Green Building Product Discussions

"Going Green" is cool again?

by Matt Hoots SawHorse Design + Build

Observations at the 2023 International Builder's Show. I noticed a new theme at the International Builder's Show this year.  All exhibitors made a point to tell me about their innovations related to climate change and politi… more...

  Filed under: Appliances

Plaex Building Systems, Inc. - Modular, Durable Construction Blocks with over 90% Recycled Materials

Building Materials,Construction blocks,Waste Stream,Recycled content

by Rate It Green Team

Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. recently spoke with Matt Durnnian of Plaex Building Systems, Inc at the International Building Show (IBS), and really we kept thinking, "All Building and Building Products… more...

  Filed under: Structural Composites

Mini Split Compressor Placement in Cold Climates (Think about Snow and Other Conditions)

HVAC,Extreme Weather,Heating,Mini Splits,Snow,Compressors,Weather

by Allison Friedman Rate It Green Admin

It’s important to think about mini split condenser location in cold climates where it’s likely to snow, or really where anything will affect the proper functioning and longevity/durability of the unit.  I hope by sharing, s… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Mini Split Cold Weather Design Advice and Guidelines, with Mitsubishi

by Rate It Green Team

Your mini split might work better if you don’t bury it under the snow… In all seriousness, Shawn from Mitsubishi chats with Matt Hoots and gives some advice on optimal conditions for mini split compressors and equipment&n… more...

  Filed under: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

High Performance Residential Vapor Barriers - StegoHome and the #1920sMakeoverATL Renovation

Passive House,ROCKWOOL,Vapor Barriers,Clean Vapor,Slab,StegoHome,Stego Industries,Foundation Layers,Mastic

by Rate It Green Team

  For the #1920sMakeoverATL home, Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc shares a great example of how designing the foundation right and using sustainable, durable, and quality products can make a significant difference to t… more...

  Filed under: Concrete Accessories

Radon Gas Mitigation in New Construction - A Chance to Get it Right

by Stego Industries, LLC

Sub-slab soil vapor migration into building envelopes can pose a real threat to the longevity of building materials (i.e. flooring materials), affect energy efficiency, as well as impact indoor air quality and human health. Perhaps one of t… more...

  Filed under: Concrete

pond liners

by Miranda P. Homeowner

I am looking for earth-friendly products for lining a backyard pond.  In particular, I'd love to know whether eco intelligent polyester can be used to underlay a standard EPDM pond liner.  And I'd love to know whether EPDM… more...

  Filed under: Exterior Improvements

VIDEO: Introducing Wooster Products Inc's VOC Free Walk-A-Sured Anti-Slip Coating

Safety,Anti-Slip Coating

by Rate It Green Team

In this video, Ryan from Wooster Products Inc. introduces Matt Hoots to the NO VOC Walk-A-Sured clear anti-slip epoxy coating.  The idea of Walk-A-Sured is to provide an anti-slip surface while allowing the be… more...

  Filed under: Safety

VIDEO: Georgia Lightscapes - Cutting Lighting Bills in Half and Lowering HVAC Costs with LED Retrofits

Lighting,LED Lighting,LEDs

by Rate It Green Team

In this video, Mark Dover of Georgia Lightscapes explains how converting to LED lighting can reduce maintenance costs and lower HVAC energy usage, cutting lighting bills in half.   Mark explains that LEDs never get h… more...

  Filed under: LED Lighting

VIDEO: Solaria Lighting - Unique Designs Handmade in Nashville, Tennessee

Design,Lighting,Interior Design,Lights,Style

by Rate It Green Team

Matt Hoots had the opportunity to talk with Josh Walters at the 2020 Atlanta Build Expo to learn about Solaria Lighting and their really creative light fixtures.  Most of Solaria's lights are handmade in Nashville, Tenne… more...

  Filed under: Lighting