sustainable

The home appliances, accessories and gadgets dictate much of our lifestyle, using up a ton of electricity. It seems the nature of the beast dictates that everything is made to be broken. The old coffee maker lasted 20 years but the new dies in 6 months? Are you kidding me, dude?

So now it is time to get another coffee maker. The receipt for the old coffee maker is gone. It is time to throw the old one away. lather, rinse, repeat.

There is a big problem in America in terms of savings and in terms of normal practices of its citizens.

It should not take an iPhone repair technician cracking a iPhone 4 screen to make us realize even the top products break easy.

Luckily the internet has come to increase communication and networking - giving us a fighting chance.

What do I mean? It seems that while most of us hide in our homes and avoid our neighbors, on the internet we can be friendly and communicate real well. This is called social networking, aka, messing around.

As a result, tutorials and product repair guides have sprung up all over blogs like this. It really sucks that our products are made to be broken but now there are solutions for most big name products.

Craigslist creates natural networks but be warned, its best to deal with money exchanges during the day and in busy areas. Other networking services are emerging, along with trade-in options for any number of appliances, which are changing the game.

Gardens continue to burst forth with blooms illustrating why as a nation we not only designate the month of May but June too as national Flower Month.

I am in awe of the splendor of year 2010 blooms. I’ve observed an unusual quantity, size, health and aesthetic beauty. Whether a fragile rose or hardy hydrangea, all peak in blossom. Still, typically, there are plants that over time acquire distinction.

As an advocate for sustainability, not simply a use of plants that work-well in a region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community, I want to make you aware of a Virginia implemented plant introduction program Beautiful Gardens®, www.BeautifulGardens.org.

Beautiful Gardens® focus is ‘Plants of Distinction’, plants tested across varied climactic zones through out the state of Virginia. To initiate the program, eleven underutilized plants which performed well in USDA hardiness/AHS heat zones 6a/2 to 8a/7, the range of state of Virginia plant zones, were identified and promoted. In 2010, the program added eight plants. Additional detail is available by linking to web site www.beautifulgardens.org option ‘Plants of Distinction10’.

Gardening colleague Linda Pinkham, who has been involved in the development of this program since 2002, first opened her garden as a test site and recently as an activity for the 2010 Virginia Garden Week. Through experience, Linda found the foliage of Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ Eastern Redbud to hold up throughout the summer. She identified Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ American Boxwood to provide vertical accents and work-well in sunny or shady situations. Corylopsis pauciflora ‘Goldleaf Buttercup’ Winterhazel was identified as a great plant that announced spring with its soft yellow "bells" blooms and Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ Autumn Fern to work in almost any shaded area. Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ Pineapple Lily Eucomis in Linda’s Tidewater region emerges in late spring and provides foliage during the hottest summer months. Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’, she found, was more versatile than expected providing linear lines that create design focal points. But it was Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Little Bluestem Grass, a native grass, which proved excellent for her region’s dry spots and Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ Coneflower that performed differently than any other form of Rudbeckias in her garden.

While I don’t have Linda’s varied experience with these plants, I can vouch for Virginia native plants - redbud and Rudbeckias, ‘black-eye Susans’. I’ve found these ‘plants of distinction’ to not only work-well but trigger memories of my grandparent’s farm, a site surrounded by colorful redbud woodland and golden bloom Rudbeckias meadows. As program spokesperson Neal Beasley says, “The Beautiful Gardens® program provides Virginians with a wide-range of choice supported by demonstrated sustainable use, an opportunity to identify – connect – with ‘living green’.”

Both in my book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green (http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan...) and during ongoing eco-landscape activities, I advocate the installation and maintenance of sustainable landscapes. For, as urban/suburban Communities, we need to be aware of the eco-consequences of individual choices and insure Beautiful Gardens grow with confidence®.

Green Education Foundation (GEF) is mobilizing two million children to participate in environmental educational programs during National Green Week 2010 (Feb. 1-5, 2010). The objective is to empower students to become environmental stewards within the context of their own lives.What are you doing to promote 2010 Green Week Feb 1-5? The Wright Scoop is promoting gardening green -

Whether experienced landscape professionals or novice homeowners, all are challenged to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. For any style garden should not simply illustrate traditional design but be the result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities.

As the recipient of the 2008 ‘Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Project Evergreen and Hines Horticulture – I encourage consumers to garden green, create sustainable urban/suburban landscapes.

