Green Siding: Which Is the Best for Your Home?

The siding of your home can quickly become worn down due to years of exposure to various weather conditions. Upgrading your siding is key to ensuring your home is protected from pests and outdoor elements. Choosing the best siding for the exterior remodeling of your home isn’t always simple. There are many options to choose from, and unless you’re familiar with the various materials, this process may be confusing.

Your best bet is to reach out to a new home construction contractor who is knowledgeable about these topics. He or she may even be able to refer you to a manufacturer at a discounted price. As you’re shopping around for different options, make sure to keep the following factors in mind.

It’s All About Sustainability

When you’re remodeling the exterior of your home, you want to ensure you’re getting the best quality. This is why sustainability is so important. This determines how log materials will last and where they derive from. If the material can be recycled, then it is sustainable. And if it ends up in a landfill, it should be biodegradable, so it doesn’t add to the pollution issues we currently face.

Energy Efficiency is Important

The outdoor remodeling you perform on your home will play a major role in the energy efficiency of your property. If you go with a poor quality material, you’ll have to worry about leakage. Your best bet is to have a house wrap done to help stop water and air from getting in. Rigid foam should also be applied to help preserve your heat and AC air. You can consult with a local contractor about what methods are needed to ensure your home preserves energy.

Improving Thermal Performance

Many of the siding options available today are considered green because they’re long-lasting. Most also come with affordable price tags. If you’re worried about the thermal performance of your house, then you should heavily consider having house wrap and rigid foam insulation installed by a professional.

What is House Wrap?

House wrap is a semi-permeable membrane that is quite tough. The contractor will apply this to the exterior of your home during the remodeling phase. The only thing passing through this is moisture vapor. This tends to be a sustainable option, since it lasts a long time and is durable and flexible. This can run you around 25 to 50 cents per sq ft.

What is Rigid Foam Sheathing?

There are different sizes and types of rigid foam to choose from. These are placed over an entire wall, while typical fiberglass insulation is placed in between the studs. You can apply this right over the materials on the wall, like wood, stucco and hardboard. This makes a smooth surface for the installation of new siding. This can cost you between 20 cents and $1 per sq ft.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

This is a lot like the typical vinyl siding you find used on homes today. The difference with this variety is that it has an EPS foam insulation layer. This makes it more rigid and is known to last between 30 and 50 years. Not much maintenance is needed to keep it in good condition. The cost for this can be between $3 and $8 per sq ft.

Fiber-Cement Siding

This is created using organic materials, such as clay, cement, sand and fibers from wood pulp. If you’re worried about termites, fire and rot, then this is an excellent option. It’s also very durable and can last for decades. The cost for fiber-cement can run you between $5 and $9 per square foot.

Remodeling the exterior of your home is recommended if you notice signs of damage or know the materials are unsustainable. Research the above options, as well as other green solutions that are out there.