When it comes to “Green Building Materials” there are many options to choose from whether you want to go completely green all at once or gradually. These options are available to be utilized on the exterior or interior or both of any project. The outside materials are metal roofing, solar panels, and EcoClad siding. The inside materials are bamboo or cork flooring, recycled counter tops, and recycled wood planks, and insulation.

Exterior

Metal roofing is considered a green building material because it helps reduce heating and cooling costs and
they last a very long time and are more resistant to damage from all weather conditions. Metal roof pricing range from $3.50 to $15.00 per square foot.

Solar panel are considered a green building material because they use renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity. Solar panels are made up of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide. Solar panel prices are from $125.00 to $1500.00 per panel.

EcoClad siding is made from recycled paper, wood fibers, and bamboo fibers which is all mixed with a co-polymer resin base. This building material is used for exterior siding. The price range for this material is between $9.00 to $20.00 per square foot.

Interior

Bamboo flooring is considered a green building material because it only takes about 3 to 6 years to regrow. Floors made from bamboo look a lot like real hardwood floors but they last a lot longer. Bamboo flooring prices range from $2.00 to $8.00 per square foot.

Cork floor covering is made up from the bark of a tree called Cork Oak Tree and it is found in the Mediterranean. The bark from these trees are harvested every 9 years. The price for this kind of floor ranges from $4.00 to $10.00 per square foot. The fact that it’s harvested every 9 years makes it a relatively fast renewable resource.

When it comes to recycled counter tops there are also many options. One option is a recycled glass counter top and its price range is from $30.00 to $80.00 per square foot. Another one is made from bamboo and the price range for this one is about $20.00 to $30.00 per square foot. Next is a counter top made from recycled paper in a resin base and the price range for this one is about $20.00 to $40.00 per square foot. Last but not least is a recycled aluminum counter top and the price range for this one is about $30.00 to $100.00 per square foot.

There are also very many different kinds of recycled wood panels. These are Doug Fir panels, Medite II P
panels, Skyblend panels, Kirei, Homasote. The price of these panels range from $15.00 to $150.00 per panel.

Recycled insulation is another green building material and it is called Ultra Touch Cotton Insulation. This insulation is made from denim waste products and the price range for this material is about $55.00 to $125.00 but it depends on the square footage ordered.

There are also many ideas on the internet for all kinds of little stuff that be done inside or outside the home to make it more green. Like compact fluorescent bulbs is one good thing.

Author Bio: Christine enjoys writing about a variety of home improvement topics. To learn more about kitchen remodeling in Houston visit http://www.uniquebuilderstexas.com.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: remodeling contractor,home remodeling contractor,home remodeling