If one of your must-haves is something environmentally friendly,
to minimize your carbon footprint, then you may already know that PVC (what
vinyl siding is made of) isn’t good for the environment. However, once vinyl
siding is manufactured, it’s actually one of the best products to reduce your
carbon footprint! This is due to a few different factors:
1. Recyclable
Vinyl siding can be recycled through post-consumer
recycling, closed-loop recycling and post-industrial recycling, meaning that in
each part of its creation and production can be recycled to be reused with
ease. In fact, it has been estimated that 99% of all manufactured siding is
recycled rather than sent to a landfill.
While some would argue that wood is the better option under
this category as it is biodegradable, vinyl lasts longer than wood and provides
many other benefits that wood cannot, while still being environmentally
friendly.
2. Not Wasteful
Something that is almost unheard of, vinyl siding produces
next to no waste during its lifespan – from production to construction. It also
requires minimal raw materials to create, as well as less water and energy to
produce.
Other building materials such as brick create much more
waste and use a lot more water throughout their production to construction
lifespan. Vinyl allows environmentally conscious homeowners to choose an option
that looks great, without having to worry about their contribution to our planet’s
ever growing waste problem.
3. Long Life
Another large part of why vinyl is environmentally friendly
is its long life. The longevity of vinyl keeps it from ending up in any waste
for decades, even though, as discussed, once it’s removed it will most likely
be recycled.
In fact, many warranties for vinyl siding can even last up
to 40 years or more! Even with minimal maintenance, vinyl siding provides a
long term and green option for your home.
4. Low Impact
Finally, over the lifespan of vinyl siding, it gives off
fewer toxic chemicals into the environment than most other siding options. For
example, fiber cement contributes 4 times as much to global warming potential
than vinyl siding!
Vinyl siding outperforms most other siding options in this category
and can even competitively compare to brick and some wood sidings as well.
Whether you are ready for vinyl siding installation in the
Twin Cities area or still want to discuss your options, we are ready and happy
to help! Call JTR Roofing today at 651-777-7394 or contact us!