Green homes that incorporate features designed to reduce impact on the environment are becoming a main concern with many home buyers and home owners. This includes siding options that are eco friendly or energy efficient. Anything that is manufactured will leave a carbon footprint or have some kind of impact on the environment. The trick is to make educated trade-offs – vinyl siding is long lasting and easy to maintain but uses toxic chemicals to produce it; wood siding is biodegradable but requires vigilant maintenance to guard against rot, mold or splitting.
Sustainable products or eco friendly products will be durable (last a long time); can be recycled after use; do not adversely affect a person’s health; and are readily biodegradable. Siding materials that need regular maintenance like repainting or require harmful chemicals and much power to produce are not as sustainable.
Choosing the greenest siding material that meets your budget guidelines is only one of several ways to reduce your carbon footprint. When the proper weather barrier or sheathing is combined with an eco friendly siding material, your home becomes more energy efficient. Ensuring that the exterior walls have not been compromised in some way and then properly preparing the surface before installing the siding eliminates possible leaks, including the problems they can cause.
Green siding materials aren’t necessarily more expensive than other types of siding. Some energy efficient siding products have been available for years, but have not been identified by consumers as being specifically eco friendly. Eco friendly products should be should be sustainable and have a low carbon footprint.
