Denver Real Estate

Providing a great environment for active lifestyles, the state of Colorado is one of the great living destinations in the country. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, snow filled fun, beautiful landscapes and homes, cities such as Denver have become a hot spot for potential home buyers.

Purchasing a home can be filled with excitement and anticipation for homeowners. It can also be a time where additional responsibilities are acquired. Having the assistance of a reliable and honest Denver real estate agent will make all the difference in when buying a home. One of the many things that can go unnoticed is taking precautions against obsolete and toxic building materials which may still be present in homes. Newly bought homes are often remodeled and repairs may be needed.

Citizens of Colorado are pushing for continued use of new green, Eco-friendly technologies. Green construction brings together many techniques which aim to reduce or eliminate the impacts in which physical structures have on the environment and health, especially when remodeling or re mediating older homes.

Asbestos

Used throughout the 20th century to insulate pipes, boilers and in roofing, asbestos gained recognition due to its resistance to heat and electrical conductivity. Homes built before 1980 should be aware that older homes may still harbor asbestos materials. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. The only way to verify asbestos content before a remodeling project is to have it sampled by specialists in a laboratory setting.

Asbestos fibers are thin and strong, and when inhaled frequently, an individual can develop mesothelioma, a rare but severe lung ailment caused by asbestos exposure. This asbestos-related illness is difficult to treat and diagnose because symptoms may not show up from 20 to 50 years after exposure. This makes a mesothelioma diagnosis a difficult task for physicians.

If asbestos is located, it must be left un-touched until a professional can provide a course of action. In many situations, the best action is no action. Asbestos that is disturbed or damaged due to age is known as “friable” asbestos. This is a concern because its toxic fibers can easily circulate and become inhaled. If asbestos removal is recommended, it should be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure.

Green Homes in Denver

Organizations such as Environment Colorado help bring together programs and projects that are helping make the state become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city. In Denver, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation.

Green options such as cotton fiber, cellulose and lcynene should be given consideration as replacements to asbestos. Not only will Eco-friendly materials provide a healthy atmosphere, it can significantly reduce energy costs. Cotton fiber is quickly becoming a favorite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof. Research has demonstrated that the use of Eco-friendly insulation alternatives can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent.

The implementation of Eco-construction and green energy home solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world. Green building is the consequence of a design that will increase energy efficiency, water and have a direct impact on your health and the environment.

Article Provided by:

Joe Lederman
Mesothelioma Center
National Awareness Coordinator