The 2010 Difference –
Historically, earth-friendly strategies are defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but eco-chic takes this definition a step further. “Eco-chic spaces are not just the result of lifestyle choices but a reflection of how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future.”

A hands-on landscape gardener, I participate in nation-wide regional plant testing. As a result, I've gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. During 2009, I advocated the idea that consumers take the concept of sustainability a step further, not simply a use of plants that works-well in their region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community.

To me, as a Central Virginia gardener, my advocacy means the support and use of a newly released plant introduction program, Beautiful Gardens®, www.beautifulgardens.org .

From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green
Nationally recognized as a contributing writer and communications specialist, I launched a book, From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green. Combining workshop style assignments with research and ‘hands-on’ experience, I share strategies that respect existing vistas, preserving and enhancing environmental health. Readers describe my book as

“Sylvia’s eco-chic advocacy embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, www.projectevergreen.com. “The judges were impressed with her ongoing effort to teach eco-green. For, our vision is to be a global organization that empowers people within communities to change society through the responsible creation and preservation of sustainable green spaces, such that the ever-increasing impacts of global warming in the world are measurably reduced; because Green Matters!”

“Wright’s writing is thrilling, to tell the truth. She really nails it. I’ve laughed and loved her articles and columns. Her words remind me why I love to work in the earth in the first place.” -- Gigi Amateau, author of the acclaimed young adult novel Claiming Georgia Tate

“Sneed’s commitment to organics, the community and the environment,” says designer Jenny Jenkins-Rash of Sneed’s Nursery & Garden Center located in Richmond Virginia “are echoed in Wright’s book: the challenge for the present-day homeowner is to create a garden from an eco-chic point of view, a ‘waste not, and want not’ ecological commitment: be a caretaker for the environmental community. We support Wright’s advocacy through hosting book signings and having her book on site for sale.”

To review or acquire a copy, link to www.TheWrightScoop.com Sylvia's Store. Or, acquire a copy by visiting Sneed’s Nursery & Garden Center, www.sneedsnursery.com, located in Richmond VA on 8756 Huguenot Road.

Career History –
Somewhat jokingly, I refer to the history of my present-day title, eco-chic landscape gardener. Initially, media referred to my strategies as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I contributed to state-wide Virginia media publications, I became known as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my work was referred to as eco- savvy. It was through participating in the annual Green Festival held in DC that I picked up the label, eco-chic. Nevertheless, regardless of the eco-title as long as people hear my message – strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’, I’m happy.

Details of my activities are available on web site www.TheWrightScoop.com. Join me in an effort to inspire 'garden green'!

For the 2009 DC Green Festival, I've partnered with garden writer Barbara Barker, www.gourmetgardener.com, located in Live Oak, Florida to promote Gardening Green, the sustainable landscape. Held at the DC Convention Center, on October 10 at 1pm in Room 204-A, details are available at www.greenfestivals.org, select Washington Festival 2009 or call 1-800-58-GREEN.
Immediately following our shared-stage event, we are hosting a book signing at the Festival’s book store, Better World Books. For details of my newly issue book, link to From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green, http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/from-eco-weak-to-eco-chic-lan....

Gardening Green, the sustainable landscape
Whether experienced or novice, homeowners are challenged to create landscapes from a sustainable point of view, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as well as feed their families pesticide free produce. For any style garden should not simply illustrate traditional design but be the result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities.

The Dirty Dozen
Master Gardener and owner of The Gourmet Gardener, www.gourmetgardener.com Barbara is the author of Container Gardening for Health: The 12 Most Important Fruits and Vegetables for Your Organic Garden, which she describes as the ‘dirty dozen’.

Festival Details –
A Green Festival celebrates what is working in communities, for people, businesses and the environment. Here, green means safe, healthy communities and strong, local economies. Green is the symbol of hope, social and economic justice, as well as creating ecological balance. Barbara and I are two of many visionary speakers and more than 350 green businesses that join forces to provide how-to workshops, green films, yoga and movement classes, green careers sessions, organic beer and wine, delicious organic cuisine and live music.
Together, we challenge Festival attendees to green their landscapes eco-chic style - the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green and a healthier community.

Are you contributing to your community’s green or decline? Should you be concerned? You bet!

