Page 15 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

WOOD Glossary of Terms
Green to the Core
Wood siding is an excellent green choice (not to mention beautiful). Know the Lingo
Although people think of wood as a valuable natural resource
we shouldn’t use, it is a renewable product that can be recycled, ■ ■ Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS): A building product
and, if it goes into the waste stream, biodegrades quickly. If you that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface
use wood siding, look for certification by either the Sustainable and waterproofing in an integrated composite material
Forest Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). system.
Wood products don’t require a lot of energy to produce—when ■ ■ Embodied Energy: The energy consumed by all of the
compared with brick or fiber cement siding. In fact, although wood processes associated with the production of a building, from
makes up nearly half of all raw materials manufactured in the United the acquisition of natural resources to product delivery.
States, its share of energy consumption is a small 4 percent. ■ ■ Engineered Wood: Cladding made from wood strands
In addition to new wood siding, you can buy reclaimed wood, that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create
though more people opt for pre-primed pine or weather-resistant a strong board.
cedar. ■ ■ Fiber Cement Siding: Cladding made from a mixture of
Portland cement, cellulose or wood fiber material, sand
Virtues and other components.
■ ■ Renewable Caveats ■ ■ Lap Siding: Siding that looks like individual boards, typically
■ ■ Recyclable ■ May not be perfectly straight, 8’–12’ long. Each piece of siding is lapped over the piece
■
■ ■ Little energy used which can cause install problems below it to provide a waterproof covering for the house.
in its “production” ■ Vulnerable to pests such as
■
■ ■ Portland Cement: Found in stucco and fiber cement siding, it
■ ■ Biodegrades quickly carpenter ants and termites requires intense heat (and thus energy) to produce.
in a landfill ■ ■ Offers minimal insulative benefits
(between R-0.7 and R-1.4 per inch)
■ ■ Requires maintenance
and can shrink and expand FIBER CEMENT
■ ■ Can be twice as expensive as Tough Stuff
engineered wood or fiber cement
Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance product made from sand,
Portland cement, clay and wood pulp fibers. It’s very strong, long
ENGINEERED WOOD lasting, termite-proof, fire resistant and rot-proof. The product
Most Improved has the look of wood siding, and comes in either a smooth or
For people who like the look of wood, engineered wood products wood-look finish. Some manufacturers, including James Hardie
are a good green option. They are made from wood strands that are and Allura, offer fiber cement that has been pre-finished (painted)
coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a strong board. in the factory.
The products look like wood. They are free of knots, resist warping The rub against fiber cement is its high embodied energy, though
and cupping, and are factory pre-primed to take paint well, which manufacturers are moving toward using more recycled content in
reduces field and labor time once installed. their products. At least one brand contains fly ash.
LP SmartSide Trim & Siding, as one example, offers a special For extra R-value, fiber cement siding can be installed over foam
manufacturing process that helps protect against termite damage insulation board, as on an ICF house, but caution must be taken
and fungal decay. The product also comes with a self-aligning to ensure proper installation. If you decide to go this route, follow
edge design to make installation faster and easier. Another manufacturers’ recommendations closely. GB
engineered product, KlipTech’s EcoClad is made from bamboo
fibers, recycled paper and recycled wood fiber. According to
its manufacturer, it is as durable as brick or stucco and resists Virtues
bacteria and fungus growth. Look for engineered wood products ■ ■ Product is straighter than wood siding
that are certified. ■ ■ Superior stability keeps the building envelope crack-free
■ ■ Lower cost than wood
■ Low-maintenance product; may hold stain or paint
■
for for several years longer than wood (7–15 years)
Virtues Caveats ■ ■ Won’t rot, buckle or warp
■ ■ Lighter weight than fiber ■ ■ Moisture problems can result Caveats
cement or brick from installation errors
■ ■ Heavier than most sidings and can crack
■ ■ No special cutting tools or ■ Negligible R-value
fasteners are required—takes ■
nails and screws ■ ■ High embodied energy because of manufacturing process
■ ■ Factory pre-primed ■ ■ Moisture problems can result from installation errors
■ ■ Less costly than ■ ■ Requires special safety training and special gear to protect
real wood against airborne silica—and specific cutting tools

www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2017 GREEN BUILDER 13

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