Are you building a new home or retrofitting your existing one to be more sustainable? There are quite a few things one can do to lessen the impact on the environment and make one’s home more eco-friendly.
A sustainable home can encompass everything from installing energy efficient windows and appliances, solar panels, and insulation to using less water and eco-paints. Another aspect is to use recycled materials.
This can come into play when your siding needs to be replaced. There are some siding materials that are more eco-friendly than others. Some manufacturers offer siding that is not only more energy efficient but also made from recycled or sustainable materials.
The eco-friendliness of a siding is not only determined by whether the material can be recycled but takes more factors into consideration. These include whether it is biodegradable in a landfill, how durable the material is, and how much maintenance the siding requires.
If you are looking for eco-friendly siding you should consider the following and pick the one that fits your needs best:
- Wood
Wood is a sustainable and renewable resource. The most frequently used wood is cedar but you might also have the option to pick pine, cypress, or redwood. Before you pick wood siding, check that it is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative).
The advantage of wood siding is that it is natural, recyclable, and energy efficient. That makes a huge difference when you are creating a sustainable home. Try to get locally sourced wood siding to further reduce the environmental footprint.
The disadvantage of wood siding is that it is highly manufactured. Furthermore, it requires regular maintenance. To maintain it well it needs to be painted or stained every other year, which uses more resources and costs time and money.
- Fiber cement
Fiber cement is made out of natural materials. James Hardie uses cement, water, silica, and cellulose fibers from plants. This means that the siding is biodegradable and emits few off-gasses when it is manufactured. Fiber cement is a great option when you are looking for energy efficient siding.
James Hardie offers an amazing selection of different styles and textures. The siding can even look like wood. Furthermore, you can choose from over 700 brilliant and long-lasting colors. It has many advantages resistances, including to mold, moisture and impact damage, and even fire.
Because of the way fiber cement is made, it does require manufacturing and cannot be recycled. Those are the only disadvantages of fiber cement when it comes to a sustainable siding option. On the other hand, it requires little maintenance and is very durable.
- Brick
Brick is made out clay, shale, and water, making it a green siding option. Because of the natural ingredients it can be recycled. Brick is very energy efficient and can last for many decades. It requires very little maintenance, which is a big plus.
However, to manufacture bricks they have to be baked at a very high temperature. Because of that the manufacturing process is very energy-intensive, which is a big disadvantage and takes away from its eco-friendliness. Furthermore, it is labor intensive to install brick, making it an expensive siding option.
- Stucco
The big advantage of stucco is that it is made out of natural ingredients, like cement, sand, lime, and water. It is mostly chemical-free, recyclable, and requires minimal manufacturing. Stucco is naturally energy efficient.
On the other hand, stucco takes a long time to install. This results in a higher installation cost, making this one of the more expensive siding options. Conventional stucco is not ideal for every climate and might thus not be as durable everywhere. James Hardie is releasing a new product to market called Hardie Textured Panels where we can get the look of stucco with the quality of James Hardie. James Hardie offers endless design potential and Colorado Siding Repair is excited to bring it to Colorado.
- Vinyl
When you think about eco-friendly siding vinyl will probably not come to mind first. Whether or not it is eco-friendly is frequently debated. The material used to make vinyl siding is definitely not natural and is completely manufactured. However, it produces little waste during the manufacturing process.
Furthermore, vinyl is lightweight, which makes the transportation more efficient. It is easy to install and requires very little maintenance. The energy efficiency of vinyl is pretty good, especially when you add insulation underneath.
However, vinyl is prone to impact damage, chipping, and fading, which makes it less durable than other siding options. That is a disadvantage and takes away from its eco-friendliness.
Let Us Be Your Guide
Colorado Siding Repair is your trusted siding guide. Our team is here to answer all of your questions about siding and eco-friendly siding options. We truly want what is best for you, your home, and your budget.
That is why we never use high-pressure sale tactics. Instead, we take the educational approach by providing you with all necessary facts so that you can make an informed decision. We also offer financing options.
Colorado Siding Repair is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor. Our team members are factory trained to install this siding using all best practices. That way your siding will last longest and preform best. We know these premium products well and install them right.
In addition to installing different kinds of siding, including eco-friendly siding, we offer other services. We also install insulation and new windows to make your home more energy efficient and more comfortable. We are a contractor who can help you with all of your exterior remodeling needs.
Are you ready to make your house a sustainable home by having eco-friendly siding installed? Then call Colorado Siding Repair to get a hassle-free quote. Let’s get started on your next exterior project!