Realtors estimate 95% of consumers will not get out of their car if a residential site lacks ‘curb appeal’? In fact, Industry research published by Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist for the department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech identifies landscaping to significantly influence perceived property value.

“Landscaping,” says Doug Haver Principal Broker for Home Choice Realty, www.myrichmondhomesearch.com “to me as a Realtor, is a pretty good indicator of the condition of the home. There are many buyers that simply will not go into property if it does not have appeal. If the yard is overgrown or weedy, it’s a turnoff. In a way, landscaping not only is an ongoing investment that upgrades property value, it opens the door for a potential buyer.”

“As the housing market turns softer, Americans are realizing that one of the best ways to increase a home’s resale value is to revamp their landscape,” was the lead-in for an issue of The Wall Street Journal Magazine of Personal Business SMART MONEY, which featured a special report “Fertile Ground – Add 15% to Your Home’s Value”. Still, Niemiera’s research identified further interesting phenomena.

The value of landscaping appears to range dependent upon location: 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). In other words, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape that includes color and large plants. Niemiera’s multi-state study also identifies minimal landscapes (simple design with small plants) to detract from a site’s overall value.

“In this market,” says Haver, “it is more important than ever for home sellers to offer a top-notch product. There is an abundance of homes on the market and the sellers who are successful are the ones who prepare their homes — inside and out — before they put them on the market. In some sense it is a subliminal feeling. If a home has a well appointed and maintained interior but the outside does not match, it feels as though something is missing. And, that feeling will doom the sale of a home. Simply put, homes that are pristine are the ones that sell quicker and receive top dollar.”

During the forth Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival (and more …) held (rain or shine) September 12, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Garner Pavilion (located behind the Science Museum of VA, 2500 West Broad Street, in Richmond Virginia), I'm hostess for the speaker events. As part of this event, I've scheduled at 10 a.m. a book sighing for my newly released book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: landscape green! During the Festival, to further support Green Industry education, I'm donating a portion of book sales to the VA Nursery and Landscape Association student scholarship fund. Plan to stop in and explore an admission free event that will challenge you to gogreen. Festival details are available at web site www.virginiagardening.com .

Newly published book - From Eco-weak to Eco-chic, landscape green!
Whether experienced or a novice, I believe the challenge for the present-day homeowner and/or Industry professional is to create a landscape/garden from an eco-chic point of view, a “waste not, and want not” ecological commitment: be a caretaker for the environmental community.
Through combining workshop style assignments with research and ‘hands-on’ experience, in my book, I share eco-strategies that respect an existing vista, preserving and enhancing its health. For, any style landscape, plants should not simply be a result of traditional design but be the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating landscape green, sustainable urban/suburban communities that enhance green space for today and future generations.

Eco-chic Label History –
Sometimes, I joke related to how I acquired my present-day label - eco-chic. Initially, media referred to my strategies as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I contributed to state-wide Virginia media publications, I became known as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my work was referred to as eco-savvy. And, through participating in the annual Green Festival held in DC, I picked up the label, eco-chic. Nevertheless, regardless of the title – itself - as long as people hear my message – strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’, I’m happy. So, in 2008, I partnered with Doug Hensel of the Great Big Greenhouse located in Midlothian Virginia. Basically, we combined my strategies with his inventory to challenge Greater Richmond Area residents to green their landscapes eco-chic style - the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green for their community. Recognized for our effort, Hensel and I are the recipients of the 2008 ‘Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Project Evergreen and Hines Horticulture.

The 2009 Difference –
Historically, earth-friendly strategies are defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but eco-chic takes this definition a step further. For, eco-chic spaces are not just the result of a lifestyle choice but a reflection of how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future.
For example, as a hands-on landscape gardener, I've participated in nation-wide plant testing. I've gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. Still, for 2009, I'm advocating consumers take the concept of sustainability a step further, not simply use plants that work-well in their region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community.
Specific to myself, as a Central Virginia gardener, it means the support and use of a newly released line of plants, Beautiful Gardens®, www.beautifulgardens.org.

Words of Praise for Wright's Work –
“Sylvia’s eco-chic advocacy embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire,” said Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, www.projectevergreen.com. “The judges were impressed with her ongoing effort to teach eco-green. For, our vision is to be a global organization that empowers people within communities to change society through the responsible creation and preservation of sustainable green spaces, such that the ever-increasing impacts of global warming in the world are measurably reduced; because Green Matters!”

