Recently we shared about metal roofing, one of the greenest roofing materials to use to protect your home.  When it comes to being green, we find many homeowners we meet with here in the Minneapolis area are making the switch to more sustainable choices for inside and outside of their homes. (We specialize in green exterior remodeling and home improvement.) If you're concerned about our environment and you plan on replacing your siding soon, it is important to think about the many eco-friendly siding materials that are out there for your home and that are also great for the environment around you.

The siding on your home makes a difference and an impact. Hopefully the information below will help you make the right choice for you and your home.

Comparing Eco-Friendly Siding Materials

Wood: Listed as the number one siding material as being the most environmentally friendly, because ts wood! It is sustainable, renewable and recyclable, making it a number one choice for many homeowners. Cedar is the most popular wood to go with because it is able to resist moisture and insects.

Wood is a natural product that is simple to install, energy efficient and can be locally sourced. It, however, is highly manufactured. Plus it requires frequent maintenance and periodic repainting or restaining, which somewhat offsets its environmental benefits.

Metal: Metal is an excellent choice when considering something that is great for the environment. You can be sure that you’re not only getting the most energy efficient choice, but it is also a beautiful choice with that is going to last for some time. It is recyclable and is repurposed, both pluses that are great for the environment.

Metal - especially steel - is a highly recyclable material that is easy to install and comes with great energy efficiency when the right insulation is used. Not only that but at Metal Roofing & Siding of Minnesota, we provide seamless steel siding which is ideal to stop the drafts you’d normally get. It does require manufacturing, but it contains a high percentage of recycled material.  And because it lasts so long and requires very little maintenance, there are very little energy expenditures needed to keep it looking great.  The baked-on color finish will outlast a paint job on wood siding. also another environmental plus.

Fiber Cement: Fiber cement siding (the most well-known product is produced by The James Hardie Companh) is starting to become popular in the world today and due to this, many homeowners are thinking about making the switch to this for their siding. Being a combo of wood pulp, sand and cement, it emits fewer amounts of dioxins into the atmosphere than others. And you can opt for a baked-on paint finish that will last about twice as long as a normal paint job. 

It is a biodegradable option composed of completely natural ingredients in it, which is always a good thing when looking to stay away from chemicals. It does have a variety of different looks. However, fiber cement is not recyclable and it does require manufacturing. It requires special installation tools and techniques, and the process can be intensive. 

Here at Metal Roofing & Siding of Minnesota, we take pride in the green external home improvements that are made by our company for homeowners here in Minnesota.   With the right choice of siding, you can not only help the environment, but you can also help your family and home stay comfortable and safe. Contact us today to learn more about our seamless steel siding and other siding materials.