Skip to content
Sustainable-living — Sustainable home — Slow living — Small businesses — home-and-garden — Lifestyle

Long-Lasting Home Improvements for Sustainable Living:

Investing in these home upgrades for sustainability is a sound decision. These improvements not only endure for long periods, but also offer comfort and distinctive charm to your residential space.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Wise House Improvements with a Focus on Sustainability: Worth every Penny for Not Only Their Long...
Wise House Improvements with a Focus on Sustainability: Worth every Penny for Not Only Their Long Lifespan, but Also the Comfort and Distinctive Appeal They Bring to Your Residence.

Long-Lasting Home Improvements for Sustainable Living:

Investing in Long-Lasting Home Improvements for Sustainability

Published on 27th March 2023

In a world where fast fashion and short-lived consumer products have become the norm, it is refreshing to delve into home upgrades that promise durability and sustainability. By making informed decisions and investing in quality materials, homeowners can not only save on long-term costs but also contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

This collaborative post highlights six promising home improvements that are built to last.

1. Mortise and Tenon Furniture

In an era of cookie-cutter furniture built for quick consumption, investing in furniture with mortise and tenon joints stands in stark contrast. Crafted from high-quality wood like oak, such pieces boast longevity that can reach up to 30 years. A subtle yet notable indicator of furniture equipped with mortise joints is its rigidity—there should be no wriggle movement whatsoever when shaken. To further elevate their resilience, pieces upholstered in sturdy leather can last even longer.

2. Fibreglass Windows

Window frames can be made from various materials, each with varying lifespans. In the UK, uPVC windows, popular for their affordability and low maintenance, offer a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Upgrading to fibreglass frames during the next replacement could extend the window's lifespan to 50 years. Both fibreglass and timber windows rank among the most durable, but unlike timber, fibreglass requires minimal maintenance.

3. Hardwood Flooring

The popularity of carpets and laminates has led many homeowners to overlook the charm of hardwood floors. Offering a life expectancy of 100 years or more if well maintained, traditional hardwood floors are making a comeback. The advantage of hardwood floors is that, even with scratches or stains, they can be sanded down for a lasting restoration. Oftentimes, the character worn by age-old floors serves as an appealing talking point.

4. Quartz Countertops

Countertops can be fashioned from an array of materials, from laminate to metal. Most countertops last around 15 years. While stone countertops like marble and granite can last for 30 years or more with proper care, quartz countertops take the cake. Quartz is recognized for its remarkable scratch resistance, superior to granite, and its high stain resistance, surpassing that of marble. What's more, quartz countertops are often available at lower prices compared to their marble and granite counterparts.

5. Slate Roofing

Asphalt shingles are commonly the go-to roofing choice in the UK, and they typically last for no more than 30 years. Metal roofing and concrete roofing are viable alternatives, lasting considerably longer, often beyond the 50-year mark. However, nothing beats slate roofing in terms of longevity. Slate roofing doesn't just last a lifetime but is quite likely to endure for generations. To be sure, slate roofing is relatively expensive, but the extended lifespan (minimally 100 years) and exceptional aesthetics more than justify the investment.

6. A-Rated Combi Boiler

The average boiler lasts between 10 and 15 years. Some combi boilers manufactured by reputable brands, however, are designed to last up to 20 years or more. Opting for an A-rated boiler guarantees energy efficiency and minimal faults. For your boiler replacement, it is always advisable to hire a certified gas engineer. Some gas engineers are more than willing to recommend boilers that best suit your needs.

Investing in these sustainable home upgrades extends beyond affordability—they imbue the home with lasting comfort and character, allowing homeowners to cherish their spaces for many years to come.

This post is contributed by a content partner. Aiming to inspire readers, the content focuses on how to live a slow, simple, soulful, and sustainable lifestyle while featuring (affiliate) links to articles, websites, or products/services that readers may find interesting. If you are interested in receiving inspiration from this platform regularly, we invite you to sign up for the newsletter here.

  1. Adopting a slow living lifestyle, homeowners can opt for a sustainable home, focusing on long-lasting improvements such as installing mortise and tenon furniture, fibreglass windows, hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and slate roofing.
  2. Supporting small businesses is another aspect of sustainable-living, as these businesses may offer high-quality, locally sourced materials for home upgrades that contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
  3. By embracing a lifestyle that values durability, homeowners can enhance their home-and-garden's aesthetic appeal and create a sense of character while promoting sustainability—a harmonious blend of style, resilience, and environmental consciousness.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest