Green building, Flooring

[JEFutch]

One of the fastest-growing trends in building green energy-efficient homes begins with the flooring used. The initial cost of using environmentally friendly materials translates into products that endure time and are easily maintained, all of which translates into cost savings over the years for the wise homebuilder. Some of the most popular green flooring, which means the products are made from natural or recycled products, includes carpet tiles, cork floors, bamboo floors, natural linoleum, and leather floor tiles.
Understanding the cost of materials, installation, and added value that green materials provide is one reason that customers trust J. E. Futch Custom Homes, Inc. to construct this important investment. Each green material must meet certain standards, such as those issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This official agency spells out the life expectancy of materials used for residences. For instance: bamboo flooring can last 30-50 years, while natural linoleum should last at least 40.
Even carpet, which is only expected to last an average 10 years, can be green if composed of recycled nylon and backing, Carpets identified as having fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the carpet and rug industry, will actually improve indoor air quality.
Cork flooring is environmentally sustainable, thermally insulating, and non-toxic, as well as being available in a host of attractive colors. Harvested every nine years from the same tree, cork is a renewable source that is finding its way into the most luxurious homes.
Similarly, Bamboo, a member of the grass family, matures in three to five years, regenerates without need for replanting and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. The careful custom builder can advise which bamboo flooring contains virtually no formaldehyde, a necessity when going green. Water resistant, anti-microbial, bamboo is actually a bit less expensive than hardwood floors, but has many more applications in the home, from cutting boards to counter-tops to wall coverings. Because of the durability of bamboo flooring, there is less replacement and therefore, less waste, both of which create overall savings to the homeowner and the environment.
Natural linoleum is composed of many natural materials, including linseed oil, tree rosin, wood flour, cork flour, limestone, and jute... none of which consumes much energy when extracted. Much less costly than hardwood flooring, linoleum is appropriate for many of the same applications as bamboo, such as counter-tops, wall, as well as flooring that resists dust, bacterial and household mites.
Recycled leather tile products provide the beauty of leather, without the high price tag. Made from 100 percent recycled leather, these tiles add elegance to a floor or can be employed as decorative devices on the walls.