Top-10 Green Products

Building Green has announced its annual top 10 list of Green Products.

I am describing the 3 products that caught my eye, but please follow the links for more information and the complete listing of all 10 products.

1. First on the list is Nylodeck: a moisture, mold and termite proof decking material that is made from 100% recycled carpet fibers with a 30 year warranty. I have not personally used this material but am very interested in how it prices out compared to traditional wood decking. I will keep you informed.

2. Foamglas Closed Cell Board Insulation eliminates the concept of swelling and moisture problems typical of building insulation. It is non-combusible, impervious to water vapor, no warping or buckling of the insulation boards and it is easy to cut and shape.

3. Bensonwood OB Plus Wall System: This 12-3/4" thick superinsulated wall system allows your house to achieve near net zero performance. They are marketed at a "fraction of the cost of a conventionally built home" and I am anxious for more specific pricing information. They sell standard wall systems as well as custom wall panels for any home design. I don't know the system details such as the air barrier system and construction integration, but I will post more as I learn.

Construction Progress

Construction is picking up speed again on our current residential project in Friday Harbor. The electrical inspection was approved last week and we are finishing the rough plumbing and mechanical needs this week. I had a fun trip off-island with our client to choose the final plumbing fixtures for the entire house. The process took approximately four hours in Burlington's Keller Supply Showroom. We are working with the requirements of the new Watersense Certification which has strict regulations on all faucets and shower heads. I was nervous this might limit our selection too much, but I found that most companies are carrying Watersense certified products. Hansgrohe Axor Massaude Series is one of the many products chosen.




The exterior of the residence is closing in and allowing us to move toward the hardscaping of the courtyards and driveway. The Corten Siding application has taken longer than expected, but is looking great. We originally screwed the Corten every 16" o.c. to align with the studs, but came back and added screws every 8" in order to eliminate any warping of the steel. The battens were installed over VaproShield as an open joint rainscreen application. VaproShield is a weather resistant, breathable membrane used as a house wrap for wet walls and rainscreen assemblies. It allows any trapped moisture on the interior to escape thus preventing any mold or mildew. For more information on VaproShield go to: http://www.vaproshield.com


The insulation has had me in a quandry the last two weeks. The argument for blown-in cellulose insulation is growing rapidly. People consider it the "greenest of the green". However, there is a huge debate developing against it as well. This debate will be a blog post of its own, but you can read more about it at http://www.cellulose.org/CIMA/GreenFacts.php. I have to admit a large part of my decision making process was the price. The blown-in cellulose turned out extensively higher in price than the EcoBatt insulation which seems to be just as "green". Finally, a decision has been made! This product is amazing if you're used to the feel and look of typical batt insulation. You can actually touch this soft, brown material and install without wearing a mask to breathe. Read more at http://www.ecobatt.us