While functionality and affordability are important factors when selecting siding for your home, sustainability is also a priority. Public perception of sustainable siding materials is that they are more expensive, and is a sense it is true, but only as an upfront cost for materials and installation. Sustainability has become the driving force for the demand of more eco-friendly siding options and homeowners, whether buying a new house or renovating, are taking advantage of the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint and increase curb appeal.
What makes siding materials eco-friendly?
There a several factors that define materials as sustainable, Criteria that make siding eco-friendly include:
- Materials are produced from sustainable, recycled, or renewable resources
- Can be completely recycled
- Energy-efficient
- Helps reduce HVAC use
- Non-toxic, low VOC emissions
- Longevity and durability
When siding materials are selected for their sustainability, you reduce environmental impact and make your home safer – durability, increased fire and pest resistance, and better indoor air quality.
Types of green siding available currently trending.
If you are buying siding for your new home or replacing old and/or damaged siding, here are some popular residential siding materials that will meet a homeowner’s requirements for sustainability, functionality, and curb appeal.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is made by combining wood fibers and resin, and typically uses recycled natural wood. It is longer lasting in moderate climates. To ensure your siding is environmentally-friendly select engineered wood siding that has been ethically manufactured without harsh chemicals
Reclaimed Wood Siding
These siding materials are salvaged from schools, mills, warehouses, docks, factories, and dismantled structures such as bridges, piers, docks, and boardwalks. Beams from residential structures (mansions, barns, stables, older homes) are an especially prized source. Because it requires zero tree harvesting, reclaimed wood siding is very environmentally-friendly. It will give a home’s exterior a unique, rustic appearance.
Natural Wood Siding
For some homeowners there is nothing comparable to natural wood siding or real cedar shakes. It has a timeless appearance, is beautiful to look at, long-lasting, and eco-friendly. However, it is susceptible to moisture, the effects of the sun, and insect infestations. To prevent these types of damage, natural wood siding needs vigilant maintenance.
Brick and Stone
Brick is one of the most durable, eco-friendly siding materials on the market. Constructed of clay, shale, sand, and other organic materials, brick siding is fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and is not prone to rot. Because it requires installation by a professional mason, labour costs will generally be higher than installations for other types of environmentally-friendly siding.
Like brick, stone siding is an eco-friendly way to clad your home’s exterior. It handles most weather-related issues well. It is a heavy siding material and should be installed by a professional contractor. Stone must be mined and if it’s not being sourced locally, that means there will be transportation emissions, which could diminish the siding materials sustainability benefits.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is an environmentally-friendly siding option if it is manufactured from recycled aluminum or steel. Aluminum siding is a good choice for modern and contemporary style homes in areas prone to forest fires or harsh climate conditions.
Fiber Cement Siding
While not recyclable, fiber cement is considered to be a type of eco-friendly siding. It is made of cement, sand, and wood fibers with fly ash often used as a filler and bonding agent. During the manufacturing process, it doesn’t use much energy and doesn’t off-gas. Fiber cement siding is strong, durable, and can be embossed to resemble other kinds of siding such as cedar shakes or natural wood grain.
Tips for buying eco-friendly siding.
To get the best possible sustainable siding for your home’s exterior, look for:
- Materials that withstand your region’s climate
- The siding material that matches your homes architectural design
- Quality siding but one that fits your budget
- Siding properties that are important to you – energy efficiency, noise reduction, moisture/fire/insect resistant
- The siding material’s ability to be repaired and maintained with minimal environmental impact
- Longevity and durability – less waste and replacement cost the longer it stays on your house
