Many modern homeowners are looking to become more eco-friendly, which encompasses everything from the products they use to the activities they engage in and even the items that they use to build their homes. For example, if you’re an eco-friendly homeowner who needs to replace the siding on their house, you might be wondering which options are the most eco-friendly and how that’s determined. If this is true for you, let’s take a closer look at the environmental implications of siding materials and which options are the best fit for your needs.
How Do You Determine Whether or Not Siding Is Eco-Friendly?
Determining whether a specific material is eco-friendly isn’t as simple as one might think. There are numerous factors that you will need to take into consideration to choose the right siding for your needs. Some things to look at when you’re looking at different siding materials include:
- How long do various materials last? Are they going to need to be replaced constantly, or will they keep your home insulated and protected for decades to come?
- How much labor and energy is needed to both manufacture the material and install it? The manufacturing process and the installation process can still impact the environment negatively.
- Are the materials toxic both to the homeowner and to the environment around it? Not all materials were accompanied by the necessary warnings before we learned more about the type of damage they could cause. An excellent example of this is asbestos.
- Will the material require a great deal of maintenance throughout its lifetime? Will I need frequent Doylestown siding repair? More importantly, what happens with the material once it’s removed? Is it able to be recycled or broken down successfully?
There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking into various siding materials, but it’s important to consider all of these points if you’re going to find the right siding for your needs.
What Are Some of the Best Siding Options for the Environmentally Conscious?
There are numerous siding materials to choose from, but which are the most eco-friendly? Let’s take a closer look at some of the best eco-friendly siding materials that you might want to install on your home.
- Wood: Wood siding is the obvious choice for sustainability given how long it can last as well as because it’s a renewable resource. Better yet, you can always salvaged or reclaimed wood if you’re looking to go the extra mile with your sustainability initiative.
- Vinyl: Vinyl doesn’t seem like it would be the best choice for those looking to be eco-friendly, but it is. Not only is vinyl a long-lasting siding material, but it’s recyclable, meaning that it can go on to be used for other projects once it’s done serving your home. It also has a lower environmental impact than some of the reportedly better choices.
- Fiber Cement: If you’re looking into cement siding, it’s important to choose the right type of cement. Fiber cement should be your go-to option because it lasts longer than materials like vinyl, requires less water in its production, and contains no toxic chemicals.
- Stucco: Stucco can be a good option for those who like the look as it contains a wide range of natural ingredients (and you can replace certain ingredients like cement with more eco-friendly options like lime plaster). However, stucco may not be the best choice for older homes and is much more susceptible to damage over time than the other options listed above.
Get the Support You Need With RAM Exteriors
No matter what type of siding you settle on, RAM Exteriors is here to make sure that you get the right service to ensure proper installation and care. For premier siding and roofing in Bethlehem, PA, we’re the company to trust! Contact us today to get started!