Creating an eco-friendly home is an important investment that pays dividends for both the environment and us as homeowners. But when we think of eco-friendly design, we tend to think of interiors. The materials used on the outside of your house have a significant impact on its overall energy efficiency and carbon footprint. Using sustainable materials also helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower your energy bills through improved insulation.
In addition to environmental benefits, eco-friendly exteriors can increase your home’s resale value and appeal if you choose to sell in the future. Homebuyers today are increasingly attracted to “green” features that reduce utility costs and promote sustainable living – an eco-conscious exterior shows your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying a modern, attractive home.
Door materials
When it comes to eco-friendly exteriors, doors play a major role, not least because they’re one of the first features you see when you approach a property. In improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, both front entry doors and garage doors should be carefully selected to maximise sustainability.
Wooden doors are a classic choice that offer natural beauty and durability, when properly maintained. To ensure your wooden doors are eco-friendly, look for options constructed from sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood sources, such as FSC wood. Fibreglass composite doors have also grown in popularity — they offer excellent insulating properties and are easy to maintain, and their durability reduces unnecessary waste.
Whether you’re upgrading your garage door or front door, be sure to choose insulated options as these make a major difference in preventing energy loss and dampening outdoor noise. Energy-efficient glazing in any windows will also reduce heat transfer in the summer months, and help with natural light and air flow.
Roofing
Your home’s roofing has a huge influence on energy costs, comfort levels, and environmental impact. Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly roofing options available today that boost sustainability while providing superior performance and aesthetics.
Surprisingly, metal roofing has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years owing to its energy efficiency, durability, and environmentally-friendly composition. Steel, aluminium, zinc, and copper roofs are all options that can also include high levels of recycled material content to boost the eco credentials of your home. Metal’s solar reflective properties help reduce cooling costs and, with proper care, metal roofs can last up to 70 years.
For a truly green roof, you might consider systems that incorporate living layers. Green roofs reduce energy costs through insulation and evaporative cooling while providing stormwater management, air purification, and wildlife habitat benefits. Why not make a feature of an otherwise overlooked area of the home and create a roof that’s as beautiful as it is environmentally friendly?
Decking and outdoor living
Expanding your living space to the outdoors with a deck or patio area creates wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature comfortably. Using eco-friendly materials for your decking and hardscaping materials amplifies the sustainability benefits of these outdoor living spaces.
Composite lumber made from recycled wood fibre and plastic is an increasingly popular decking choice. These low-maintenance boards have a long lifespan and come in a variety of colours to replicate the look of natural wood while making use of recycled materials. Many composite decking brands now incorporate other recycled materials like plastic film, bags, and bottles too.
For a completely organic option, you might consider bamboo decking. This rapidly renewable grass grows much faster than traditional wood and doesn’t require harmful chemical treatments. As an added bonus, bamboo boards are strong and stable, durable, and visually appealing. Similarly, reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood decking provides the traditional look and feel. Look for suppliers that follow eco friendly forestry practices and make sure to properly treat and maintain them to ensure they last for years to come.
When hardscaping patios, paths, and driveways, permeable pavers offer an eco-friendly solution. These interlocking slabs allow water to slowly filter into the soil rather than generating excess runoff. The gaps can then be filled with gravel or vegetation for added permeability. Another option is organic mulch and gravel made from recycled rubber or plastic which provide attractive, low-maintenance ground cover that doesn’t decompose but makes use of waste materials. These recycled options reduce landfill waste while preventing mulch dispersal during heavy rains compared to wood varieties.
In addition to sustainable decking and paver materials, further greenify your outdoor spaces with energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting bins, drought-tolerant landscaping with native plants, and letting some areas of your garden run wild for the insects and wildlife. Creating eco-conscious outdoor living zones reduces strain on municipal water systems and provides a haven for local habitats.
Exterior finishes and accents
The colour, texture, and decorative elements you choose for your home’s exterior put the finishing touches on its eco-friendly aesthetic. Sustainable finishes and accents can further enhance energy efficiency around your home while creating lasting kerb appeal.
For example, low or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) formulas for paints and stains minimise air pollutants released into the air compared to conventional oil-based paints. Many manufacturers now offer zero-VOC paints in a wide range of shades which are perfect for fences, gates, and other exterior applications.
Another option is living walls and vertical gardens which make ultra-green statements by integrating lush plants into your exterior design. Vertical gardens reduce ambient air temperatures around the home, provide insulation benefits, and can produce food when planted with fruits and vegetables.
With a little creativity, you can find endless ways to enhance your eco-friendly exterior with beautiful, sustainable finishes and accents that reduce your environmental impact. The small details make a big difference and creating an environmentally friendly home has never been easier or more important, especially when it comes to exteriors. By choosing sustainable materials for your roofing, windows and doors, and finishing touches, you can dramatically reduce your environmental impact while boosting energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
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