Green Exterior Home Remodeling Ideas

When you’re tackling an exterior home remodel, why not make it greener? Not only is it better for the environment but sustainable construction can add value to your home. Sustainable materials are those that are safe for the environment, clean to use, and don’t use up natural resources (such as wood, metal, and stone). There is an abundance of green materials from which to choose when replacing or repairing the siding of a home. Reclaimed lumber, metal, Hardie planks, brick, stone, and stucco are all great options to give your home an eco-friendly makeover.

Reclaimed lumber is an excellent choice for the environment, aesthetic, and durability. As the name implies, recycled lumber is wood taken from dismantled buildings and used for a variety of construction projects and furniture-making. It’s not only eco-friendly but also cheaper than virgin wood since it has already been cut and shaped. Reclaimed wood is also much more structurally sound due to the aging process. It’s widely available with a variety of options, can be painted or stained to match the look of your home, and provides a rustic, natural feel that can’t be emulated.

Metal siding is a great low-cost choice and offers some fire protection. It is easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and provides strong defense against the elements. However, metal isn’t without its drawbacks. All metals tend to rust and decay over time, requiring replacement more often than other materials. The lack of insulation from metal may cause your energy bills to skyrocket as well. Steel is the most eco friendly when it comes to metal, and metal siding is often made from post-consumer waste, making it a sustainable option.

For the traditional homeowners, brick and stone never go out of style. Used for thousands of years for construction, brick and stone are cut from natural elements and are extremely durable. Brick and stone provide superior protection from the elements, fire protection, and excellent insulating qualities, but their impressive features come with a hefty price tag.

A great natural option that is beautiful and effective is stucco. Stucco is a type of plaster with an even finish, consisting of cement, water, lime, and sand. It is easy to install and offers better thermal resistance than brick and stone which can help keep energy costs down. Stucco requires little maintenance and is mostly toxin-free in both production and when it gives way at the end of its life-cycle, making it a great, long-term choice for a sustainable home.

While plastic, vinyl, and other synthetic materials are the go-to choice for most people, it’s worth considering the sustainable options when you’re remodeling the exterior of your home. From reclaimed wood, metal siding, brick, stone, stucco, and more, there are a variety of green materials available to give your home an eco-friendly makeover that not only looks good but also adds value. There are plenty of green