Green Policy > Green Products
Windows
In the early ‘90s The McKernon Group helped to establish a new
window company. Green Mountain Window Company’s mission is to
combine the traditional/historic detail distinctive in the Northeast,
with the energy performance demanded by our unique climate. The windows
are double glazed, Energy Star rated, and comparable in quality to
widely advertised highly efficient windows that sell for much more.
We use them in all our spec houses and offer them as an option to
all clients.
Foundations
After waiting weeks for a concrete contractor to build traditional
forms, we decided to try insulated concrete forms (ICFs). The brand
we chose, BuildBlock, is produced with 100% recyclable material, therefore
greatly reducing the amount of construction waste sent to landfills.
Two parallel foam walls are filled with poured concrete. The foam
holds the concrete until it cures, and remains in place as part of
the structure, providing insulation for the foundation wall. ICFs
reduce the amount of energy transfer between the inside and the outside.
You stay cool in summer, warm in the winter, and there are fewer drafts.
ICF walls dramatically reduce noise transmissions, resist moisture
and will not support the growth of mold or mildew. The end result
is super-airtight house with no cracks to let in air. A 2000 square
foot home built with ICFs will save about 47 trees.
Walls
We also use structural insulated panels (SIPS) such as ThermaStructure for insulated walls and roof panels. Because there are no studs bridging
the outer and inner walls with this system, thermal bridging is eliminated,
making the building air tight . Using sliplap joints, a secure vapor
barrier is in place. BuildBlock ICF walls give a true R22 or higher
compared to a practical R14, so there is nearly a 50 per cent increase
in R value. ThermaStructure is similar, giving an R24 wall. Other
materials we use where appropriate include cellulose and HomoSote-shredded
newspaper.
Roof
Authentic Roof is made of 60 per cent recycled Thermal Poly Olefins
from the auto industry. These roof slates are extremely durable, environmentally
safe, and made without harmful chemicals or plasticizers that can
bleach out with the sun. Authentic Roof looks exactly like slate and
is warranted for 50 years.
|
