Sustainable building is responsible building. Environmentally friendly options for siding can provide the practicality you aim for, and they are readily available for homeowners. If you’re looking to upgrade, it is best to compare their differences to effectively choose the right sustainable siding for your next home improvement project.
Wood
Wood is probably the oldest construction material that remains to be a popular choice for builders. Being a natural material, wood is sustainable because it is renewable. In addition, it has a lighter carbon footprint than concrete or steel, reducing its negative environmental impact. It is best to use reclaimed timber rather than wood that requires logging. Aside from being eco-friendly, you’ll benefit from its strength, insulation property, and versatility. It may not be resistant to fire, but proper flame retardant treatment may help solve this concern.
Brick
Like wood, brick has been used since the old times. It is a sustainable option as it comes from clay found in surface-level soil, requiring just shallow digging. It is strong and durable to last for years, so frequent mining is unnecessary. Furthermore, bricks are reusable, so their life cycle justifies the carbon dioxide emissions brought by mass brick firing. Manufacturers are now going on an eco-friendlier manufacturing process by using natural gases to lessen the use of fossil fuels, and the kilns they use require lesser energy. Unlike wood, it does not have issues with rotting and flammability, making it a sturdy material. However, brick is not easy to install.
Metal
What makes metal a sustainable material is that it can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality. Metal siding can come from recycled metal such as aluminum and steel. What makes it unpopular is that metal is prone to chip and dent. Appearance can be another drawback, but you may ask your trusted siding contractors Rockford IL for a suitable style for your home.
Natural stone
Apart from durability, natural stone is also considered a green siding material. It is produced naturally and is more sustainable to manufacture. There is an abundant supply of natural stones, and they do not contain toxins or harmful chemicals. Additionally, technological developments help manufacture stones sustainably, from quarrying methods to extracting and fabricating. They can also be recycled, thus prolonging their lifespan. However, stones are heavy and difficult to install.
Stucco
Stucco is composed of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, which are natural ingredients, making it a sustainable material. In addition, some versions of stucco do not have cement, further enhancing its sustainability. However, its absorbent property makes it limited for use in dry climates.
Conclusion
When choosing sustainable options for siding, you should consider factors such as material, labor, energy efficiency, manufacturing, and recyclability. The material should be durable for a longer lifespan, non-toxic, biodegradable, natural, and energy-efficient. It should be recyclable because if not, it may end up in a landfill after use. The manufacturing process should require less energy and not result in high carbon emissions. It also helps if your contractor uses locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprint.
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