Our impact on the environment is something that has become a much hotter issue in the last decade. For those considering garage work, it’s never a bad idea to keep such an issue in mind. In this article we have tips to help those who are just starting out as well as those who just want to make some eco-friendly improvements.
Concrete
If you’re just getting started building your garage, consider using concrete as the primary building material. Concrete is cheap and sustainable with a fraction of the CO2 imprint. Special properties of the material allow rainwater to flow through pores and back into the ground, preserving the natural water cycle. Those who choose concrete for the roofing material should have it waterproofed with pore-blocking ingredients.
Concrete garages, when sealed and constructed properly, tend to last a very long time. You can simultaneously cut down on future maintenance costs and own a great looking garage by opting for this material.
Insulation
When it comes to insulating a garage it is recommended that you consult a technician. When considering an insulator, be sure to not only consider the R-value (which indicates the level of insulation power) but the type of material itself. The positive and negative properties of each can be easily found online or via advice from a professional.
Insulators like fiberglass usually have a negative connotation attached when talking about the environment, but any material that allows your garage to retain heat is likely green. With an average of 12BTUs saved for every 1BTU needed to produce, the numbers on insulation speak for themselves.
In the past couple of years manufacturers have revamped their products to save energy in a cleaner fashion. Materials like foam and fiberglass are now produced with more natural and recycled alternatives added to the process. If you have the money to go above and beyond when insulating your garage, consider these ultra-green options:
- Sheep’s Wool – Exactly what it sounds like. Sheep’s wool is cleaned and formed into batts and loose fill before being treated and put onto shelves.
- Cotton – Primarily composed of old denim, cotton is a recycled material that must be treated with a fire retardant in the factory before being sold.
- Cellulose – Cellulose is produced by shedding newspaper and other printed materials. This material actually costs the same as fiberglass and has a slightly higher R-value. It must undergo mineral treating and be sprayed or blown on by a professional.
Garage Door
Of course you’ll also need a garage door. There are plenty of different recycled materials available when buying a door. From steel to wood to plastic, you’ll hardly go wrong in the green department here. Manufacturers have made a conscious effort to make eco-friendly improvements, so no matter which door you buy it will be the product of a going green effort.
To save on energy, look for an insulated garage door. These doors reduce heat loss and have special properties that make them weather resistant. Ask for an R-value from your supplier of 6.5 or higher. This will ensure you aren’t throwing away the precious heat you’ve gained insulating the rest of the garage.
If you have more questions regarding energy-efficient garage doors or garage door insulation, contact a Precision Certified Technician today!