green home remodeling - bath & laundry

8/14/2019 Green Home Remodeling - Bath & Laundry

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greenWhat is a Green Remodel?

t’s an approach to home improvementwith the goal of not only mak ing yourhouse look better, but work better–f orboth you and the environment. Want ahealthier home? Lower utility bills?

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A green remodel helps you realize a rangeof f ar-reaching benef its f rom a singlemart design. With caref ul planning, youan create a living space that combines

beauty, eff iciency, comf ort andonvenience with health and conservation.

whyWhy Consider a Green Remodel?

SAVE MONEY

Energy-eff icient and water-wise designs orproducts reduce monthly bills. Homecomponents chosen f or their durabilityand timeless appeal will last longer and

cost

less t

o mai

ntain

in th

e lon

g run.

When you mak e living spaces welcomingto a variety of ages and abilities, yourhome will be mark etable to a largerpopulation (a k ey benef it f or resale) andless lik ely to require costly modif icationsas your own abilities change.

MAKE A HEALTHIER HOME

A green remodel can be good f or you,

physically and emotionally. Health-f ocused designs maximize f resh air andnatural light, while reducing the risk of in jury. Potential problems lik e molds,

allergens and toxic c

hemicals are ide

ntif iedand addressed early–a strategy that proves

more eff ective and almost always muchcheaper than f ixing them af ter theydevelop.

REDUCE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

Remodeling is an opportunity to create ahome that enhances the naturalenvironment, instead of depleting it. Youcan mak e your living space more resource-eff icient, minimize waste, and recyclewhat’s lef t over to reduce the amount of materials ending up in landf ills.

bath &laundryA bath remodel is one of the mostexpensive upgrades you can mak e to yhome on a per-square-f oot basis. A restudy by the National Association of Realtors estimates the cost of a midran

Seattle bathroom remodel (replacingf ixtures, vanity and medicine cabinet 5’ x 9’ bath, including tile f loor and t

surround) at a little over $10,500. Anupscale remodel (involving enlarging

existing space, tile f loor and surroundtop-of -the-line f ixtures and counter, prelocating and partitioning the toilet) estimated at over $24,000. Such a sizainvestment encourages lots of planninand up-f ront research to ensure you’llhappy with the results f or a long time

The ideal laundry area combines

durability, f unctionality, and eff iciencywith concern f or human andenvironmental health. Caref ul decisioabout appliances, f looring, cabinetry af ixtures can ensure your laundry is theright mix of these f actors. A laundry s

can range f rom its own room to a clostuck ed into a bathroom. In both the b

and laundry, you can protect yourinvestment by maintaining it withproducts that are saf er f or you and theenvironment.

C o v e r p h o t o : J AS D e s i g n B ui l d (p h o t o © J o h n G r an e n ) .

P h o t o a b o v e an d c o n t e n t s p a g e , b o tt o m r i g h t : V E L O C I P E D E a r c h i t e c t s .



contentsRethink Remodel

Green remodeling uses up f ront planning and research to create adesign with wide-ranging benef its.

Bath: Tub & Shower Surrounds

Durable, beautif ul protection f or those wet areas.

Wall Tile

Descrip

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ions an

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ion t

ips f or

tilin

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ath

walls.

Caulk ing

Select a caulk that protects your investment and indoor health.

Bathtubs

Reuse as-is, ref inish, or replace? Weigh the options.

Toilets & Showerheads

Find stylish f ixtures that are thrif ty with water.

Sink s & Faucets

Durability and f unctionality can mesh with style.

Flooring

It’s underf oot, but central to the bath. Examine the choices.

Save Energy

Have light, warm water, and warm spaces without break ing the bank .

Laundry: Cabinetry, Sink s & Flooring

Eco-f riendly options f or this hardwork ing room.

Washers & Dryers

Select appliances that save energy, water, and your clothes.

Salvage & Recycling

Buy used, salvage on your pro ject, and recycle, and you’ll save.

Case Study: Capitol Hill Bath & Laundry Closet

Local, recycled, and salvaged equals luxury? You bet.

Resources

Where to get more inf ormation to create your own green remodel.

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green home remodel | bath & laundry



rethink remodel

Health & Safety

Efficiency

Comfort & Beauty

Are materials and finishes non-toxic? Is ventilation sufficient? Ar

surfaces easy to clean without harsh chemicals? Does the layoutpromote safety from slips and electric shocks? Is the watertemperature set to avoid scalds? Are lighting levels sufficient fortasks, without creating glare?

Usefulness Create a list of your most common tasks. Does the design maketasks easier and more pleasant? Or does it hinder them?

Are the fixtures and appliances resource-efficient? Toilets andshowers make the bathroom your home’s biggest water user. Inthe laundry, efficient clothes washers can save thousands ofgallons of water a year, while providing energy savings, as well.

