Go Green: Save 30 Percent on Siding with Recycled Options
Siding shields your home from the elements, shapes its visual identity, and affects energy expenses. Recycled siding materials offer homeowners an opportunity to reduce installation costs and environmental footprint simultaneously. Selecting the appropriate recycled option can decrease overall project expenses by up to 30 percent while ensuring durability and adherence to building codes. This guide details how recycled siding functions, its pricing structure, project planning strategies, and maintenance practices for long-term reliability.
Style and Selection Guide
Primary Profiles
Recycled siding appears in various profiles, each designed for specific architectural styles.
- Lap Siding: Horizontal boards that overlap for a seamless appearance. This profile suits ranch, colonial, and craftsman-style homes.
- Shake and Shingle Panels: Textured panels that replicate cedar shakes or shingles. They enhance gables and accent areas effectively.
- Vertical Board and Batten: Tall panels featuring raised seams between boards. This style complements barns, modern farmhouses, and contemporary structures.
- Metal or Composite Panels: Flat or ribbed sheets secured with visible fasteners. These options align with minimalist or industrial aesthetics.
Material Choices
| Material Type | Composition | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled Vinyl | Post-consumer PVC blended with virgin resin | Affordable pricing, lightweight design, integrated color for fade resistance, simple cleaning routines | Potential for cracking in extreme cold temperatures |
| Recycled Fiber Cement | Fly ash combined with reclaimed cellulose fibers | Fire-resistant properties, excellent paint adhesion, natural insect deterrence | Increased weight requires sturdy support, specialized tools for cutting |
| Recycled Wood Composite | Wood fibers fused with recycled plastic | Authentic wood appearance, resin-based moisture barrier | Requires sealing every few years in high-humidity areas |
| Recycled Metal | Reclaimed aluminum or steel from scrap sources | Fully recyclable at end of life, exceptional strength, pest-proof construction | Heat conduction in sunny climates, vulnerability to dents in thinner gauges |
Guidelines for Combining Materials
Integrate recycled materials thoughtfully to achieve cohesive exteriors. Select one primary material for the main walls, then incorporate a complementary texture on gables or dormers for contrast. Maintain uniform color and finish levels across trim elements. Steer clear of pairing matte and glossy surfaces on the same elevation. Confirm compatible expansion coefficients when blending distinct recycled products to prevent warping or separation.
Trim and Accent Recommendations
Trim elements outline siding edges and secure joints against moisture. Opt for recycled cellular PVC or composite trim boards, which integrate seamlessly with diverse siding varieties. For metal applications, ensure trim matches the panel gauge and protective coating. Prepare softer recycled wood trim by applying primer to the back and sealing all edges prior to installation.
Application Examples
- Brick Ranch Renovation: Layer recycled fiber cement lap siding over a brick base wainscot to create a resilient, layered facade.
- Coastal Cottage Refresh: Install recycled vinyl shingles secured with stainless steel fasteners to withstand corrosive salt exposure.
- Mountain Cabin Enhancement: Apply recycled wood composite board and batten with deep-toned trim to harmonize with surrounding natural terrain.
- Modern Urban Residence: Mount recycled steel panels using concealed fasteners for a sleek, unadorned industrial profile.
Project Preparation Steps
1. Establish Objectives and Project Boundaries
Clarify the siding's intended outcomes, such as minimizing energy costs, simplifying upkeep, or realizing a particular design vision. Calculate precise wall surface areas and document the number of windows and doors to determine material needs accurately. Determine if the project includes removing existing siding or adding insulation layers.
2. Identify Qualified Contractors
Prioritize installers experienced with recycled materials. Obtain a minimum of three detailed bids outlining the same project specifications. Verify licensing, insurance coverage, and client references. Examine photographs of completed projects featuring comparable materials and profiles. Ensure crews adhere to manufacturer guidelines to preserve warranty coverage.
3. Evaluate Samples and Create Mockups
Request full-scale samples rather than small color swatches. Position them against your home's exterior under natural daylight to assess true tones and textures. Arrange for a modest on-site mockup incorporating siding, trim, and corner assemblies prior to committing. This step avoids discrepancies in color or profile once installation commences.
4. Prepare the Site and Manage Workflow
Remove obstacles from driveways and yard spaces to facilitate material delivery and staging. Safeguard landscaping and windows with protective sheeting. Anticipate elevated noise levels and dust during demolition phases. Arrange electrical outlets for power tools and air compressors. Restrict access to the work area for pets and children.
5. Conduct Progressive Quality Inspections
Monitor key elements at each phase:
- Substrate Integrity: Confirm sheathing remains dry and structurally sound.
- Flashing and Weather Barriers: Ensure full coverage with properly overlapped joints.
- Fastener Placement: Space nails or screws according to specifications, avoiding excessive force.
- Joint Precision: Align boards evenly and level at all corners.
- Sealing and Finishing: Apply smooth, uninterrupted caulk lines and matching paint coats.
Perform a comprehensive final inspection alongside the contractor before releasing payment. Document any remaining corrections in a written list.
Sustaining Performance and Realizing Benefits
Recycled siding extends beyond initial savings by diverting waste from landfills and conserving production energy. Numerous polymer and metal variants support repeated recycling cycles, minimizing reliance on new raw materials and bolstering community recycling initiatives.
Ecological Advantages
- Conserved Resources: One square foot of recycled vinyl displaces several pounds of fresh PVC production.
- Energy Savings in Manufacturing: Producing recycled metal demands up to 70 percent less energy compared to virgin materials.
- Minimized Waste Generation: Excess scraps frequently return to suppliers for reintegration into new batches.
- Enhanced Air Quality: Contemporary recycled composites emit minimal volatile organic compounds.
Performance Enhancements
Pairing recycled siding with continuous insulation or radiant barriers elevates wall efficiency by 3 to 5 percent. Sealed joints and foam-backed designs curb air infiltration effectively. These improvements translate to tangible reductions in heating and cooling expenditures annually.
Boosting Property Value
Homeowners who install recycled siding often see elevated resale appeal due to its modern, sustainable character. The combination of cost efficiency, low maintenance, and environmental credentials attracts eco-conscious buyers. Over time, the aesthetic durability preserves curb appeal, contributing to higher market valuations without ongoing investments.