution. Use in place of standard adhesives for all interior applications such as installation of flooring, countertops, wall coverings, paneling, and tub/shower enclosures.