Durability

Space

Accessibility Does the design accommodate a variety of people, both in age anability? Is there space for a wheelchair to maneuver? Does thedesign include support bars, or the option to add them if needed

Is it lacking or wasted? Take an inventory of all categories ofspace: personal space, elbow room, storage, floor and visual

space. Then be creative. Explore simpler solutions first, such ascreating a grooming station in the bedroom to free up humantraffic jams during the morning rush, or consolidating cleaningsupplies in one area (that’s inaccessible to children, of course).

Ecological Benefit Do materials and appliances reduce or avoid environmental harmduring their production, use, and disposal? Are they made frommaterials that are recycled, responsibly mined or harvested,renewable, and/or local? Are they reusable or recyclable?

L e t t h e r e s t o f t h i s g u i d e s e r v e

a s t h e s t a r t i n g p o i n t f o r y o u r

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1 green home remodel | bath & laundry

Green remodeling requires a new approach to the remodeling process, with more up-f ront planning and coordination to capture opportunities that are of ten missed in theconventional remodeling process. This includes expanding your list of ob jectives as wellas the way you compare the price of products and services, by tak ing wide-angle andlong-term views of decisions. It also means being willing to invest time and energy to

f ind solutions that best f it your needs. And f inally, it means approaching yourremodeling pro ject with health and saf ety at the f oref ront. This advance planning

pays large dividends in terms of long-term satisf action with your pro ject and costcontainment.

Decide What YouWant

Planning a remodel can elicit equal parts excitement and terror. Where do you begin?

Generally, the more you can stick with existing walls, cabinetry, plumbing and electricallayouts, the less you will spend on your remodel. You’ll use f ewer resources with lesswaste. So f irst, def ine your priorities and then consider all your options caref ully.

Is the space inviting and attractive? What makes the spaceuncomfortable: the layout, surfaces, colors or lighting? In thelaundry specifically, consider whether items such as ironingboards and drying racks should be built-in or portable.

Do the materials stand up to use over time? Bath and laundryareas are both subjected to standing water and other forms ofcontinual moisture. Are they designed to be timeless, meshingwith the era of the home, or will they look dated in a few years?



Bathrooms, once considered purely utilitarian, are increasingly a place f or everythingf rom renewal and pampering to washing the f amily dog. Such a range of uses requires

materials that are beautif ul, durable, and impervious to moisture. The bath is also wheremost of the indoor water is used in a home, and energy is consumed by heating thatwater, as well as lighting, warming, and ventilating the space.

Tub and Shower Surrounds

As a surf ace doused with water several times a day in the average house, shower wallsmust obviously withstand long-term exposure to moisture. Fiberglass and acrylicenclosures mak e popular low-cost and easy-to-install options but raise concerns regarding manuf acturing processes and durability. Long-lasting tile perf orms betterenvironmentally, and of ten economically, when added durability is tak en into account.If an existing tile surround is in good condition, consider re-grouting rather than re-tiling.

This can be prof essionally contracted, or mak es a good do-it-yourself pro ject. A quality,properly installed and maintained tile wall can last as long as the house. Use a concreteback erboard f or tile in wet areas.Moisture-resistant gypsum wallboard (of ten called g r ee n b o a r d and identif ied by a green paper surf ace) is not suitable f or wet applicationssuch as shower and tub surrounds. Look f or solvent-f ree mastics or t h in s e t m o r t a r s .

Tips f or Easy-Maintenance Wall Tile

A common problem with tile tub enclosures is moldy, stained grout. To avoid this:

■ Consider light-colored grouts rather than white.

■ Choose tiles that can be set close together (1 ⁄ 8 inch or less). This means less grout to

clean, and that you can use unsanded grout, a denser grout mix that mak es it harder

f or mold to tak e hold.

■ Use a water-based grout sealer, and latex-modif ied grouts.

■ Squeegee tiles af ter each shower.

■ Keep shampoos and other bottles in a caddy or in f reely draining wall shelves.

■ Install a timer on your bathroom f an. A f an should run f or about ten minutes af ter

each shower (or until steam is off the mirror, whichever is sooner) to exhaust water

vapor f rom the space.

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A h e a l t h y h o m e b r e a t h e s .

P r o p e r v e n t i l a t i o n i s

e s p e c i a ll y k e y i n b a t h r oo m s

b e c a u s e t h e y p r o d u c e

t r e m e n d o u s a m o u n t s o f w a t e r

v a p o r – t h e r e f o r e , g r e a t l y

i n c r e a s i n g t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r

m o l d a n d m o i s t u r e d a m a g e .

