Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • August 4, 2010 Summer Home Improvement From paints to flooring to carpeting, the options in green building materials have expanded by leaps and bounds. With so many environmentally friendly options available, homeowners may have difficulty determining which products are the best and most cost-effective buys. Eco-friendly options to choose may differ based on geographic region and what installation procedures are well known by local carpenters and builders. For example, a person in a drought-stricken region may want to look for items that conserve water. However, there are certain items that are “green” across the board. Insulation One of the most environmentally friendly things a homeowner can do is to improve the insulation in his or her home. Adequate insulation reduces the amount of heat and cooling loss, which then reduces the amount of energy needed to cool or heat a house. There are many materials from which insulation can be made; many Green is good for the home: Choosing eco-friendly options are recycled materials, such as glass or even cotton. However, cellulose -- a plant material -- is one of the more cost-effective and greener options available. Look for the highest “R” factor on the insulation. The higher the number, the greater the resistance to heat flow. Framing Thinking about adding on another room or remodeling an existing one? Consider using sustainable harvested wood products. They may be more costly, but they’re certainly a greener option. Some construction materials are made from salvaged wood or items made from composite materials. Wood that bears the Forest Stewardship Council logo means it was grown and harvested without depleting or destroying natural surroundings. Windows Just like insulation, windows are essential to protecting against heating and cooling loss. Inadequate windows could be costing homeowners hundreds of dollars in energy waste from drafts or air leaks. New windows are generally rated on a number of factors: air leakage, condensa- tion resistance, U-factor or level of insulation, and solar heat gain, or the window’s ability to block heat from the sun. Homeowners can talk with a window professional to determine the right windows for the climate and direction the windows face. Flooring Eco-friendly options in flooring include bamboo, or salvaged or FSC wood. When choosing bamboo, however, work with a reputable retailer. Much of the bamboo used comes from China, where toxic chemicals or poor manufacturing procedures can reduce the environmental benefits of the product. Wood looks good in any room, but in rooms where moisture may be an issue, such as kitchens and bathrooms, consider cost-effective materials like tinted concrete. Concrete enhanced with added recycled industrial ash, recycled glass, and other materials decreases the amount of cement that has to be mixed and used. The Best Stinger is a Dead Stinger! Shoo-Fly® Hornet Jet Bomb Spray  Safe, sure way to get rid of hornets, wasps, bees, yellow jackets, ants, spiders and earwigs.  Shoots 20' penetrating nests, eaves, cones and cracks.  Invisible residual action keeps on killing for weeks Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8 Sat 8-5 OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 NEED MULCH? Hardwood • Hemlock Cedar • Oak Colored: Black, Brown, Red Top Soil • Compost Decorative Stone Pruning • Yard Clean Up Small Plantings Installation • Free Estimates • Wholesale and Retail RVH MULCH SUPPLY • WYCKOFF, NJ 201-304-5055 27 FRANKLIN TPKE, WALDWICK • 201-652-5666 ����������������� Remodeling Renovations & Repairs ����������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� ���������������������� ���� ���������� 7-28-10 Pat/Janine RHVMulchColor3x3(7-28-10) 3 x 3” rev1 Serving All Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil & Gas Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available 24 Hour Air �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������������� www.hawthornehandyman.com 973-949-4431 it n tion ConsdInsiollaing ta , Sale & Service ����������������������� 201-891-1000 Emergency Service