One Very 'Green' Backyard Improvement

One Very ‘Green’ Backyard Improvement (ARA) – Spring is on the way and you may already be planning your big backyard improvement project. And being an environmentally conscious citizen, you’re looking for "green" ideas that will provide maximum enjoyment with minimal environmental impact. If it seems that adding or replacing a deck doesn’t fit with your green objectives, think again.<div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/17c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/17c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> A composite deck is one earth-friendly upgrade that not only will help spruce up your backyard, but also will create a green outdoor living space. Some composite decking products offer the look of natural wood in a low-maintenance green product. For example, MoistureShield Decking from Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (A.E.R.T.) is made with 90 percent recycled wood fiber and plastics, such as plastic grocery sacks, milk jugs and detergent bottles. By using recycled plastic in MoistureShield, A.E.R.T. keeps plastics out of landfills, while also developing composite products that are resistant to moisture and insect damage. Beyond the good feelings you get from selecting an earth-friendly decking product, Joe Brooks, A.E.R.T. Chairman/CEO offers the following advantages for homeowners looking to "green" their backyard. Increased Home Value When considering a composite deck, it is important to look at your overall investment rather than just the initial cost. "Remodeling" magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report reported that homeowners could recover 77.6 percent of a composite deck’s cost in resale value. In addition, potential home buyers are looking to buy green homes for the increased resale value. The 2007 McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report on Attitudes and Preferences for Remodeling and Buying Green Homes found that 73 percent of people surveyed listed potential higher resale value as one of the top four reasons to buy a green home. Low Maintenance Less time maintaining your deck means more time to enjoy it. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking does not need staining, painting or sealing to maintain its natural beauty. The plastic fibers help protect the deck against termites, rot and harsh environmental conditions. While little maintenance is needed, a composite deck still requires periodic cleaning as with any flooring surface exposed to normal use and the outside elements. Safety and Durability Although your composite deck may look and even feel like wood, it will not crack, warp, splinter or create slivers like a traditional wood deck. Instead, a composite deck offers a solid, slip-resistant surface that is comfortable and easy on bare feet. Aesthetics A composite deck will enhance virtually any backyard due to the wide variety of choices available. Manufacturers like A.E.R.T. offer an assortment of colors and textures, which allow homeowners to mix and match as needed to create a stunning deck to complement their home. Tax Incentives Because of the composition, many composite decking products, including MoistureShield, meet or exceed the requirements for landscape decking published in the LEED for home standards. The U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC) offers the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System to promote the design and construction of high performance green homes. Through this system, local, state and federal governments may offer tax breaks and other incentives for building LEED homes or adding green features to your home. <div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/17a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/17a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> When looking to "green" your backyard this spring, consider these advantages and make a composite deck the centerpiece of your green outdoor living space. To learn more about composite decks, visit www.moistureshield.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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