T h a t ’ s w h y b u i l d i n g c o d e

r e q u i r e s a d e q u a t e v e n t i l a t i o n

i n t h e b a t h r oo m . Q u i e t ,

e n e r g y - eff i c i e n t f a n s a r e

w i d e l y a v a i l a b l e ; n e w t i m e r s

o ffe r p e r i o d i c v e n t i l a t i o n a n d

e v e n l e t y o u p r o g r a m t h e f a n

t o o p e r a t e w h i l e y o u ’ r e a w a y .


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n general, tile is considered an environmentally pref erable choice, due to its durabilitynd natural material origins. See Flooring, page 10, f or more inf ormation on tile. Look or locally produced designs as tile manuf acturing is a strong cottage industry in the

Pacif ic Northwest. What’s more, locally owned tile shops tend to carry a larger selectionof regional manuf acturers than you’ll f ind in national chain home improvement stores.

The cost of tile varies dramatically depending on material, quality, and complexity of thenstalled design. Research these costs along with products’ other attributes.

wall tile

wall tile options

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION SELECTION TIPS

Ceramic

Glass

■ made of various clays, mined from the earthand fired at high temperatures

■ usually glazed for additional protection andease of cleaning

■ ceramic glazes often contain lead and othertoxic heavy metals; today most toxins areexcluded from tile glazes in the United States,but some other countries have yet to follow suit

Terrazzo & Concrete ■ traditional terrazzo embeds chips of marble incement, with a smooth ground surfacerevealing the chip pattern

■ in some products, cement binder is replacedwith a synthetic resin

■ commonly poured in place for floors; alsoavailable in tiles for wall applications

■ date back to Roman times; surviving mosaicsfrom this period attest to their incredible

durability■ mosaic tiles (small, usually 1 ⁄ 4”- 1” square) are

usually cut from sheets of glass; larger glasstiles are often cast (either poured while glass ishot or made by placing ground glass in a moldand heating until fused)

Stone ■ cut and honed marble, granite, and slate arecommon choices

■ durable but may require more maintenancethan ceramic or glass tile

■ many stones like marble and granite requireperiodic sealing to withstand moisture andstaining

■ quarried around the world; difficult to assessenvironmental impact

■ consider regionally manufactured ceramic tiles, many availablewith up to 70% recycled content

■ tiles incorporating recycled glass not only support recycling, bulast longer

■ research imported tiles as quality varies greatly; however, littleinformation is usually available on production practices orwhether glazes are lead-free

■ choose sealers free of formaldehyde and low in volatile organiccompounds (VOCs)

■ look for nontoxic sealers■ the thickness of tiles can pose installation challenges■ residential application is less common than commercial, so ma

be difficult to find an experienced residential contractor■ look for options with recycled content, including recycled glass,

ash (a byproduct of coal burning), or reclaimed carpet fiber (whincreases the strength of the tile)

■ look for regional manufacturers and 100% recycled content■ recycled glass tiles manufactured using a sintering process

(heated to the point of fusing rather than full melt) use less enein production

■ larger glass tiles are usually irregular in shape, requiring widergrout lines and sanded grout

■ water-based grout sealers help keep grout surfaces easy to cle■ avoid sealers with formaldehyde and other toxic substances

usually added to inhibit mold growth

■ select regional sources■ cut stones allow for narrow grout lines and unsanded grout;

tumbled stone often requires wider grout lines which increasesmaintenance

■ choose stone that does not require a sealant, or use a non-toxicversion

■ create a one-of-a-kind shower with salvaged stone or remnantsfrom fabricators

■ look for vintage slate at building salvage companies



Essential in areas where diff erent materials meet, caulk ing joins tile to the tub or drainpan, shower corners, and some sink s. Proper caulk application in these areas can preventserious moisture damage. Caulk comes in a variety of f ormulations, giving it a range of qualities.Many conventional f ormulations include very toxic substances, of ten in largeenough quantities to result in nerve damage and other serious side eff ects if used without

suff icient ventilation. Never use caulk specif ically f ormulated f or outdoor uses (such asb u t y l r u bb e r c au lk and oil-based c o n t r a c t o r ’ s c au lk ) inside the home–these hazardoussubstances can severely impact indoor air quality. Many caulk s f ormulated f or thebathroom contain f ungicides and other f ungus- and mold-inhibiting compounds.Balance the benef its of these additives against their risk to humans or the environment;better yet, avoid them altogether and look f or non-toxic blends. In short, research bef oreyou buy.

At the very least, ask your retailer f or the Ma t e r ia l s S a f e t y D a t a S h ee t s (MSDS) f or thebrands you are considering. A MSDS is an overview of a product’s toxic characteristics,as well as use and handling cautions. Although produced f or work er saf ety, they providevaluable inf ormation to the consumer, too. Whichever type of caulk you choose,

purchase only the amount you need. Lef tover caulk tends to dry out, wasting money andresources. The f ollowing is an overview of the most common caulk choices:

■ Latex caulk ing is similar in mak eup to latex paint, with added f illers and colorants.

