Flower Planting 101: Simplifying Your Planting Maps
5 Things That Make Steel Siding A Green Choice
Juanita Douglas
When it comes to new siding, durability and looks are important. It's also important to consider the environmental footprint of your siding choices. Steel can be one of the greenest options available.
1. Long-Lasting
One of the best ways to lower your environmental footprint is to minimize the use of materials. Siding types that deteriorate require periodic replacement, such as rotted wood or cracked vinyl, and require more material production over the long term. Steel siding can last a lifetime or longer because it isn't prone to rot, cracks, or other types of damage. The less frequently you replace the siding, the better it is for the environment.
2. Recycled Options
Another way you can cut down on the extraction and manufacture of new materials for siding is by opting for one of the many recycled steel siding products on the market. Steel is nearly infinitely recyclable, and siding made from salvaged and recycled material is just as durable and attractive as siding produced from all new materials. Recycled siding can also be less expensive than new material siding as all of the mining and some of the production costs were paid for in its previous incarnations.
3. Easily Reused
When it eventually is time to replace old steel siding, there is no need to worry about the end-of-life environmental impact of the material. Steel siding can be recycled, even if it is in rough condition. Old siding can be turned into new siding or even into something else entirely. Just make sure that the company you choose to remove it provides an option to recycle.
4. Lower Maintenance
Some types of siding need frequent maintenance, such as repainting and sealing. Although "green" exterior paint options exist, the more eco-friendly option is to reduce the amount of paint being produced and used. Steel siding finishes aren't prone to fading or peeling, so there is rarely a need to paint them. Further, chemical solvents are not needed to remove stains because the steel won't absorb discoloration. Overall, lower maintenance needs are a greener choice.
5. Energy Savings
Foam-backed steel siding gives you an opportunity to increase your home's energy efficiency at the same time as you perform a necessary siding replacement. Insulated steel doesn't cost much more than standard steel, and it typically costs less and is less time-consuming than upgrading the insulation in the walls. Better energy efficiency means lower heating and cooling bills as well.
Contact a steel siding installation contractor to learn more.
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One of the things that I always loved about spring as a kid was watching all of the flowers my mother planted suddenly come up from the ground and then bloom into vibrant, beautiful colors. When I bought my own house, one of the first things I wanted to do was plant flowers. What I didn't realize was how hard it could be to figure out what to plant where. From the sun demand to the companion planting guides, it was complicated. I created this site to help others just like me create the flower gardens they always wanted without the struggles that I faced.