Whether you’re a contractor starting a new project or a homeowner looking for certain materials, Jaeger Lumber is here to help. Serving customers throughout New Jersey, we provide high-quality building materials and installation services for building projects. Here, we explore some of the best eco-friendly materials and products to use for your next construction.
What Are Eco-Friendly Materials?
Eco-friendly or green materials are those that are less harmful to the environment than standard options. They can be recyclable, renewable, biodegradable, or sustainably sourced. These materials are becoming more common in the building and construction industries as contractors aim to reduce their environmental impact.
Leading Eco-Friendly Materials and Products
As more contractors and homeowners choose to work with eco-friendly materials and products, more manufacturers are offering options that are recyclable, energy-efficient, and sustainable. Some of the best options include:
Composite Lumber
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly decking material, composite lumber is an excellent option. This material is made using a combination of recycled wood fibers and plastic to provide a more eco-conscious option than traditional lumber. One option available at Jaeger Lumber is from Trex®, which features eco-friendly composite decking made from a blend of 95% reclaimed wood and recycled plastic film.
Recycled Steel
Another popular eco-friendly construction material for beams, plumbing equipment, and more is recycled steel. This is a more sustainable option than virgin steel since it reduces the need to mine for iron ore and can help save on energy costs.
Bamboo
You might associate bamboo with panda bears, but did you know it’s a green construction material? Bamboo grows quickly, is very sturdy, and is better for the environment because it doesn’t need toxic finishes like paint and varnish that have unhealthy chemicals.
Cork
Cork is a natural material that comes from the bark of cork oak trees. It is eco-friendly, shock-absorbing, and sound-absorbing, so it is often used for insulation.
Recycled or Reclaimed Wood
If you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative to standard wood, recycled or reclaimed wood is a good choice. This wood is repurposed from old structures and helps reduce landfill waste. It can be used in several areas of home building.
Recycled Plastic
Plastic takes a very long time to decompose, so it’s not eco-friendly. However, recycled plastic is reprocessed from used plastic products, reducing the environmental impact and conserving more energy than making new plastic. It can be used to make concrete and other building materials.
Eco-Friendly Products From Jaeger Lumber
At Jaeger Lumber, you’ll find eco-friendly products along with sustainable materials. Some examples include our windows from Andersen, which are ENERGY STAR-certified to meet strict energy efficiency criteria. When you choose these windows for your project, you can have peace of mind that you’re choosing a product that is better for the environment. Another option is our doors from Therma-Tru. These doors are built with a polyurethane foam core that is four times more energy-efficient than wood, which helps reduce energy usage and costs.
Learn More About Eco-Conscious Building From Jaeger Lumber
If you’re embarking on a new construction project, consider using eco-friendly materials or products. Explore the options available at Jaeger Lumber, where we serve contractors and homeowners throughout New Jersey. For more information about our eco-conscious offerings, contact us or request a quote today.
