For optimal green living in an environmentally friendly home, the house siding should also be given careful consideration. But when choosing the right siding for the house, it is important to note which types are eco friendly and also sustainability and durability in each kind. Siding is an important exterior structure of the house and should be weather resistant and require low to moderate maintenance. The following are different house siding options you can choose from for your green home.
1. Solid Wood Siding
The quality of this type of siding depends on the wood material used. The most frequently used and high rated solid wood siding materials include cedar wood, cypress wood and redwood. These three types of wood are known especially for their resistance against animal pests, insects and moisture. Wooden materials are typically considered to be environmentally friendly simply because there is little waste. All scraps of wood are utilized to make other useful products. The only drawback for solid wood siding is its high maintenance requirements. Choosing FSC certified solid wood siding will also make sure that the forests from where the trees were cut for lumber are protected.
2. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding, on the practical side, is a very good choice. It is very cheap, sufficiently durable and there's very low to no maintenance needed. There are also choices of different colors in vinyl siding. Many people utilize vinyl siding, which can be seen on homes just about everywhere. However, the downside of vinyl siding lies in the fact that it creates carcinogenic substances upon its manufacturing as well as upon its incineration.
3. Aluminum
Although the production of aluminum is energy intensive, aluminum manufacturing mainly utilizes recycled materials. After its use as a house siding, it can still be recycled into other products or utilized in other ways. Some aluminum siding is not very strong and can be dented by extremely strong winds or during hurricanes, so keep this in mind if you live in a coastal area in particular.
4. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of cement, sand, clay and wood fibers. The siding often comes in panels and boards with a natural wood look. The fiber cement siding is durable enough for the home and is resistant against rot and fire. Fiber cement is less expensive than solid wood and does not require high maintenance like solid wood does.
5. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood comes from the wood fibers or veneers treated with phenol formaldehyde. Examples of engineered wood are OSB (oriented strand board), hardboard and plywood. Compared with solid wood siding, engineered wood is cheaper but is not as durable as solid wood. Engineered wood siding should be maintained regularly with repainting. There is also engineered wood siding certified by FSC to be urea-formaldehyde free for the green homes. This type of engineered wood ensures quality durability and little to no off gassing of harmful substances.
Research carefully before you choose the ideal house siding for your home, and enjoy the process!
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