Publication Details -
Those who can not acquire a copy of my book during the Festival, details are available through web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or see
Sylvia Wright's Storefront - Lulu.com
Wright shares ...
stores.lulu.com/syhwright - 11k - Cached - Similar pages

As the recipient of the 2008 Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-Chic Award, I challenge all to move landscape efforts from eco-weak to eco-chic, create landscape green!

Ohhhhhhhh this off grid zero energy prefab house is never going to be done.
Ohhhhhhhh I'm exhausted (but excited).

Ohhhhhhhh. Wait a second: Once the prefab house kit is done, there's more to do:
The Land.

Ohhhhhhhh.

Well, thanks to the sustainable landscape architect Heather Barber of Topos LLC, our sustainable land management plan has been expanded beyond crop tree release and bush hogging.

And if you thought it took long to build the prefab house, wait until we journey years to gently shape the land to function more sustainably.

Great. I just set myself up with decades of more work. ; ) And we have no money.
But the landscape architecture plan by Topos is delicious.

And I mean that literally: There's blueberries and a root cellar in them thar plans!

So, c'mon, what are you waiting for? Let's check it out!

From Heather, the landscape architect of Topos LLC:

"casa-ti is a remarkable example of how far prefab residential architecture has come. this greenmodernkits kit home is located on 55 acres in a heritage area in the western portion of virginia. the most exciting yet challenging thing about the casa ti project is that it contradicts any idea that the landscape is a stayed design, or an anchor for the architecture. we are taking a very historical site contextually speaking and turning it on its ear...creating a post modern design that connects the home with it’s expansive environs. i think the opportunity to design a functionally sustainable, yet whimsical site plan for casa ti is a true honor and an evolutionary process. we are talking about the first kit / prefab modern home that is completely ‘off-grid’ / fully sustainable in the state of virginia.* this shows that the greenmodernkit home can translate anywhere, in any capacity. it is my job and again, opportunity, to create that threshold between the prefab sustainable home and the environs in which the owners choose to site it. this is a luxury for me. i can take a very simple form of architecture, which has it’s own inherent beauty in that it’s simple, and connect it to it’s site through the landscape architecture. whether it is urban, sub-urban, or farmland, the modern pre-fabricated homes that are greenmodernkit homes do, in fact speak the language of their location. and it’s a language that is very sensitive to the people living in it as well as the environment."

[ *Heather said we're the first off grid prefab in Virginia, I haven't heard of any others, but I don't know for sure if that's true... will research, but no, I haven't heard of any other modern prefabs that are off grid here... ]

Wow, Heather, I'm honored by your words! When Topos originally inquired into what our landscape architecture would be, I laughed and replied, "Um... a bush hogg, Handsome Husband and a shovel?"

I thank Topos immeasurably for giving OUR FAMILY the opportunity, through their experience, to turn an abandoned, briar-filled plot into, one day, a sustainable farm.

So... let's go through it:

• Starting with field #1, Topos created a figure 8 access road which allows us to easily navigate the drive, house, and shed while maintaining the field. This eight acre field was previously farmed. By bush hogging it regularly we have been reducing the briars which had cropped up before we bought it, and will start planting cover crops to enrich the soil this fall. Wildlife such as quail will be encouraged through allowing patches to not be mowed but to create the habitat quail, turkey, and rabbits enjoy.
• I also envision field #1 being used to grow potatoes and garlic...
• Field #2 is downhill from the house kit. Rainwater will easily help irrigate it.

The area around the prefab house is geared for high traffic and fun...
more on that in a minute!

• Back to Field #2: Being downhill, rainwater will naturally run towards this plot, and if you can look closely Topos has created furrows and a collection area for water- which is the way they used to irrigate fields in times past.
• Not only will we be using that existing field for crops but it will also harbor fruit and nut trees, and a berry hedge.
• This area is surrounded by woods that had been cut-over twenty-ish years ago. Lots of pine, cedar, but a surprising amount of diversity in the trees- poplar, birch, hickory, walnut...

Ok, let's get to the prefab house kit area:

• Pavers made with recycled fly ash for high-traffic areas in poor soil areas
• Cisterns for rainwater collection
• Baffle (you always wanted to know what a baffle was, didn't you?)
• Root Cellar
• Terrace for High Traffic Areas
• Retention Pool (more on what this does later...)
• Blueberry Hedge
• Berm to lounge against while watching Casa Blanca projected onto the side of the prefab house like David Day always wanted to do with a bunch o' friends
• ...and more...

