[Greenbuilding] Untreated nails, non-PVC window screens, and formaldehyde-free doors

[Jefro]

> I am trying to locate window and door screens that do not contain PVC. Does 
> any one have a source for these?
>   

I confess confusion about this... my screens are woven aluminum.  They 
are held into a channel in the window with a synthetic rubber strip, but 
that isn't PVC and there is very little of it.  I don't think I have 
ever seen any that contain PVC.

> How about untreated nails? Are they compatible with standard nail guns?
>   

You should be able to find solid untreated nails for your nailer, but 
the clip is plastic.  Thus you'll have some plastic waste, although you 
won't be embedding it in your building.

> Interior solid core doors that do not contain formaldehyde? I found some 
> custom-made doors, but was hoping to find a stock door as I assume it will 
> be significantly cheaper.
>   

I would be surprised if they used urea-formaldehyde glue rather than 
just stock wood glue.  However, I have been surprised many times!  Best 
check with the manufacturers.

You can find plenty of cheap doors and windows at boneyards.  Most major 
cities have them, but it sometimes takes some legwork to ferret them 
out.  Window manufacturers or distributors often end up with tons of 
windows that were mis-ordered, scratched in shipping, or taken out of 
older buildings.  (Beware of lead paint on very old sashes and doors.)  
Look under "recycled windows", "recycled building materials", etc. and 
also talk to the local Habitat for Humanity, who are usually fantastic 
scrounges. 

Another place to look is craigslist, if there is one near you.  
http://www.craigslist.org.

best

Jeff