Last week’s blog posts included the first part of this article on the problems that can occur genuine wood siding. (Click here to read.) While we don’t install it (and suggest alternatives to prospective customers who ask), we realize that owners of some older homes around the Minneapolis area may still want to have wood siding installed when the time comes to replace their existing siding.
We want to point out that just because you have wood siding now, you are not obligated to replace it with the same material. There are wood-look options that have far less drawbacks. But in order to help you make an informed choice, there are some other issues that we’d like you to consider.
Wood Siding Is Not So Environmentally Friendly
While wood is a renewable, reusable resource, it is also one that has to be treated with numerous chemicals time after time. Due to this, it makes the wood less valuable and restricts its reuse. For instance, once it has been treated with chemicals, it can’t be burned in a fireplace or campfire. And while trees can be planted in the spot where one was harvested, it takes many years for that tree to be usable. For these reasons (and more), wood siding is not an eco-friendly choice. In fact, we have a number of other options that will give you a wood look and are more environmentally friendly.
Wood Siding Is Highly Flammable
If you’re concerned about protecting your home from damage in case of fire, wood siding should not be on your list of siding options. Wood siding will catch fire more easily than some other alternatives, and the chemicals it is treated with as well as the finishes like paint and stain are also flammable. If fire protection is high on your list of priorities, we would suggest you take a look at James Hardie fiber cement siding. Even though it can be manufactured to closely resemble wood, it is highly resistant to combustion from fire. In fact, some homeowner’s insurance companies will offer discounts if you have this siding installed – for that very reason.
If you love the look of real wood siding, we think we have other options for you. In addition to Hardie siding, we also install LPSmartside® engineered wood, a much more eco-friendly and low maintenance option. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home improvement and remodeling contractor. We specialize in exterior services such as siding installation, and we serve the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