I will go into this, and more, later, but in the meantime need to pack up for another camping weekend in the prefab house kit! In the meantime, check out Topos, a modern landscape architecture firm!

As the recipient of the 2008 ‘Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic’ award sponsored by Project Evergreen and Hines Horticulture, for 2009, I want to encourage consumers to identify and use regional plant introduction programs.

Eco-weak to Eco-chic, green America’s landscape!
Whether experienced or a novice, the challenge for the present-day homeowner is to create a landscape/garden from an eco-chic point of view, a “waste not, and want not” ecological commitment: be a caretaker for the environmental community. In any style garden, plants should not simply be selected to provide contrast of structure, texture or color, but make environmental contributions.

The 2009 Difference –
Historically, earth-friendly strategies are defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle but eco-chic takes this definition a step further. Eco-chic spaces are not just the result of a lifestyle choice but a reflection of how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: providing for the present without sacrificing the future.
Through participating in nation-wide regional plant testing, I've gained familiarity with programs such as the ‘Southern Living Plant Collection’, ‘Proven Winners’, ‘Plants that Work’ and many more. Still, for 2009, I advocate the idea that consumers take the concept of sustainability a step further, not simply the use of plants that works-well in their region but those that contribute to regional economic sustainability: developed, grown and distributed within their community.

Beautiful Gardens™ –
As a Central Virginia gardener, to me this advocacy means supporting the use of a newly released line of plants, Beautiful Gardens™. While many plant introduction programs tempt the gardening public’s need to acquire the latest and greatest plants, Beautiful Gardens™ 2009 focus is ‘Plants of Distinction’, plants tested across varied climactic zones of the state of Virginia. Resulting in the fact that Independent Garden Center partners and their customers have confidence in the success of a Beautiful Gardens™ selection.
Through creating a Virginia based production and marketing infrastructure and research-based technical and educational information, Beautiful Gardens™ is expected to boost ornamental horticulture production and sales across the state. One specific goal is to provide alternative crop choices in the tobacco regions of south-side Virginia. For details of Beautiful Gardens™ and VTICRC affiliation, see web site www.beautifulgardens.org ‘news’ option.

2009 Challenge -
Sometimes, I jokingly refer to the history of my present-day title, eco-chic landscape gardener. For, initially, media referred to my strategies as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I started contributing to state-wide Virginia media publications, I became known as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my work was referred to as eco- savvy. And, it was through participating in the annual Green Festival held in DC that I picked up the label, eco-chic.
Nevertheless, regardless of my title as long as people hear my message – strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’, I’m happy.”

Subfloor Types and Basic Installation Considerations

There are many different types of subfloors over which wood flooring can be installed. There are certain basic attributes that are critical for successful wood flooring installations done over all types of subfloors. The subfloors must be dry and will remain dry year round. The moisture content of wood subfloors must not exceed 12%, wood flooring moisture content must be within 3% of wood subfloor moisture content and concrete must not exceed 3 lbs. per a calcium chloride test, or 2 lbs. when installing over radiant heat. The subfloor material must be structurally sound. It also needs to be clean, thoroughly swept and free of all debris. For glue down installations, the subfloor must be free of wax, grease, paint, sealers, old adhesives, etc., which can be removed by sanding. Additionally the subfloor must be level or flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius.
Wood Subfloors

Nail down installations are most common over wood subfloors, but glue down and floating installations are also possible. Wood subfloors must be well secured, by using a nail or screw every 6” along the joist to avoid squeaking. If the subfloor is not level, sand down high spots and fill low spots with a polymer-modified cementitious leveling compound such as Chemrex Self Leveling Underlayment from BASF. CDX plywood must be at least 5/8” thick for joist spacing up to 16” on center and a minimum of 3/4” thick for joist spacing greater than 16” on center (19.2” maximum). OSB should be at least 3/4” thick. Underlayment grade particleboard can only be used with the glue down method. If using an existing wood floor it must be smooth, level, well adhered and unfinished (if gluing down new flooring).
Concrete Subfloors

