Residential green building remodeling & deconstruction -- some brief notes…

Remodel vs. build new – consider the green alternative – the “greenest building” is one that is already there. Beyond remodeling for functionality, added space or modernization – remodeling creates an opportunity to make a building more durable, energy and water efficient and healthier for inhabitants.

Some of these opportunities are:

• Upgrade insulation, add radiant barrier (roof especially). Consider spray foam.
• Improve structural deficiencies exposed during remodel.
• Weatherstripping and air sealing.
• Upgrade wiring, add better, more efficient fixtures, switches, outlets.
• Plumbing – renew piping pipe insulation and allow water recirc., install better, more efficient fixtures.
• Duct testing and sealing. Upgrade/improve equipment efficiency.
• Removal or remediation of Toxics - Lead, Asbestos, Fiberglass, etc.
• Revealing areas for repair of leaks and sources of moisture for fungus (dry rot), termites and mold as well as rodent and vermin entry areas.
• Improve ventilation, natural lighting with skylights, new windows.
• Add radiant heating and cooling systems (non-forced air alternatives).
• Select Low and No VOC and Formaldehyde/off-gassing finish materials.
• Pre-wire and pipe for future solar electric and solar hot water (or install if budget allows).
• Install whole house fan/ventilation and balanced attic venting for night-time cooling.
• Install ventilation for better moisture control in bathrooms (use timers) and kitchens.

One of the old accepted standards of remodeling has been the necessity for and presence of a dumpster. One of the signs that your neighborhood was being improved was the number of dumpsters out on the street or in the driveway.

As the new values of green building take hold and landfill costs continue to climb, “Out with the Old and in with the New” has to be rethought. Here is a list of issues to be introduced and discussed:

1. Value of reusing materials - old growth lumber no longer available except by salvage, antique fixtures – light fixtures, antique plumbing, antique hardware, “wavy glass” etc. – these are typical, high value items.
2. Recycling materials by segregation– separation of lath and plaster for example so each can be handled and disposed or repurposed.
3. Recycling steel, wiring, piping, cardboard, concrete, plastics, aluminum, drywall, roofing, framing, etc.…
4. Techniques of salvage and deconstruction – accessing, break paint bond, incremental prying, nail removal, tape broken or split parts together (wood can be glued and made “good as new”), paint stripping, reuse and refinishing.
5. Dealing with toxics – lead, asbestos, mold.

Planning - Pre-deconstruction evaluation.

Prior to doing any demolition or deconstruction, take an inventory of materials that can be re-used or recycled. Here are some things to consider for wood salvage:

1. Reuse of materials for their function – eg. reuse a door as a door, a framing member for framing, siding used for siding..
2. Reuse or “upcycling” of material for other use – “cannibalize” a door for it’s finish material, old growth framing becomes finish lumber, etc.
3. “Pre-sell” items for salvage – do a “pick and pull” for certain items. Liability concerns.
4. Plan for separation, sorting and storage.
5. Plan for re-use, recycle or resale.

Some “dumpster wood”, coated with lead paint – when stripped, solid heart redwood, 13” wide x 2” thick. Turned into a garden bench and a countertop.

Links:

http://thereusepeople.org/Sacramento_Store

http://www.treehugger.com

http://www.shannonquimby.com/rex/

http://your.kingcounty.gov

Other resources:

Paint stripping

Window rehab

Accoya wood

List of Northern Calif. Salvaged wood and material resources