Ozark Living

EXPERT ADVICE Living Special to Ozark Living If new siding is on the list of must-do home projects this year, there are many factors to consider. ough it's a transformative renovation, replacement siding is a signifi cant and potentially expensive undertaking. erefore, careful consideration must be given to the materials used and their maintenance, longevity, insulation factor, and cost. Many homeowners also want siding that is eco- friendly. Sustainability is an important consideration for many homeowners. Data from the National Association of Home Builders' "Green Multifamily and Single Family Homes 2017 SmartMarket Brief " indicates that at least one-third of single-family and multifamily home builders who were surveyed said that green building is a signifi cant portion of their overall activity (more than 60 percent of their portfolio). By 2022, this number should increase to nearly one-half in both the single- family and multifamily sectors. Green building has become an important and established part of the residental construction sector. Where siding is sourced, the materials that go into its fabrication and how well that siding insulates a home are key aspects of its "green factor." e following are some of the more sustainable options in home siding. Reclaimed timber A house sided with clapboard, or a log cabin-inspired look, is iconic. ese types of siding are typically made from insect-repellant pine, cedar, cypress, or redwood. While lumber certifi ed by the Forest Stewardship Council is environmentally friendly, homeowners may want to seek out reclaimed lumber. is wood has history and causes very little environmental impact. Plus, timber salvaged from old buildings or fallen trees may be superior to new wood because it likely came from slow- growing, old trees with dense grain. Brick Avoid any negative environmental impact by choosing locally produced or reclaimed bricks — or those made from post-consumer content. e longevity of bricks can o en off set the energy expenditure in their manufacture. Plus, many bricks are made from natural clay, which can be an excellent insulator. Stucco HouseLogic says traditional stucco is made from sand and Portland cement mixed with water to make a usable plaster. It's tough and durable — o en lasting the life of the house. Eco-friendly variants include stucco made with an earth-and-lime mixture, off setting the CO2 emissions associated with cement production. Stucco can reduce air infi ltration that causes dra s in a home. Fiber-cement Fiber-cement is similar to stucco in that it is made from sand, Portland cement, clay, and wood pulp fi bers. It can be fi re-resistant and insect-proof and will not rot. It's a stable material that can recover almost 80 percent of the initial cost, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Stone is nonrenewable resource can be beautiful on a home and durable, but mining it can impact the environment. If homeowners can use reclaimed or displaced stone, those are more sustainable options. Manufactured stone, which is cement and other materials molded to look like stone, is also aesthetically appealing and more eco-friendly. Replacing siding is a signifi cant undertaking. Homeowners can consider sustainability when selecting replacement siding materials. Reclaimed wood and brick can be more eco-friendly than vinyl siding and other materials. Green options in home siding 36 • AUGUST 2018 • OZARK LIVING

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