Generally, latex caulk ing is the least toxic caulk ing alternative, and cleans up with

soap and water. However, it tends to be less durable than its more toxic counterparts.

■ Acrylic caulk ing can also be cleaned up with water. Formulations range f rom all-

acrylic to acrylic-latex blends. Resins and solvents mak e these products more toxic

than their all-latex counterparts. Given the variation in f ormulations of this type of

caulk , it mak es sense to read the label, and ask the retailer f or the MSDS.

■ Silicone caulk s contain silicone resin and vinegar. In f act, the evaporating vinegar is

what produces their distinctive smell. Once this caulk is dry, it is essentially inert,

with excellent indoor air quality characteristics. (However, the production process of

silicone caulk creates hazardous waste and water pollution.) Cleanup usually requires

solvents, although misapplied caulk can of ten be lef t to dry and scraped off mostsurf aces with a razor blade. Silicone f ormulations f or the bath usually contain toxic

compounds intended to reduce mold and mildew growth.

caulk ing

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bathtubsBathtubs can be luxury or utility items, and of ten serve as both. If your current tub

is in good condition, consider reusing it. If it dates f rom the period of your home’sconstruction, the tub will help unify the bath remodel with the rest of the house.

Removing an existing bathtub can be a major challenge or expense, of ten requiringstripping the walls above to the studs, or cutting a hole through an ad joining wall toremove it.

Bathtub

Ref in

ish

in

gIt’s possible to renew porcelain f inished cast iron tubs. This entails repairing any chips inthe porcelain f inish with a f iberglass f iller, etching the surf ace with hydrof luoric acid orother bonding agent, then applying several coats of acrylic urethane enamel to thesurf ace. The process should extend the lif e of your bathtub by up to twenty years, withproper maintenance. Tub ref inishing can run $500 and up and should be done by aprof essional. Ref inishing processes and products vary widely in quality. Look f or long,

comprehensive warranties and check ref erences bef ore selecting a ref inishing f irm. Besure to ask how the work area will be sealed off f rom the rest of your home and ventedduring the process, as well as how the ref inisher treats the hazardous substances. Becausetub ref inishing requires toxic materials, persons with chemical sensitivities shouldconduct thorough research bef ore choosing this option.

Bathtub ReplacementIf you’re intent on a replacement tub, be sure to explore the building salvage andarchitectural vintage retailers in your area. Occasionally, you can f ind an old tub in mintcondition f or a f raction the cost of new. If you opt f or new, consider cast iron or heavysteel bathtubs with a porcelain f inish. These can last 50 years or more. If you’re af requent tub user, one drawback of a steel or iron tub is heat loss. Caref ully evaluateother tub choices: acrylic tubs, f or example, are prone to scratching and short lif e spans,but retain heat better. A heavy ob ject can chip a thin-gauge steel tub. Think caref ullyabout jetted tubs. Mak e sure the tub will f it the space (including doorways leading tothe bathroom), and that their use will justify the added expense. For those more lik ely toshower than soak , the money saved f rom eliminating a luxury tub can purchase otherbath luxuries. Also, small tubs tak e less water to f ill, saving water.

green home remodel | bath & laundrP h o t o t o p r i g h t : M a r t h a R o s e C o n s t r u c t i o n. P h o t o m i dd l e r i g h t : P r e n t i ss Ar c h i t e c t s .



Older toilets can be huge water wasters, using as much as f ive g a ll o n s p e r f l u s h (GPF), whnew models are required to use 1.6 GPF or less. The GPF rating is of ten located on thetoilet bowl, just behind the seat hinges. If your toilet was installed bef ore 1992, you’ll savwater by replacing it with a new, eff icient toilet. D ua l - f l u s h toilet models save even more,

giving the user the option between a f ull or half -f lush, depending on f lushing needs.

Perf ormance still varies widely between low-f low models, so it pays to do some research.

to www.savingwater.org / toilettest.htm to see a list of commonly purchased toilets and hothey perf orm.

