When you talk about green siding, it can get confusing. First, there is the actual siding itself. Now, the color could be green, but that’s not really what we’re talking about. Instead, we’re talking about the environmental impact that the manufacture of the siding will have, as well as the effect that the siding will have on the home’s energy use profile.
Color can have some effect on this of course. The amount of sunlight that siding absorbs can dramatically impact the amount of insulation necessary as well as the energy use of air conditioners in the summer or heaters in the winter. This is often a consideration that isn’t taken into account when choosing a color for a new paint job, but it definitely should be.
The materials used can also have a dramatic impact on the energy efficiency of your home.
Even Greener Siding
Perhaps the most interesting form of “green siding” available is not siding at all. Instead, it is the use of vines growing on arbors or trellises on the side of the home. These leafy vines can help to cool the house in summer by blocking most of the sun’s energy before it can warm the siding.
In the winter the vines die back and allow the sunlight to warm the house. This makes for a very natural approach to the energy concerns of homeowners throughout the seasons. It can also make for a beautiful and unique look for the exterior of your home.