Eco-Friendly Siding

by Jennifer Weldon

A big step to making your home more eco friendly is to replace your siding with a more environmentally friendly material. There are several choices when it comes to green siding. Learn more about each before deciding which one is right for you.

Repurposed wood

Repurposed or reclaimed wood is ideal for homeowners who want to evoke a natural, warm, or rustic look. Wood is harvested from old buildings, barns, and homes and planed into new planks. In essence, it is recycled wood. You can choose from a variety of types of wood and stain for a variety of finish looks. Reclaimed timber can add character to any home. You may even be able to find this wood relatively cheap if you look in the right places.

Fiber cement

Fiber cement siding is a composite made of natural materials such as sand, cement and cellulose fibers. All of these ingredients are low impact materials on the environment. Fiber cement siding can be manufactured into mimicking the look of wooden planks, cedar shingles or clapboard. It is somewhat maintenance free, yet will have to be repainted approximately every 15 years.

Aluminum and steel

A new trend in eco friendly siding is using aluminum or steel. These materials can be recycled into siding, thus having a low impact on the environment. Aluminum and steel siding are both very durable. They also deflect sound instead of absorbing it, so your home may be quieter.

Stucco

Stucco is another low impact product made of natural materials such as sand and lime. It is applied wet to a wire mesh or screen and dries into a hard finish. A professional contractor should always be used to apply stucco to ensure proper application and prevent any water problems.

Miscellaneous

Gaining more strides in eco friendly solutions has always been to think outside of the norm. Travel across the country and you may find alternative sidings made from used aluminum cans, recycled bottles, or even old license plates. Tree bark from poplars can make for a particularly homey looking siding. The element of creativity and looking at old products in new ways is what environmental friendly solutions is all about.

Regardless of which eco friendly material you use, consulting a professional contractor should be your first step. They can help you choose a material to fit the needs and look you are trying to achieve, often at a lower cost than you can. Their crews will also ensure your new siding is installed properly and will last for years to come.

More information about eco-friendly siding and professional siding contractors.

More information about different types of siding.