Did you k now that a leak y toilet can raise a home’s water bill up to $200 per month? Thculprit is usually a worn-out or improperly f unctioning toilet f l a pp e r (that rubber deviceinside the toilet tank that holds water in the tank until it’s needed f or f lushing), a low-coreplacement part available at hardware stores. Toilets of ten have silent leak s (which can steasily waste $50 per year), mak ing them very diff icult to detect without the use of d y e t a b l e t s . See www.savingwater.org f or more inf ormation on detecting and f ixing leak s. Seatresidents can tak e their old water-wasting toilets to Seattle’s South Recycling and DisposaStation f or recycling. The toilet seat must be removed– just let the attendant k now you haa toilet f or recycling. For directions and hours of operation, visit www.seattle.gov / util or call (206) 684-3000.

showerheadsOlder showerheads can use 5 gallons of water per minute or more. New, low-cost designssave water and deliver plenty of shower power.Models are available that use 2 or even aslittle as 11

/ 2 gallons per minute (mark ed 2.0 or 1.5 GPM on the showerhead). Look f or

designs that deliver water in multiple individual streams rather than mist-lik e sprays–so water stays warmer, saving energy. Also consider installing a s h o w e r h e a d s h u t o ff v a l v e . Thishandy little contraption f its between the shower arm and showerhead, and f eatures a buttothat reduces the shower stream to a trick le while the user soaps up. Also consider handheldshowerheads, or showerheads installed on a vertical bar to allow f or height ad justment.These provide greater accessibility, plus mak e rinsing down the shower af ter cleaning abreeze. You may also consider a c h l o r in e f i l t e r on your showerhead. These devices removechlorine f rom shower water, which otherwise can be inhaled and absorbed through the

sk in. The health eff ects of this exposure are debated, but many consider a chlorine f ilter aprecautionary measure.

The Consumer Products Saf ety Commission estimates that 200,000 in juries occur per yein the United States f rom sudden changes in water temperature during baths and showerOf ten, the elderly and children are most at risk . Anti-scald valves reduce the risk of this

type of in jury, and are now available in multiple styles to match any bath. Setting yourwater heater thermostat to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit reduces the risk of in jurf urther, and reduces energy bills at the same time.

toilets

7 green home remodel | bath & laundry P h o t o b o tt o m l ef t : E n v i r o n m e n t a l H o m e C e n t e r .



Lik e bathtubs, sink s mak e great reuse candidates, if they’re in good condition and a styleyou lik e. If not, you can save money and resources by ref inishing your existing sink (seeBathtubs on page 6 f or details on ref inishing) or look ing f or a vintage or salvaged model.When buying new, mak e classic design and durability a priority. Quality sink s shouldcome with lif etime warranties. Common bath sink choices include:

■ Enameled cast iron: Cast iron is a durable choice, handling scrubbing well. However,

if the enamel chips, it can expose the iron and result in rust. Cast iron sink s are quite

common at building materials salvage yards, where you can f ind one at a f raction of

the price of new, and create “instant history” or match the period of your bath. Cast

iron is recyclable.

■ Porcelain: This durable sink choice is made of high-f ire clay with a glazed f inish.

Easy to clean and classic in appearance, porcelain is an enduring f avorite.

■ Solid surf ace: Lik e solid surf ace countertops these sink s come in a variety of colors,

and can be integrated into countertops. They also suff er the same shortcomings,

including being prone to scorching (although small burns can be sanded out) and

stains. Solid surf ace is resistant to scratching f rom scouring pads.

■ Stainless steel: Designers of ten recommend thick er gauge steel, usually 18 or 16

gauge, but consumer tests f ound little diff erence in perf ormance between gauges. A

satin f inish is better at hiding scratches, f ingerprints and water spots than a polished

f inish. Quality stainless steel sink s are available at building salvage yards. Stainless

steel can be recycled.

If you are planning on installing dual sink s, consider how much room you have. TheNational Kitchen and Bath Association recommends at least 30 inches of counter spacebetween two bowls, measured f rom centerline to centerline; otherwise you’ll be bumpingelbows.

f aucetsSince bathroom sink f aucets are the most heavily used in the house, durability should bea primary consideration. Look f or lif etime warranties, and ceramic disc valves (long-wearing and easily replaceable if worn or damaged). Remember that lever-handled orsingle-lever mixer handles are easier to operate than k nobs or cross handles. Look f orf aucets that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines (mark ed AD AA pp r o v e d ). As a simple rule, the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommendsselecting f aucets that can be operated without having to grip and twist.

If you’re reusing your existing f aucet, see if it can be outf itted with a water-conservinga e r a t o r –a device that screws onto the end of the f aucet to reduce f low, either by addingair to the stream or directing the f low into multiple small jets. Aerators that deliver waterat rates as little as one gallon per minute are suff icient f or most lavatory task s.

sink s

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f looring choices

MATERIAL INSTALLED COST/DESCRIPTION/TIPS BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

Tile

Concrete

exceptionally durable ifof high quality andproperly installed

individual damagedtiles can be replaced

energy-intensiveproduction

requires carefulsurface preparationlasting results

cold and hard on fee

$15-$20/sq.ft. Made from Portland cement, sand, stone andother fillers, concrete floors are applied by hand. Recycledmaterials such as glass can also be incorporated into theconcrete mix.

