Gina Wherry of the Scott Loper Team recently received NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) GREEN Designation. This designation is the only nationally recognized real estate designation for agents to help educate and guide consumers on issues of energy efficiency and sustainability in various facets of real estate.
We are getting into the middle of autumn now and enjoying some nice October weather. Pumpkins are on doorsteps and porches waiting to turn to jack-o-lanterns and glow later this month. Soon we will be indoors a bit more. Which leads me to the topic of indoor air quality or commonly referred to as IAQ, and ways to be “green” about the air you breathe and the effects on the environment overall.
The quality of indoor air in your home affects your health and the environment. There are things that you can do to help improve the air you breathe and cut back on green house gas emissions. Let’s start by defining green house gases. These are emitted gases that are trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to atmospheric warming. These gases can come from VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde, methylene chloride and benzene found in products such as paints, lacquers, carpet, cleaning supplies, pesticides, furniture, cabinets and adhesive removers.
If you getting your home ready for the market and your real estate agent suggested you give a few rooms in your home a fresh coat of paint, there are several things to consider and good products to choose from. First, oil-based paints have higher VOC-content. Also, glossy paints contain more solvents which translate to higher VOC content. Lastly, even if you choose a no VOC paint, most tints boost VOC levels. How to approach painting: the lighter the tint, the flatter the finish, the lower VOC content. And, most buyers will want a neutral or light color on the walls anyway.
There are 20 products with the Green Seal stamp of approval. Here are a few brands you may recognize: Benjamin Moore Eco Spec, which is odorless and does not harm the environment. There are paints specifically made for a baby’s room, such as Healthy Homes Baby HealthyHues. It does not contain any harmful solvents or toxic chemicals. Another product is Olympic paint and stains. These are zero VOC paints that are odor free. Be aware that even low VOC or zero VOC paints may contain ingredients that are toxic. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paint can label.
Since there are pollutants in low VOC paints, and of course, regular paint that contribute to the ground level ozone or smog. Breathing ozone is not healthy. It can cause respiratory problems. When planning to paint you should try to start the project during dry weather so you can leave the windows open for 2 or 3 days. Take fresh air breaks when you are painting. If you have window mounted box fan, use it to pull the odor out of the room. Also, never use exterior paints for indoor spaces.
Your Realtor can also list the low or zero VOC paint feature when marketing your home. More and more buyers are becoming aware of the green products available and look for these features when deciding on a purchase.
~Gina
Being 'Green" With Paint by our team member Gina Wherry originally appeared in the Montgomeryville-Lansdale Patch.
Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County of Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.
Being 'Green" With Paint - Benefits of Low VOC Paint - Copyright © 2011, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.
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The Scott Loper Team
Scott Loper - Associate Broker
Lisa Loper - Sales Associate
Gina Wherry - Sales Associate
RE/MAX Realty Group
439 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438
Ph: 215-256-1200 x-213
