Build for occupant health because it will make you feel better.

As the construction industry has tightened up new homes, little attention had been paid to the substances used in manufacturing the materials that build the home. Additives in carpets, paints, adhesives, grouts, drywall compounds and plywood combine to create unhealthy levels of indoor air pollutants. We reduce the sources of indoor air pollution through careful material selection. Starting with the framing, we use sheathing products that contain no formaldehyde. No- or low-VOC paints, finishes, and adhesives reduce toxins. Good design, specialized building techniques and attention to moisture management details keep our buildings dry and free of rot and mold growth.

Many commercial buildings suffer from “Sick Building Syndrome.” And the air quality in many residences is not much better. We install ventilation systems, using energy efficient fans, programmable timers and fresh air inlets to maintain a healthy balance of fresh, circulating air. We want your home to be a healthy retreat where you can relax and breathe in comfort. Listed below are some of the methods and materials we utilize to ensure occupant health.

Water-Based, Rubberized Foundation Coating

Green foundation coating:

  • Makes a building water-proof vs damp-proof, reducing mold potential for better IAQ (indoor air quality)
  • Extends life of building
  • Does not leach toxins into soil

Rainscreen / Drainage Planes

  • Air space behind siding for drainage and drying wall system
  • Reduces potential for mold growth as air space behind siding allows wall system and siding to breath and dry out
  • Use of pre-finished siding and trim extends life of materials and finishes
  • Reduces environmental impact

Dense-Pac Cellulose Insulation

Benefits of using Dense-Pac cellulose insulation:

  • Contains no formaldehyde or carcinogens
  • Increases energy performance
  • Reduces air infiltration
  • Is made from environment friendly recycled newspaper content

No-VOC and Low-VOC Finishes

Conventional paints contain high levels of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). VOC’s produce a breathable gas when applied, diminish air quality and may be detrimental to your health. Paints, adhesives and protective finishes are often formulated with VOC’s to improve performance. Newer products offer low- and no-VOC paints and finishes that release no, or minimal VOC pollutants, and are odor free.

Fresh Air Inlets

Well insulated, tight homes benefit from controlled air vents that allow for fresh, draft-free air to enter the house. These passive air inlets are placed high on an exterior wall in bedrooms and in central living spaces to insure a constant supply of controlled fresh air.

Whole House Ventilation

Energy efficient buildings are built tight to eliminate virtually all air leaks. Letting in fresh air through an open window creates energy loss. A whole house ventilation system prevents the constant recirculation of stale air containing pollutants, odors and carbon dioxide while minimizing heat loss. This results in cleaner, fresher, healthier air. Taggart selects systems that are quiet, use less energy, and have insulated doors that open when the fan is on and close when it is off.

Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating is a method of heating where the heat is concentrated in the floor. Special tubing is embedded in a concrete foundation or the plywood subfloor. Heated water flows through the tubing. This warms the thermal mass of the floor putting heat at floor level.

Traditional forced-air systems tend to kick up dust, pollutants and allergens that can cause significant health problems. Radiant floor heating simply radiates heat.

Formaldehyde-Free Sheathing

When a house is built, the occupant is surrounded by sheathing in the walls, floor and roof. This makes the use of formaldehyde-free sheathing in construction essential to occupant health. Taggart uses both formaldehyde-free plywood and OSB (oriented strand board) as sheathing material. Formaldehyde is a recognized carcinogen, and a sensitizer, meaning that exposure to formaldehyde can make a person more sensitive to other chemicals. At or above 0.1 ppm in the air, formaldehyde can cause health problems including watery eyes, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat.

Natural Light

Exposure to natural sunlight promotes health and well-being. One component of sunlight, ultraviolet light, induces the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphates, and is one of the most active vitamins in terms of the amount required each day. Of course, moderation of exposure is key. Sunlight is also important in synchronizing the body’s daily biological clock. Bright light enters the eye and influences the body by stimulating the production of the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Light raises levels of serotonin during the day to keep you alert, while the dark of night boosts melatonin to help you sleep. Designing buildings to maximize natural light improves productivity and creates a sense of well-being.