The Value & The Costs of
Renewably Sourced Siding
The Value
There are countless options for siding and exterior facade treatments, but the environmental impact of each varies significantly. For instance, cedar, a commonly-requested natural material that ages beautifully over time, is abundant in the US. However, finding lumber that is renewably grown, harvested and milled requires thoughtful care and research. When done properly, the production of this lumber can yield a net positive impact on the planet while also providing an appealing aesthetic.
Composite siding (made from a hybrid of materials compiled together to institute a singular siding panel), metal siding, and unique materials (like cork or stone) all have the potential to be sourced with a minimal or even positive environmental impact. Learning about these types of building materials and how to properly design for their installation is something that our team prides ourselves on. We hope that the families that we design for see value in not only the beauty of these materials but also in the valuable work their manufacturers are doing to impact the lives of their people and the planet.
The Costs
Since these siding options vary drastically, so will the overall price due to product availability and installation cost. In general, renewable sourced siding materials still tend to add a slight increase to building costs. While we hope to see these prices decrease in the future, it will require a continued movement towards sustainable materials to drive down the costs and increase the number of renewable sourced materials available on the market.