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THE INSIDE SCOOP
GREEN BUILDER RECOMMENDS
No matter what siding type you choose, proper installation and flashing is key to maintaining its integrity and beauty. Some products can be installed by a layman with a hammer and nails (wood siding) but others, such as EIFS and fiber cement, should be installed by a professional. Problem areas for most siding products include: where it meets a chimney; where it supports downspouts; under eaves; where holes are created for cable, vents, or pipes; at ground level; around doors and windows; and where it is in contact with bushes and trees.
VIRTUES
> Product is straighter than wood siding
> Superior stability, which keeps the building envelope crack-free
> Lower cost than wood
> Low-maintenance product; holds paint for several years longer than wood (7–15 years)
> Won’t rot, buckle, or warp
CAVEATS
> Heavier than most sidings and can crack
> Negligible R value
> High embodied energy because of manufacturing process
> Moisture problems can result from installation errors
> Requires special safety training, special gear to protect against airborne silica, and specific cutting tools.
EIFS STUCCO ON STEROIDS
Stucco is well-known building product in many regions of the country, but you can get the same stucco look with more insulation value by using EIFS (exterior insulation finish system).
A recent Oak Ridge National Laboratory study looked at how EIFS walls stacked up against brick, glass, stucco, concrete, wood, and masonry. EIFS posted a higher R-value than the others at R-12.9.
EIFS can control temperature and moisture within the wall system and outperforms many other claddings. Because it is applied to the outside of a home, it is an option for both new homes and retrofits.
The product’s carbon footprint as compared with other common claddings is five times lower than brick and three times lower than stucco, says a National Institute of Standards and Technology analysis.
EIFS is commonly thought of as a stucco-look product, but manufacturers have gotten creative with their finishes. Dryvit Outsulation system comes in Custom Brick and “Lymestone” finish and BASF has an attractive “AnticoGlaze” finish, reminiscent of the Tuscany region in Italy.
VIRTUES
> Adds insulation to the exterior of a home
> Finishes other than stucco look available
> Less expensive than stucco
> Liquid applied barrier blocks moisture
CAVEATS
> Imperative that it be installed and flashed correctly
> Must be installed by a trained professional
|> Can dent and crack if hit by a ball or other object
SING INSULATED LOG HOME WALL
The Sing Square Log with quarter sawing process is a double-wall, double tongue-and-groove square log sandwiched with Sing Honeycomb core for high strength and insulation value. The beautiful finish allows you to save money by using it as the interior wall and outside cladding. Can be used as finished floor, too. www.singloghomes.com
LP SMARTSIDE
Smartside products deliver the warmth and beauty of traditional wood, plus the durability and workability of engineered wood. Themanufacturing process creates products that are engineered for strength, performance, and protection against fungal decay and termites. Features four product collections, backed by a 5/50-year transferable limited warranty. www.lpcorp.com/smartside.com