Tips: For lasting color, use nontoxic natural pigments mixed intothe concrete or integral color rather than surface-applied stains.Many concrete sealers are toxic–choose water-based products

appropriate for the bath. Consider in-floor radiant heating whenapplying concrete in a bath situation; this energy-efficient heatingmethod makes a concrete floor much more welcoming for barefeet. Consider replacing a portion of the cement used in theconcrete mix with fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired energyproduction. This reduces the environmental impact of thisflooring choice, and makes for a more water-resistant concrete.

can incorporaterecycled materials

durable

extremely energy-intensive to produce(for every ton ofcement produced,approximately one tof greenhouse gasereleased)

porous; requiressealing and periodictreatments

cold and hard on fee


$10-$100/sq.ft Made primarily from clays and talc combinedwith water, pressed or poured into forms, then fired in a kiln.Most are also glazed with a mixture of ground glass, metals orminerals. You can find 100% recycled glass tile, but it makes for aslippery surface. Wider grout lines can add traction but glass tileis generally better suited for accents, or walls, tubs or showersurrounds.

Tips: Look for tiles with recycled content, such as waste glass,feldspar tailings, or reprocessed porcelain. Note that high-fireporcelain is more durable than low-fire clay tile. Consider locallymanufactured tile. Make sure the tile you choose is meant for

flooring applications. Proper preparation of the substrate(surface to which the tiles are applied) is critical. Mostprofessionals suggest hand-applied mortar and galvanizedreinforcing mesh for a base that will last as long as the tiles (andmost likely, outlast your home). An alternative is cement board,applied to a sufficiently rigid subfloor.


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The material underf oot is especially critical in bathrooms. Floors must tolerate constant moisture, standing water, f requent scrubbing andhigh traff ic, plus clean easily. Because the demands are so great, eff ective f looring options are somewhat limited. The f ollowing tableoutlines some of the more green f loors available.

Popular f or its low purchase price, vinyl sheet f looring off ers questionable durability and raises concerns over environmental and healthsaf ety, especially during manuf acturing and disposal. Vinyl sheet f looring is essentially a thin layer of vinyl on top of a paper base. Vinyl is

more than 50% chlorine by weight, and when burned, can produce both hydrochloric acid and dioxins.

Existing vinyl f looring can also pose hazards during remodeling. Vinyl sheet f looring manuf actured bef ore the mid-1980s may contain highlevels of asbestos in its back ing material, which is easily released into the air when the f looring is removed. Vinyl tiles f rom this era may alsocontain asbestos (especially the smaller 9” x 9” tiles common in many 1940-60s houses). The asbestos in these tiles is usually much lesslik ely to be released into the air than f rom sheet vinyl back ing, but they should not be sawn, drilled, or otherwise disturbed. If you suspectyou may have asbestos-containing f looring, contact the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: (206) 689-4058 or online atwww.pscleanair.org / asbestos. You may be able to avoid tearing out the f irst layer by using a synthetic f loor leveling material, then installingthe new material directly on top of the f irst. Consult manuf acturer’s instructions to ensure that this approach is compatible with your newf looring choice.

P h o t o t o p r i g h t : E n v i r o n m e n t a l H o m e C e n t e r .

f looring

MATERIAL INSTALLED COST/DESCRIPTION/TIPS BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

Natural Linoleum made from natural,renewable products

antibacterial and anti-static (repels dust)

exceptionally durable

appropriate for manyarchitectural styles

one manufacturerrecommends againsinstalling linoleum ithe bath

$6-$10/sq. ft. Made from linseed oil, wood flour, pine resin, andpigments with a plant fiber backing, natural linoleum has beenpopular for kitchens and bathrooms for over a century. Currentlymanufactured in Europe, available in both sheets and tiles.

Tips: Proper application requires a very smooth surface, as anyimperfections in the substrate will likely show in the linoleumsurface. On uneven surfaces, self-leveling floor fillers can help.Note that one manufacturer recommends against installinglinoleum in the bathroom; be sure to consult with manufacturersfor warranty requirements. Linoleum tiles are considered do-it-yourself-friendly; professional installation is recommended with

linoleum sheet.

Laminates do-it-yourself-friendly

inexpensive, especiallyif you install

some brands arereusable orincorporate recycledmaterial

cannot be refinished

composite wood basvulnerable to moistudamage

not readily recyclabldue to its compositenature

$10-$20/sq. ft. Also called floating floor, systems usually consistof a thin pattern layer over a tongue-in-groove base of wood orwood fiber. These floors are either glued or snap-lockedtogether, creating a single unit. Some brands contain adhesivesand formaldehydes that can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Tips: Look for versions with recycled content, especially in thewood base, which makes up the majority of the product. Onebrand is faced with natural linoleum, providing a much thickerwear layer than the other versions. Avoid products containingtropical hardwoods, such as lauan, which is currently beingharvested beyond sustainable levels. Snap-lock models can beremoved and reused. Not all laminates are up to the wetenvironment of the bath–make sure the brand you select is.

