Guide To Environmentally Friendly Replacement Siding

byphineasgray

If you strive to be an environmentally conscious consumer, you are familiar with the importance of being—and buying—“green” products whenever possible. This also can extend into home improvement projects, including replacement siding in Boise or other nearby areas in Idaho. Making the decision to purchase and install replacement siding is a substantial undertaking requiring a fair bit of research before taking the plunge. After all, one of your home’s most valuable assets is at stake—your roof. However, when you start considering your options and deciding which is more environmentally appropriate, you might get stuck. While the waste of all those trees makes you cringe at the idea wood siding, the idea of laying rows of vinyl—which is plastic—across your roof, may be an equally unpleasant thought.

Vinyl siding is one of the least environmentally conscious forms of siding out there. Polyvinyl chloride—also known as PVC—can last an extremely long time sitting in a landfill. However, vinyl is typically one of the most economical options for replacement siding in Boise. If you do choose to go ahead with vinyl, it may be important for you to find a home remodeling specialist or siding contractor that is not only familiar with recycled vinyl siding, but also is willing to properly recycle any existing vinyl siding that is being removed from your home.

You might be surprised to learn that wood siding is often considered a very sustainable material for siding. It breaks down easily in landfills, and can be naturally replenished over time with proper planning and overall forest management. Wood replacement siding in Boise can come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and colors; unlike siding, you will have to paint or stain this wood on a semi-regular basis in order to keep it looking new. You should factor in this extra time and work into your decision. As lumber mills typically prefer old-growth forests for wood siding, it is important to look into options for purchasing more supportable materials. There are organizations that help to relieve the strain on older forests by producing and maintaining more sustainable forests.

Fiber cement may be your best choice for an environmentally friendly replacement siding in Boise. Fiber cement is a mix of clay, wood pulp, sand, and cement; in addition, it can be produced to feign the appearance of wood clapboard, masonry, stucco, or shingles. Due to its extremely durable composition, fiber cement lasts an extremely long time—which is important when deciding on a “green” shingle material.