Eco-Friendly Fiber Cement Siding

Keeping our planet sustainable has been and continues to be an important concern for homeowners, as well as builders. Using green products and materials helps preserve our natural resources and eliminate harmful Volatile Organic Compounds from the air.

It’s sometimes difficult to go green and still get optimal functionality and the aesthetic appeal that you’d like in designing your home. But as far as your home’s exterior, you’ll get both when you choose fiber cement siding.

Installing most types of siding on your home will help save energy costs, since it helps to insulate the home from the outside weather. There are pros and cons to every type of siding, whether it’s wood, vinyl, metal or fiber cement. But fiber cement siding is one of the most eco-friendly materials you can use for your home.

As Joseph Lstiburek, a forensic engineer who investigates building failures and is internationally recognized as an authority on moisture-related building problems and indoor air quality, states: “The single most important factor in green architecture is durability. If you want something to be green it has to last a long time. It has to handle water, heat and UV radiation. Fiber-cement handles all three exceptionally well.”

The most widely known brand and manufacturer of fiber cement siding is James Hardie. They are the premium makers of fiber cement siding and their products are found in over 8 million homes in North America.

Evidence of James Hardie’s Goals for Producing Green Products

The U.S. Green Building Council has created some guidelines for the building industry with the intent of achieving a healthier and more efficient environment. These guidelines are defined in the LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.

James Hardie products contribute points towards a LEED project certification as well as a certification to the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard. In order to earn this certification, companies must provide credible, third-party evident that their products meet all criteria that NGBS requires. A “MASTER” icon next to a listing indicates an individual has achieved exclusive, top-tier accreditation based on his/her significant green building knowledge and applied experience verifying NGBS Green compliance.

James Hardie siding, trim, soffit, fascia and Artisan siding and trim are listed as certified products in Home Innovation Research Labs NGBS Green Certified Product Program. This certification allows accredited verifiers to award points towards the whole project certification without additional documentation for the attributes of the practices specified.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding shares a common goal with other building manufacturers wanting to be more eco-friendly: to produce more efficient, healthier building products. However, there are several ways to measure the green factor, including what resources were used, how and where the product was made and durability.

Here are some features of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding that make it a great choice for those wanting more environmentally-friendly products.

• James Hardie has high quality standards for the raw materials it uses.
• At least 75% of raw materials used are locally sourced. These materials are low in toxicity.
• Raw materials are extracted and processed near each manufacturing facility, which reduces the need to transport them.
• They operate 9 manufacturing facilities that support regional economy and also reduce the environmental impact caused by transportation of materials.
• Fiber cement materials are extremely durable, lasting much longer than other similar building materials. This saves on the cost and materials to repair, maintain and replace them.
• James Hardie’s unique ColorPlus Technology is produced by baking on the color in their factories. This eliminates VOCs from being transmitted in the air by exterior painting.
• James Hardie Siding is non-combustible.
• Their Zero to Landfill Project strives to make their products more efficient and is currently focused on reducing their landfilled waste by half.
• They recycle water used in manufacturing up to four times during the process.
• Their Artisan® siding products contain 8% post-industrial or pre-consumer recycled content.

Durability and Beauty of Fiber Cement Siding

As previously stated, durability and minimal maintenance are a key factor in preserving a sustainable environment. Most other siding materials may be more susceptible to fire, insects and wear and tear. The lifespan of siding made with wood, vinyl or metal tends to be around 15-20 years.

While that span may seem relatively long to you, it still means you will need to replace it, accumulating costs and adding waste products to the environment. A better option, both financially and environmentally, is to choose a product that lasts longer. Fiber Cement siding can last up to 50 years, a virtual lifetime for many. Maintenance is minimal, requiring a fresh coat of paint every 10 years or so. Fiber Cement siding is fireproof and not susceptible to rot or insect infestation.

Do you love the look of wood siding but don’t want the negative environmental effects of cutting down all those trees? You can get fiber cement siding that has the realistic and elegant look of wood grain in a variety of colors. You won’t have the high maintenance costs and labor that wood requires. 

Fiber Cement Siding Beats Other Products in the Green Factor

Fiber cement siding is manufactured from recycled materials and other sustainable products. Cement, sand and cellulose are the main components. They are strong, but natural materials. Of course, while wood siding is certainly made from a natural product, the required number of trees needed have a very negative ecological effect on our environment.

Metal siding is made from recyclable materials, which is a positive aspect; however, it does not withstand the test of time. It degrades quickly, needing replacement a lot sooner than fiber cement siding. And you have to wonder if all the replaced metal siding is really being recycled.

Then there’s the vinyl siding, which is not made of natural materials. Neither is it recyclable or biodegradable. Vinyl siding can also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to environmental illnesses. Fiber cement does not emit such compounds.

Because vinyl can’t be repainted, it’s difficult to match when repairs are needed. That can result in the entire home being re-sided. And where does all the old vinyl siding end up? In the landfills, unfortunately.

Energy Efficiency

Insulating your home can decrease your heating and cooling bills. There are many methods to insulate your home and installing exterior siding is one great way. Including insulation behind the siding adds another layer of insulation and prevents drafts from getting into the gaps to help keep your utilities bills down.