With the growing stressors of the housing crisis, high utility costs and global climate change, it’s become crucial for homeowners to lower their energy consumption and make wise choices when it comes to construction materials. Eco-friendly building materials, which are harmless to the environment during production, use and when it comes to their disposal, offer a sustainable solution for homes around the country.
Opting for these materials also provides long-term benefits, from significant reductions in carbon emissions to energy savings. If you’re unsure where to begin when upgrading your property’s exteriors, here are a few sustainable materials to consider.
Energy-efficient door materials
When it comes to eco-friendly exteriors, doors play an important role – not only are they a prominent feature of the home but they’re also often made from plastic and other environmentally unfriendly materials. So, if you’re keen to improve energy efficiency and reduce the impact your property has on the planet, your doors are a good place to start.
Wooden doors are a classic choice, giving a timeless appeal to your property and durability that, when well maintained, will ensure the door lasts for many years to come. To boost the eco-credentials of the door even further you could look for options that use sustainably harvested wood from FSC-approved suppliers, or reclaimed wood.
Another option, whether for your front door or for sheds and garages, is GRP doors which are incredibly easy to maintain and provide high insulation properties to keep heating costs down. GRP is a blend of fibreglass and resin, using less raw materials compared to steel or other door materials, but it’s also completely recyclable at the end of its life.
Sustainable roofing
The roofing of your home greatly impacts energy expenses, comfort, and environmental effects of your property. Interestingly, metal roofing has seen a rise in popularity due to its energy efficiency and durability, and there are numerous types to choose from such as steel, aluminium, zinc, and copper which can feature high recycled material content, enhancing your home’s environmental credentials.
Another sustainable material for roofing is clay tiles which are made from natural clay, an abundant resource which can be sustainably sourced. They’re known for their durability, often lasting over 50 years, and have excellent thermal properties which help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. Clay tiles are also recyclable at the end of their life cycle, making them an environmentally friendly option for eco-minded homeowners.
External insulation for energy efficiency
There are a host of options when it comes to external wall insulation which can contribute to both environmental preservation and home efficiency.
- Sheep’s wool insulation – a natural and renewable resource that excels in thermal insulation, whilst also being breathable, helping to regulate humidity and reduce the risk of dampness and mould.
- Wood fibre insulation – crafted from sustainably sourced wood, provides good thermal performance and excellent soundproofing qualities. It’s breathable, recyclable, and has a low embodied energy.
- Cork panels – possess outstanding insulation properties, whilst being resistant to dampness, renewable and recyclable.
- Recycled plastic – repurposing waste materials such as PET bottles to create an effective and often fire-resistant thermal insulation solution.
- Cellulose insulation – made from recycled paper products and treated with natural substances for fire and pest resistance, providing excellent thermal insulation.
Landscaping and decking
Expanding your living space to include a deck or patio area allows you to enjoy nature comfortably while enhancing the sustainability of your home by using eco-friendly materials. Composite lumber, made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, is a popular choice for decking.
For a fully organic option, consider bamboo, a rapidly renewable grass that grows much faster than traditional wood and doesn’t require harmful chemical treatments. Bamboo boards are strong, stable, durable, and visually appealing. Similarly, reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood decking provides a traditional look and feel – look for suppliers that practise eco-friendly forestry and ensure proper treatment and maintenance to extend the lifespan of the deck.
When hardscaping patios, paths, and driveways, permeable pavers offer an eco-friendly solution. These interlocking slabs allow water to filter slowly into the soil, reducing runoff, and gaps between the pavers can be filled with gravel or vegetation for added permeability. Alternatively, organic mulch and gravel made from recycled rubber or plastic provide attractive, low-maintenance ground cover that doesn’t decompose and makes use of waste materials. These recycled options reduce landfill waste and offer better resilience to heavy rains compared to wood mulch.
Decorative finishes
The colours, textures, and decorative elements selected for your home’s exterior add the final touches to its eco-friendly design. Sustainable finishes and accents not only enhance energy efficiency but also improve the home’s curb appeal. For instance, low or zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas in paints and stains reduce air pollutants compared to traditional oil-based paints. Numerous manufacturers now provide zero-VOC paints in a variety of shades, ideal for fences, gates, and other exterior uses.
Another excellent option is incorporating living walls and vertical gardens into your exterior design. These features create a striking green statement by adding lush plants to your home. Vertical gardens help lower ambient air temperatures around the house, offer insulation benefits to keep the interiors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and can even produce food when planted with fruits and vegetables. Not to mention the additional benefit that they provide colour and aesthetic benefits to brighten up the look of your home.
Sustainability has become so important for many homeowners, so whether you’re constructing from scratch or looking to retrofit in a more energy-efficient, eco-friendly way, these materials should be your first port of call when it comes to creating environmentally friendly exteriors.
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