Concrete must be fully cured, at least 60 days old, and should have a minimum of 6-mil poly-film between the concrete and the ground. If it is necessary, grind high spots down and level low spots with a polymer-modified cementitious leveling compound or Ardex K-15 Leveling Compound. If gluing down onto concrete which is on or below grade, it is recommended to install sheet vinyl first and then glue the wood flooring on top of the vinyl, as this provides an effective permanent moisture barrier. An alternative to sheet vinyl is to use a concrete sealer approved by the manufacturer of the adhesive that you have chosen. If using EcoTimber HealthyBond Adhesive, the approved concrete sealer is Taylor Nu-Flor 500, which EcoTimber distributes. A concrete slab on/below grade that measures dry today may become moist tomorrow due to rising groundwater. Installing a moisture barrier may be viewed as an insurance policy against concrete becoming wet in the future, which can lead to subsequent floor failure.
Other Subfloors

Gypcrete can be used in floating installations only. Gypcrete, otherwise known as lightweight concrete, is not strong enough to hold together when a wood floor that is glued to it expands and contracts. If the flooring planks buckle and lift, they may pull pieces of gypcrete up with them.

Resilient tile and vinyl tile subfloors can be used with glue down or floating installations. Vinyl must be new and non-urethane coated. Ceramic tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well bonded to the subfloor, in good condition, clean and level. Do not try to sand existing vinyl floors, as they may contain asbestos, which are harmful to your health.
Installing Over Radiant Heat Subfloors

When installing over radiant heat subfloors it is good to know the facts. Most flooring is not warranted for installation over electric radiant heat systems, as these can heat up too quickly and damage the wood. However, many eco-friendly flooring products can be installed over radiant heat and arewarranted for such use by their manufacturers. It is important to check with the manufacturer because not all products are warranted for such use, and typically only hydronic (hot water) systems are approved. For many warranties, the system must be able to control the surface temperature of the subfloor so that it never exceeds 82°F. Also, it is essential that the subfloor be maintained at within 15°F of its normal operating temperature at all times.

Radiant heat systems keep the wood flooring very dry, so if the system is turned completely off (for example, during hot summer months), the flooring will absorb moisture. When the system is turned back on again it will dry the wood very quickly, which is the most common cause of damage. After the system has been off or not functioning, the floor should be brought back up to normal operating temperature very slowly, over the course of several days.
Eco Friendly Flooring Finishes: Factory Applied & Site Applied

Floor finishes can be applied prior to installation by the manufacturer of the flooring or on site by the floor installer. Each process has advantages and disadvantages:

The following are several advantages to having a factory finish. The factory finish is applied in a controlled environment with no air-borne dust or other impurities. Sub coats containing special additives like aluminum oxide can be added which will greatly increase the wear-resistance of the finish. Extra coats can be easily added by rollers, 9 coats of finish is not uncommon for a factory finish, while 2 to 3 coats is typical for a site applied finish. The finish tends to be much more durable than the best available site applied finishes (about twice as durable is a good rule of thumb). Shorter installation times and labor means a much lower overall installed cost. Factories apply finishes for much less than contractors. Improved indoor air quality - factory finishes are cured by ultraviolet rays in the factory and are completely inert by the time they are put in the box. There is no off gassing of solvents, VOCs, or other harmful chemicals.

There are also disadvantages of a UV-Cured factory finish. The seams between the planks are not sealed, potentially allowing spilled liquids to leak down and damage the wood. Also, the seams may require top coating to seal seams in areas where frequent spills are expected (restaurants, bathrooms, etc.). The end-user cannot change the wood’s color with stains without sanding off the factory finish.

The advantages of a site applied finish consist of creating a smooth, sealed surface over the entire floor. It allows the installer to customize colors with stains, bleaches and dyes. It also allows the installer to select gloss level and permits the use of spot-repairable oil finishes.

There are also disadvantages of a site applied finish. The wood must be sanded prior to coating, resulting in dust, longer installation times and substantially higher labor costs. The end user must wait for finish to dry completely, meaning they are forced out of their home for longer periods of time. Site applied finishes contain solvents and other drying agents that off-gas harmful chemicals into the air for days, weeks or even months after installation (depending on the type of finish). Even “natural” plant-based oil finishes off-gas harmful chemicals. Some “natural” oils have higher VOC contents than urethane finishes. Contractors often make errors that result in finish bubbles, applicator marks, sanding marks, dust in the finish, and poor adhesion. Expensive and highly inconvenient mistakes are common. The long-term durability is much lower than with factory applied finishes.