Trying to find eco-friendly siding is a challenge for conscientious homeowners. On the one hand, they want to reduce the impact their home has on the environment; on the other, they need siding that will still be able to meet all their needs .
This problem is compounded by numerous ads that all talk about the eco-friendliness of their products. You should never take these claims at face value, however; remember that claims such as these should always be supported with scientific evidence.
As to the question of which type of siding is the most eco-friendly, evidence from a recent BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) study suggests that vinyl siding and insulated vinyl siding have less of an impact on the environment than other types of cladding. BEES is a software used by the federal government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to test the environmental and economic impact of a material throughout its life cycle.
A&A Services Home Improvement, a top siding repair contractor in the state, further elaborates on these findings below.
Criteria Used
The previously-mentioned study calculated a certain type of cladding’s Environmental Impact Score (EIS) using 11 categories, with each representing an environmental problem. Listed below are the categories:
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Global warming potential
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Acidification potential, or a certain material’s ability to turn bodies of water, particularly oceans, acidic
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Eutrophication potential, or a certain material’s contribution to the nutrient levels in lakes which, in high enough levels, lead to dense plant growth. Algae overgrowth can deprive aquatic organisms of oxygen and cause fish kills
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Fossil fuel depletion
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Habitat alteration
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Air pollutants
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Human health
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Smog
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Ozone depletion
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Ecological toxicity
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Water intake
The Results
Vinyl siding and insulated vinyl siding’s performance in the aforementioned categories are a mixed bag compared to other types of siding. Overall, however, vinyl and insulated vinyl got a better EIS than other types of cladding.
Some companies go further and conduct their own Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tests to ensure the sustainability of their products. CertainTeed was the first in the industry to run several LCA tests on various exterior products.
However, not all vinyl siding products are created equal. They vary in quality, which may affect their durability, not to mention their sustainability. Less durable siding will most likely end up in the landfill much sooner than their better-made counterparts. By choosing high-quality vinyl siding, you’ll also be able to save on siding repair costs.
Thinking of installing vinyl siding on your home? A&A Services Home Improvement offers premium vinyl siding products and siding repair services. To get a free estimate, call us at (978) 219-2343 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Salem, Peabody, and Andover, MA.