Stone $10-$150/sq. ft. Includes granite, marble and slate. Sourcesexist around the world; environmental impact depends onquarrying and production practices as well as transport distance.

Tips: Look to salvage yards for stone–at a fraction of the cost andenvironmental impact of new. Remnants are also often availablefrom fabricators and stone yards. If buying new stone, look forlocal sources and local fabrication (some domestic stone isshipped overseas for processing. Use non-toxic water-basedsealers and treatments.

durable and reusable difficult to repair

porous depending ofinish; requires sealand treatment

heavy; may requiresubfloor reinforcemcold and hard on fee



Lik e the bath, laundry rooms must be durable and moisture-resistant. They can tak emany f orms, ranging f rom an unf inished basement corner or multitask ing bathroomcloset to a specif ically designated room. First, think of how you accomplish laundry-related task s. A laundry area can of ten be a multitask ing space, f unctioning as a mudroom, sewing / craf t / gif t-wrapping center or storage area f or tools and cleaning supplies.By designing f lexibility into this space, you can k eep a range of options open.

Cab

in

etry

Get creative with storage in your laundry area. Consider what you need and whetheropen shelving or cabinets will work best. Salvaged items may be just the solution–oldlock er bays and gym bask ets are of ten perf ect f or storing small items. Vintage f ruit boxescan be reincarnated as eclectic laundry storage. If you choose to build new cabinets, look f or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certif ied plywood, or eco-f riendly wheatboard orstrawboard products made f rom agricultural waste. FSC certif ication ensures wood hasbeen harvested and processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Fordetails on the FSC program and help f inding retailers that stock FSC products, seewww.cwpa.inf o. Strawboard products are available at specialty retailers of environmentalbuilding products, and occasionally at standard home improvement centers.

Laundry Sink s

The laundry sink mak es a perf ect candidate f or salvage. Vintage cast iron utility sink s arerelatively common, and will last as long as your home. A salvaged mop sink placed onthe f loor with a rod above is great f or drip-drying clothes, rinsing off work boots or eventhe f amily dog. Of course, you can use it to store mops, too.

Flooring

Flooring choices that work f or the bathroom f unction equally well in the laundry area.

Due to its incredible durability, natural linoleum is an excellent choice. Ref er to theFlooring Choices table in the Bath section of this guide f or details.

laundry

green home remodel | bath & laundryP h o t o t h i r d f r o m t o p: P r o g r e ss L i g h t i n g .



case studyHere’s how one Seattle home incorporated beauty, utility, and conservation in a singledesign. In this 1900s Capitol Hill Bungalow renovation, a bathroom and dressing areaare tuck ed under the raised eaves of the second f loor, creating a master suite on thesecond f loor. The owners wanted to be protective of our global resources, and so

selected an architectural f irm with experience in green building.

Forest-f riendly Wood

The owners f elt strongly about using wood f rom environmentally responsible sources.Th

e beadboard ceilin

g is Forest Stewards

hip

Coun

cil (FSC

) certif ied

Incense C

edar,f inished with a plant-based clear sealer. FSC certif ication ensures that f orest productshave met stringent environmental and social standards during harvest and production(see more at www.cwpa.inf o). Wood f or cabinetry and laundry closet doors is f rom aSeattle company that mills urban trees cleared f or saf ety or development reasons–woodthat normally is chipped into mulch.

Resource-wise Products

From the 100% recycled aluminum towel rails to the salvaged chalk board slate f loors,materials were selected f or their environmental origins and long-lasting beauty. The toiletallows f or a water-wise 1.6 gallon f lush, or an even thrif tier 0.8 gallon half -f lush(standard low f low toilets f lush 1.6 gallons). The room also hosts a suite of energyconserving f eatures, including a device that captures waste heat f rom drain water andtransf ers it to the incoming hot water, an Energy Star® clothes washer, and radiant in-f loor

heating that k eeps warmth where it’s needed rather than on the ceiling.

Smart Space

The laundry area is a textbook example of space eff iciency. The doors are back ed withshelves, which when opened create a mini-laundry station with laundry supplies andlinen storage all within easy reach. When closed, the laundry area disappears, leaving anuncluttered bath ready to en joy.

The Result: Conscientious Luxury

“Building green was our utmost priority with this renovation,” according to the owners.“Along the way, we learned how easy it is to choose earth-f riendly products that not onlywork great but look f antastic.”


