Going green and contributing to protecting the environment are goals for many homeowners. It can start with the materials you choose for your home. If you are looking for eco-friendly materials, it can be challenging to know where to start.
It’s important to consider how durable your materials are, where they get sourced, whether they will adequately insulate and reduce energy, how long their lifespan is, whether you can recycle them, and, of course, whether you like the look. Can a siding check all those boxes? What eco-friendly siding options are on the market? Are any of them affordable? Going green is important, but breaking the bank to do so is not always feasible.
As siding contractors in Utah, we have good news. There is a wide variety of eco-friendly house siding options available. By knowing the difference between sustainable siding options, you can make an informed decision and choose siding for your home’s exterior that you feel good about. Here are five of the best eco-friendly siding options available.
1. Brick
Many love the look of brick, one of the most long-standing options for sustainable siding. It’s beautiful, clean, and durable enough to withstand the huffs and puffs of the big, bad wolf. Brick homes have been popular for centuries and many brick homes across the U.S. date back to the 20th century. Brick holds up well, is not as flammable as wood, doesn’t rot with moisture, and doesn’t gradually fade from sun exposure. Brick holds up better than many other materials, Because it rarely needs replacing, you use fewer natural materials to keep your house looking great for years.
The main deterrent to bricks is that they require a professional mason to install them. Brick is a difficult material to work with, so installing it properly requires professional help and sometimes a hefty budget. This is a big reason why many homeowners who are building a home do not choose brick.
2. Reclaimed Wood
Wood has been a staple in the siding world for centuries. It is a timeless and aesthetically pleasing option that can act as the perfect blank canvas to create your desired look. Wood is easy to paint and repair and can stand on its own without the addition of plastics, glue or other materials that may pollute the environment.
The most sustainable wood option is reclaimed wood, which does not disrupt forestry initiatives. Siding your home with reclaimed wood gives new life and purpose to a wood used previously for another project.
Although wood is an excellent eco-friendly siding option, it requires extensive upkeep. Insects, moisture, and the sun can severely damage natural wood siding, so this is something to consider when choosing wood for your siding.
3. Stone
Natural stone is a beautiful, long-lasting, and durable siding option for home exteriors. Stone can withstand any weather and offers a timeless style. Stone siding is not a project for most DIYers, though. Professional installation is the best option to ensure it lasts for years. You’ll need to start searching for siding companies in Salt Lake City.
It is wise to note that Stone is a hefty, natural material mined from the earth. It is a bit more rare than other materials and it’s not always easy to come by.
4. Stucco
Free of synthetics and made with natural ingredients such as water, sand, lime, and Portland cement, stucco is another great eco-friendly siding option. Some types of stucco don’t even use cement, making it even more sustainable. Stucco is a versatile and cost-effective durable siding option.
Stucco is challenging for the average homeowner to install and will likely require professional home siding installation. Stucco homes are best for homes in the driest of climates, so you’ll see many of them in St. George and other desert areas. Stucco can also be difficult to recycle and repurpose, which can be a downside to many.
5. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is one of the most popular siding materials among homeowners. It is often nicknamed “James Hardie siding” after the lead manufacturer. Made from cement, sand, and wood pulp, it is all-natural and doesn’t emit any toxins when in warm climates like vinyl tends to do. Another plus is that fiber cement is very fire resistant, making it unlikely to spread flames in a house fire. That safety feature makes it an appealing option for homeowners, along with its low-maintenance nature.
You can’t go wrong with fiber cement. It is one of the most sustainable, safe, and versatile siding options that checks all the boxes.
Many home projects and renovations require extensive research, shopping around, and weighing the pros and cons. Choosing sustainable siding is no different. It’s important to consider durability, eco-friendliness, style, and price. Do your homework so you’ll be satisfied with the results of your beautiful siding.
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There are various eco-friendly siding options available. Knowing their differences will help you choose the best one for your home. This infographic showcases five top eco-friendly siding choices.
