Page 21 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

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

WOOD Glossary of Terms
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 resource we ¦¦ Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS): A building product
shouldn’t use, it is a renewable product that can be recycled, and, that provides exterior walls with an insulated finished surface
if it goes into the waste stream, biodegrades quickly. If you use and waterproofing in an integrated composite material
wood siding, look for certification by either the Sustainable Forest system.
Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
¦¦ Embodied Energy: The energy consumed by all of the
Wood products don’t require a lot of energy to produce—when processes associated with the production of a building, from
compared with brick or fiber cement siding. In fact, although wood the acquisition of natural resources to product delivery.
makes up nearly half of all raw materials manufactured in the United
States, its share of energy consumption is a small 4 percent. ¦¦ Engineered Wood: Cladding made from wood strands
that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create
In addition to new wood siding, you can buy reclaimed wood, a strong board.
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 siding, it
in its “production” 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 sand,
and can shrink and expand 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.
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 are their products. At least one brand contains fly ash.
coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a strong board.
The products look like wood. They are free of knots, resist warping For extra R-value, fiber cement siding can be installed over foam
and cupping, and are factory pre-primed to take paint well, which insulation board, as on an ICF house, but caution must be taken
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 engineered ¦¦ Product is straighter than wood siding
product, KlipTech’s EcoClad is made from bamboo fibers, recycled ¦¦ Superior stability keeps the building envelope crack-free
paper and recycled wood fiber. According to its manufacturer, it ¦¦ Lower cost than wood
is as durable as brick or stucco and resists bacteria and fungus ¦¦ Low-maintenance product; may hold stain or paint
growth. Look for engineered wood products that are certified.
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 ¦¦ High embodied energy because of manufacturing process
nails and screws ¦¦ Moisture problems can result from installation errors
¦¦ Requires special safety training and special gear to protect
¦¦ Factory pre-primed
against airborne silica—and specific cutting tools
¦¦ Less costly than
real wood

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