L o c a t i o n : C a p i t o l H i ll

Ar c h i t e c t : V E L O C I P E D E architects, S e a tt l e

G r ee n e l e m e n t s : MATERIALS

■ recycled glass tiles, made in

Seattle

■ recycled insulation (two types:

cotton f rom denim scraps, and

cellulose f rom newspapers)

■ recycled aluminum towel bars

■ locally made countertops, a

composite of F S C - c e r t i f i e d paper

and resin

■ slate f looring salvaged f rom a

demolished school’s chalk boards

■ antique light f ixtures converted

f rom gas to electricity

■ sustainable harvest cedar

beadboard

■ cabinetry wood is f rom salvaged

Seattle trees

ENERGY &WATER EFFICIENCY

■ Energy Star® clothes washer

■ half or f ull f lush toilet (uses 1.6

or 0.8 gallons per f lush)

■ hydronic radiant heating in f loor

and walls

■ GFX wastewater heat recovery

unit

HEALTHY INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

■ plant based wood f inishes

■ locally made, low-toxic paints

■ abundant natural light

■ operable windows

■ quiet, energy-eff icient ventilation

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

■ height-ad justable showerheads

■ curb-f ree shower entry



resources

gT h i s b r o c h u r e w a s d e v e l o p e d b y t h e S e a tt l e Pu b l i c U t i l i t i e s S u s t aina b l e B ui l d in g P r o g r a m , w i t h t h e a ss i s t an c e o f S e a tt l e Pu b l i c U t i l i t i e s R e s o u r c e C o n s e r v a t i o n s t a ff . G r a t ef u l a c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s t o S e a tt l e C i t y L i g h t an d t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l H o m e C e n t e r f o r c o n t e n t r e v i e w an d in p u t .

BUILT GREENTM

If you’re hiring a prof essional f or your remodel work , consider BUILT GREENTM, a ratingsystem created specif ically f or Northwest homes by the Master Builder’s Association of King and Snohomish counties. With over 200 health and environmentally f riendlybuilding strategies to choose f rom, the system is f lexible enough f or just about any

remodeling pro ject. BUILT GREENTM

covers all the areas of a green remodel, including siteand water quality protection, energy and materials eff iciency, healthy indoor air, as wellas how to k eep a green home green. For more inf ormation and to f ind builders who usethis system, go to www.builtgreen.net.

Print

■ B ui l d in g w i t h V i s i o n : O p t i m i z in g an d F in d in g Al t e r na t i v e s t o W oo d by Dan Imhoff ,

et al. (Watershed Media, 2001). Don’t be f ooled by the title: this book gives a good

overview of the environmental and health impacts of building materials, and lists

environmentally f riendly alternatives.

■ N o - R e g r e t s R e m o d e l in g f rom Home Energy Magazine. Excellent general ref erence f or

h

ome remodels

,f oc

u

sin

g on

en

ergy savi

n

gs at

www.h

omeen

ergy.org

(click

on H

o m e E n e r g y P r o d u c t s )

■ T h e N e w N a t u r a l H o u s e B oo k by David Pearson (Fireside Publishers, 1998)

Online

The Internet is a great place to research green remodeling topics. Try search terms suchas: residential green building, green building materials, healthy building, energyconservation, water conservation and sustainable building.

Seattle Public Utilities maintains a website to complement the Green Home Remodelingseries. The site includes an extensive list of link s to additional inf ormation on greenremodeling in general in the f ollowing topics:

■ Appliances and Fixtures■ Certif ied Wood

■ Energy and Water Eff iciency

■ Indoor Air Quality

■ Materials Selection and Use

■ Paints and Finishes

■ Recycling and Reuse

■ Remodeling Hazards (Asbestos, Lead, and Formaldehyde)

■ Toxics Reduction, and

■ Universal Design

Find these resources at www.seattle.gov / sustainablebuilding (click on G r ee n H o m e

R e m o d e l ). Or call Seattle Public Utilities’ Sustainable Building Program at (206) 615-0731 to receive a print version of the resource list or other brochures in this series.

F o r TT Y a ss i s t an c e , pl e a s e c a ll ( 206 ) 233 - 72 4 1. T h i s in f o r m a t i o n c an b e m a d e a v ai l a b l e o n r e q u e s t t o a cc o mm o d a t e p e o pl e w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s an d t h o s e w h o n ee d l an g ua g e a ss i s t an c e .

green home remodel | bath & laundryP h o t o t o p : E n v i r o n m e n t a l H o m e C e n t e r . P h o t o c e n t e r : J AS D e s i g n B ui l d ( p h o t o © J o h n G r an e n ) .



g

Please reuse this guide by sharing it witha f riend, or recycle it. T h an k y o u !

Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor

Seattle Public Utilities

Chuck Clarke, Director

City of Seattle

Sustainable Building Program

700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4900

Seattle, WA 98104-5004

www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding

green home remodeling - bath & laundry

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