Green from the Ground UpSee Chapter 12 on Siding in the Green from the Ground Up book for more details.

 

Green Siding Resource

Siding is the outermost shell of a home. It provides resistance to weather, fire and covers up the framing of the house. While not always structurally necessary, siding helps give the home its character and curb appeal.

Green Siding’ Transition Guide
 

1. Install fiber cement siding

Benefit

Cement siding is fire-resistant and long lasting

Process

These boards are nailed to the sheathing using galvanized nails from a pneumatic nail gun

Details/ Materials

Wear a dust mask when cutting boards

2. Avoid Vinyl Siding

Benefit

 Polyvinyl chloride itself is relatively inert. It has plasticizers added to it that have health and environmental concerns. Its use has been linked to cancer and other diseases.

Process

There are many other siding products available

Details/ Materials

Difficult to recycle after it has been removed.

3. Caulk and seal all siding joints

Benefit

 Helps prevent moisture from migrating behind the siding and causing rot.

Process

Caulking the joints is a simple task that will greatly prolong the siding’s life.

Details/ Materials

Use a quality caulk with low VOC’s that will last

4. Wood products that are FSC certified

Benefit

FSC wood comes from sustainably managed forests that replant trees once they are cut down.

Process

Wood products should not be used in fire zones.
The heartwood of cedar and redwood is naturally resistant to insects and rot.

Details/ Materials

Not available everywhere, contact your local lumberyard and ask for FSC materials.

5. Install a drainage plane beneath the siding

Benefit

Water is the enemy of the built environment. If moisture becomes trapped behind the siding, mold and rot begin to develop and can prematurely destroy the siding. Mold grown can in turn lead to indoor air health problems.

Process

A drainage plane goes over the sheathing and is always installed overlapping from the bottom up. It will ensure that any water that behind the siding has a way to drain away from the building.

Details/ Materials

Tyvek paper, tar paper or other products are readily available. Joints should be overlapped and taped.

6. Use paint, adhesives and caulks that have low or no VOC

Benefit

Volatile Organic Compounds have been connected to cancer and other health concerns

Process

Many products without these harmful chemicals are available and work just as well or better.

Details/ Materials

Available at most home stores

7. Products that are made locally

Benefit

 Cuts down on energy costs of transportation. Helps support the local economy.

Process

Contact your local chamber of commerce or BBB to find out what building material companies are in your area

Details/ Materials

In addition to helping the environment, you will also be helping your local economy.

8. Materials that are Recyclable

Benefit

At the end of the products life cycle, the product can be recycled instead of placed in a landfill.

Process

Contact your local recycling agency to see what materials they accept

Details/ Materials

Manufactures may accept their own product to be recycled.

“How will “Going Green” make me more money?”

Green is not simply getting more respect; it is rapidly becoming a necessity as corporations—as well as home builders, retailers, health care institutions, governments, and others—push green buildings fully into the mainstream over the next five to ten years. Customers need help with this difficult project and will look to you as an expert to show them what needs to be done.

“I thought green was just for Treehuggers.”

Green Homes no longer look like they did in the 70’s. They now look normal and very diverse. Professionals who would not consider themselves “greenies” are adopting green practices. People can now see the real benefit of these practices and want to implement them in their own lives.

“How will I talk to my customers about my green practices?”

A home should be built to last a lifetime. This challenges designers to choose the best products that they can. There is a great need for energy conservation in all aspects of building. More and more people understand the importance of quality material choices and how the siding they choose can contribute to this. Choosing low maintenance siding saves clients time and money over the life of the building. Product durability is very important and means that the siding won’t have to be replaced prematurely.

“Why should I care about the environment?”

Recycled materials not only look great, but keep tons of material out of landfills. There are many different types of siding available on the market today each with their own pros and cons. Green products are no more difficult to install and customers are looking more and more healthy products for their home.

“What kind of training am I going to give my team?”

- Greenbuilding.com has a team of green building specialists. One of our trainers can come to your business to train your team.
- We have siding specialists.
- We can provide a one-day training to get your team ready to transition to green. This training will include marketing your business as green.

“What should I do first?”

- Read our Siding Transition Guide below.
- Our guide is organized with the easiest changes listed first and those that may take longer listed last

 

Click on the link below for a print friendly version to take with you to the jobsite. Post for for your crew to know more about green building practices and technologies.

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