Page 19 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

WOOD Glossary of Terms 17
Green to the Core
Know the Lingo
Wood siding is an excellent green choice (not to mention
beautiful). Although people think of wood as a valuable natural ¦¦ Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS): A building
resource we shouldn’t use, it is a renewable product that can product that provides exterior walls with an insulated
be recycled, and, if it goes into the waste stream, biodegrades finished surface and waterproofing in an integrated
quickly. If you use wood siding, look for certification by either composite material system.
the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC). ¦¦ Embodied Energy: The energy consumed by all of the
processes associated with the production of a building,
Wood products don’t require a lot of energy to produce—when from the acquisition of natural resources to product
compared with brick or fiber cement siding. In fact, although wood delivery.
makes up nearly half of all raw materials manufactured in the
United States, its share of energy consumption is a small 4%. ¦¦ Engineered Wood: Cladding made from wood strands
that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to
In addition to new wood siding, you can buy reclaimed create a strong board.
wood, though more people opt for pre-primed pine or weather-
resistant cedar. ¦¦ Fiber Cement Siding: Cladding made from a mixture of
Portland cement, cellulose or wood fiber material, sand
Virtues Caveats and other components.

¦¦ Renewable ¦¦ May not be perfectly straight, ¦¦ Lap Siding: Siding that looks like individual boards, typically
which can cause install problems 8’–12’ long. Each piece of siding is lapped over the piece
¦¦ Recyclable below it to provide a waterproof covering for the house.
¦¦ Vulnerable to pests such as
¦¦ Little energy used carpenter ants and termites ¦¦ Portland Cement: Found in stucco and fiber cement
in its “production” siding, it requires intense heat (and thus energy) to produce.
¦¦ Offers minimal insulative benefits
¦¦ Biodegrades quickly (between R-0.7 and R-1.4 per inch) FIBER CEMENT
in a landfill Tough Stuff
¦¦ Requires maintenance Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance product made from
and can shrink and expand sand, Portland cement, clay and wood pulp fibers. It’s very strong,
long-lasting, termite-proof, fire-resistant and rot-proof. The product
¦¦ Can be twice as expensive as has the look of wood siding, and comes in either a smooth or
engineered wood or fiber cement wood-look finish. Some manufacturers, including James Hardie
and Allura, offer fiber cement that has been pre-finished (painted)
ENGINEERED WOOD in the factory. www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
Most Improved
The rub against fiber cement is its high embodied energy, though
For people who like the look of wood, engineered wood products manufacturers are moving toward using more recycled content in
are a good green option. They are made from wood strands that their products. At least one brand contains fly ash.
are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a strong
board. The products look like wood. They are free of knots, resist For extra R-value, fiber cement siding can be installed over foam
warping and cupping, and are factory pre-primed to take paint well, insulation board, as on an ICF house, but caution must be taken
which reduces field and labor time once installed. to ensure proper installation. If you decide to go this route, follow
manufacturers’ recommendations closely. GB
LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, as one example, offers a special
manufacturing process that helps protect against termite damage Virtues
and fungal decay. The product also comes with a self-aligning
edge design to make installation faster and easier. Another ¦¦ Product is straighter than wood siding
engineered product, KlipTech’s EcoClad is made from bamboo ¦¦ Superior stability keeps the building envelope crack-free
fibers, recycled paper and recycled wood fiber. According to ¦¦ Lower cost than wood
its manufacturer, it is as durable as brick or stucco and resists ¦¦ Low-maintenance product; may hold stain or paint
bacteria and fungus growth. Look for engineered wood products
that are certified. for for several years longer than wood (7–15 years)
¦¦ Won’t rot, buckle or warp
Virtues Caveats
Caveats
¦¦ Lighter weight than fiber ¦¦ Moisture problems can result
cement or brick from installation errors ¦¦ Heavier than most sidings and can crack
¦¦ Negligible R-value
¦¦ No special cutting tools or ¦¦ High embodied energy because of manufacturing process
fasteners are required—takes ¦¦ Moisture problems can result from installation errors
nails and screws ¦¦ Requires special safety training and special gear to protect

¦¦ Factory pre-primed against airborne silica—and specific cutting tools

¦¦ Less costly than
real wood