Can This Home Be Greened? Staying Put in New Jersey
(Page 2 of 4)
January/February 2006
By Robert Politzer
A tired old roof
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Problem: The existing roof shows signs of decay, is clad with dark asphalt shingles, and is completely uninsulated. Fortunately, the roof joists and associated structure appear to be in good condition. A green renovation of the roof would address not only replacement of the roof cladding with a more sustainable material, but also would improve the energy performance of the entire home while enhancing comfort, especially in the attic that is to become a study.
Solution: Environmentally friendly roof options include any or all of four categories: recycled-content shingles, reflective coatings, solar hot water and/or solar-electric panels, and garden roofs. Monica was interested in a garden, but the high, angled pitch of her roofs won't allow for such an installation. With the northern and western orientation of the roofs that aren't obstructed by tall trees, solar hot-water and solar-electric panels probably wouldn't be a good investment. (This is unfortunate given New Jersey's fantastic incentive program that pays for up to 70 percent of these systems installed.)
Instead, I suggest EcoStar/Carlisle Recycled Premium Steep-Slope Roofing Products, which contain 100 percent recycled rubber and look almost identical to natural slate or cedar shakes. Bruce and Monica definitely should have the roof structure between the roof joists insulated. Formaldehyde-free batt insulation from Johns Manville would be a smart choice.
An attic floor not befitting the new decor
Problem: The attic was never built out as a finished space, but Bruce and Monica want to convert it to a study. Currently there's an old, unfinished, pine-plank floor that's open to the floor joists below in several places. The insulation between the pine flooring and ceiling below is fiberglass batt that shows several large gaps and openings. Clearly, the problem with the floor offers an opportunity to greatly enhance the insulation of the subfloor space.
Solution: I once had prospective clients who wanted to do a “green renovation” of their existing oak wood floors by tearing out 1,500 square feet of perfectly good flooring (albeit in need of refinishing) and replacing it with bamboo flooring imported from China. Green construction should look at the whole picture, which includes energy use during manufacture and transportation of a new product and disposal of the old. Frankly, the greenest approach is almost always to reuse existing materials whenever possible.