Our Favorite Eco-friendly Siding Options
April 1 | This post is written in collaboration with Holly Mumford of Hereabout Home. We are so excited to be working with Holly to find innovative new ways to build her already high-performing home designs even more efficiently and cost effectively. Learn more about Holly below.Hello, friends! As a passionate consultant dedicated to creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces, I’m excited to share some insights about siding options that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also fire resilient and environmentally friendly. In an era where climate change and wildfires are becoming increasingly prevalent, making informed choices about building materials is more important than ever.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the top sustainable and fire-resistant siding options available today, helping you make the best decisions for your dream home while keeping safety and sustainability at the forefront.
The Importance of Sustainable and Fire Resilient Siding
Fire resilience is crucial, especially for homeowners living in areas susceptible to wildfires. The right siding can significantly reduce the risk of ignition from flying embers and radiant heat, providing peace of mind for you and your family. Sustainable siding is crucial for eco-friendly homes, offering long-term cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and improved energy efficiency by using recycled materials and minimizing waste. Additionally, selecting sustainable materials can help reduce your carbon footprint, ensuring that your home is not only safe but also kind to our planet.
1. Fiber Cement Siding
💸 Cost-Effectiveness: Moderate
🔨 Maintenance level: Very low maintenance (occasional cleaning only)
One of my favorite go-to materials is fiber cement siding. Made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, this option is incredibly durable and low maintenance. It is non-combustible and boasts excellent fire resistance, making it a solid choice for fire-prone areas.
Sustainability Aspect: Many manufacturers now focus on sustainability in their production processes, using recycled materials and implementing water-saving techniques. This makes fiber cement a fantastic choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Our favorite: Nichiha Fiber Cement
Budget friendly option: James Hardie
Photo Credit: Nichiha USA
2. Metal Siding
💸 Cost-Effectiveness: Moderate to High
🔨 Maintenance Level: Low Maintenance (occasional cleaning, repaint every 5-10 years)
Metal siding, typically made from steel or aluminum, is another exceptional option. Don’t worry, this is not your 90’s style aluminum siding!! The fire-resistant properties of metal are inherent, and it can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it a long-lasting choice. While the cost can vary, the value it brings over time, thanks to its durability and low maintenance, often makes it worthwhile. Metal siding, especially steel, is known for its durability and long lifespan, potentially lasting 50 years or more.
Sustainability Aspect: Metal siding is highly recyclable at the end of its life, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste sent to landfills. This supports the circular economy model, promoting resource conservation and reducing the environmental impact.
Our favorite: Corten Steel
Budget Friendly Option: Metal Exteriors
Photo Credit: Contemporist
3. Engineered Wood Siding
💸 Cost-Effectiveness: Moderate
🔨 Maintenance Level: Moderate Maintenance (regular cleaning, repaint every 5-10 years)
If your heart is set on the warmth and beauty of wood, consider engineered wood siding. This product combines real wood fibers with resins to create a material that is more resistant to fire than traditional wood siding. Many engineered wood products are treated with fire-retardant chemicals, enhancing their safety.
Sustainability Aspect: Look for options that come from sustainably managed forests, certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures that your choice supports responsible forestry practices.
Our Favorite and Budget Friendly Option: LP Smart Siding
Photo Credit: All Craft Exteriors
4. Reclaimed Wood Siding
💸 Cost-Effectiveness: Moderate to High
🔨 Maintenance Level: Moderate Maintenance (initial cleaning and sealing)
For a truly unique and sustainable touch, consider using reclaimed wood siding. This beautiful option repurposes wood from old barns, buildings, and other structures, giving your home a distinct character while minimizing the need for new lumber.
Sustainability Aspect: By choosing reclaimed wood, you significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with new lumber production. Just be sure to treat the wood for fire resistance, as it may not have the same properties as newly sourced materials.
Our favorite: Pioneer Millworks
Budget Friendly Option: Find a locally sourced supplier
Photo Credit: Pioneer Millworks
5. Natural Wood Siding
💸 Cost-Effectiveness: Moderate to High
🔨 Maintenance Level: Moderate Maintenance (cleaning, painting or sealing every 3-5 years)
Wood siding provides a warm, natural look that enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home. Its unique grain patterns and rich colors can complement various architectural styles, from rustic to modern. Thermal modification, a popular treatment involving the use of heat and steam, significantly improves the wood’s properties thereby expanding the range of applications in which the wood can be used. Thermally modified wood is known for its dimensional stability, durability and sustainable nature. It doesn’t require surface coating even in the most challenging climate conditions, which makes it an ecological choice throughout its life cycle.
Sustainability Aspect: When sourced from sustainably managed forests, wood is a renewable resource. It can help reduce the carbon footprint of a building, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, and wood products store that carbon.
Our favorite: Lunawood
Conclusion : Siding Has a Big Impact
Choosing the right siding for your home is a decision that can significantly impact both its aesthetic appeal and its environmental footprint. As a Green Building Consultant, I encourage homeowners to consider sustainable and fire-resilient options that not only protect their investment, but also contribute to a greener planet. By selecting materials that meet high standards of durability and safety, you can create a home that harmonizes beauty, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
When planning your next residential project, remember that the choices you make today can lead to a more sustainable and secure future. For assistance in selecting the right siding materials for your home, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help you design a beautiful, resilient, and sustainable dwelling.
Hi! I’m Holly.
I’m the founder & architect of Hereabout.
With over a decade of experience in residential design, I started Hereabout to bridge the gap between budget and design for those who seek a thoughtfully designed home. With a passion for design and a dedication to sustainability, I’m focused on making quality design attainable. Creating warm, livable spaces is at the root of my design philosophy, and I believe that homes are truly a space to belong and connect.
