Being environmentally friendly goes beyond recycling and drinking tap water. Check out these ways to make your home more environmentally friendly from the outside in:
Materials Matter
From asphalt and metal to wood and tile, and many more in between, there are a lot of options for building materials on the market. Many materials are easily recycled—like clay, slate, aluminum, and even vinyl—making them an environmentally friendly choice for your home. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are petroleum-based, which makes them significantly more difficult to recycle.
When it comes to materials, durability is key. After all, the greenest option is the one that doesn’t have to be replaced very often! Choosing long-lasting materials like slate, metal, and clay will help to ensure your home’s exterior looks its best for a long time. When we compared exterior siding options, we found that brick and stone last for decades, while wood and vinyl only last an average of ~20 years.
The biggest downside to choosing environmentally friendly materials is that as benefits increase, so does cost. Metal roofs and slate shingles, as well as brick and concrete exteriors, are a significant investment compared to vinyl and asphalt.
Lighten Up
As energy bills soar, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Light-colored siding and roofing not only help keep your home cool throughout the day, but they also look newer, longer. Adding a reflective coating to your roof will also help keep cooling costs down.
Go Green, Literally
Is there anything greener than a green roof? The trend of adding foliage to your roof is slowly growing in popularity across America, but if you’re not ready to turn your home into a Chia pet, that’s okay. Instead, consider adding solar panels to help offset your home’s carbon footprint. As a bonus, you’ll save money on your electrical bill, and possibly receive a discount from the state.
With unparalleled service and expertise, the team at K & P Exteriors is here to help with all your home exterior repairs, replacements, and installations. We’ll help you choose the best materials for your home’s needs, and we also offer financing options. Call (303) 853-0072 or visit our website to get started today!