Danmer Custom Shutters
ASID Industry Partner
Today, it's more important than ever to select products for your new or remodeled home that are environmentally-friendly and completely safe for you and your family. The right window covering can help insulate your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
There are many “green” qualities to look for in window covering products when remodeling or building a home. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds that pollute the air, are found in paints and finishes on most products. Therefore, you should make sure the products produce the smallest possible amount of VOCs.
Reducing the use of natural resources has been on many companies’ agenda for years. Synthetic materials have come a long way and now can look and feel exactly like their wood counterparts, but with more environmentally-friendly characteristics. These materials should be non-toxic, flame retardant, and water-resistant while requiring few natural resources. Also, the proper synthetic materials used in window coverings have been found to help increase the insulation value of your home.
While all window coverings help protect your room from the harsh UV rays of the sun, they do not all insulate equally well. Products are rated by the R-Value, which measures the thermal resistance of a product. The greater the R-Value a product has, the greater its capacity to insulate your home will be. Typically, thin blinds or shades do not have the same insulation properties as shutters or heavier coverings. Keep in mind that the higher the R-Value, the better your home will be insulated, therefore reducing home energy bills and environmental footprint.
Green Tip: Selecting the right building materials will help the environment, keep your family safer, and keep more money in your pocket. Make sure to verify “green” claims from other companies about their products.
For more information about green shutters and window coverings please visit http://www.danmer.com/about/environmental.asp.
