Is it possible to choose exterior siding that’s durable and ecological?
More than just a passing fad, an eco-responsible vision for our lifestyle is now a must. And the construction and exterior design industries are no exception.
The indispensable considerations of appearance, cost and ease of maintenance have now been joined by ecology and durability, which are undoubtedly overshadowing the usual requirements in the projects you receive.
Many of the available exterior siding materials have undeniable qualities. But which ones combine efficiency, durability and eco-responsibility?
This review of exterior siding that’s not only ecological and durable but also a good value for the price may very well help you expand the portfolio of services you offer.
Overview of exterior siding
Vinyl, acrylic and fiber cement are most likely no longer part of your vocabulary. Their poor performance in terms of resistance and recyclability—not to mention their often limited esthetic appeal—make them good candidates for exclusion.
Instead, let’s consider wood, a natural, logical choice in Quebec and a material that’s increasingly available at an affordable price! What’s more, the extraction and production of woods such as larch, spruce and white pine generate very little pollution. To add a unique touch of elegance to a façade, you might opt for eastern white cedar, which is gaining increasing recognition.
All are highly appreciated for the charm they lend to any building and they boast a useful life ranging from 25 to 50 years. While this is a substantial amount of time, it depends largely on proper maintenance, which is relatively demanding in the case of these materials. Their limited resistance to adverse weather, mold and fire is a notable inconvenience that weighs heavily on their durability.
Elegance and resistance? Brick might be a viable option. With an average lifespan of 75 years, it’s a winner all across the board when it comes to durability. That being said, its ecological impact is proportionate to its price tag: very high! Like natural stone, brick is disqualified as a responsible choice.
Aluminum siding: wood’s durable counterpart
Economical, resistant, ecological and durable, what if aluminum could meet all your requirements?
In recent years, it has become increasingly accessible and is now one of the most affordable materials on the market. Our harsh Canadian winters have little effect on it, as it has an average lifespan of 40 years or more. Over the years, impacts can alter its appearance, but this isn’t an insurmountable obstacle. Whether in panels or planks, aluminum siding is infinitely recyclable, easy to install and easy to maintain.
Furthermore, unlike wood, aluminum requires virtually no maintenance. As a result, the long-term costs and ecological impact are both reduced.
What about its esthetic advantages? Just like its colors, patterns and stains, they’re numerous and can meet any challenge, whether in a residential, commercial or industrial project.
Materials with a natural appearance have increasingly taken center stage, and Promark’s imitation wood is a perfect example. The Woodgrain Series follows this new direction with beautiful results. The colors, which are the fruit of a study involving 60 Canadian architectural firms, were designed to respond to the needs of any project, ensuring results that are not only original and remarkable but ecological and durable, too!
Don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Promark, who will be happy to tell you more about the hidden potential of aluminum.
Le retour au naturel occupe une place de premier plan : les imitations bois de Promark en sont de parfaits exemples. Sa série « Grain de bois » s’inscrit dans cette nouvelle avenue. Les couleurs, fruit d’une étude auprès de 60 firmes d’architectes canadiennes, ont été pensées pour répondre à vos besoins et pour faire de vos projets, des résultats originaux, remarquables et bien sûr, écologiques et durables !
N’hésitez pas à contacter les professionnels de Promark, afin d’avoir une vue d’ensemble sur le potentiel insoupçonné de l’aluminium.
Source :
Écohabitation. Revêtements extérieurs : quand durabilité rime avec économies [Exterior siding: when durability is synonymous with savings]. 2020.