This year EMA is celebrating Earth Day by sharing some answers to common questions and sustainability and siding. In particular, James Hardie siding. We encounter a handful of questions each year about the most sustainable option or finding something more environmentally friendly than vinyl siding. One of our go-to solutions is James Hardie siding which is made from raw sustainable materials.
“There are 80 million owner-occupied homes in the United States and 55% of them are 40 years old or more – which tallies up to 44 million 40-plus-year-old houses. We believe that many of those homes are built with wood, vinyl and other materials that are not durable enough, or are highly flammable, or are just not going to be fit to survive more adverse natural disaster conditions. We see James Hardie in that light as a solution homeowners can turn to.”
What constitutes a sustainable building project or material? In general, you can look at the energy usage, water conservation, environmental quality, materials involved, maintenance required, and the energy efficiency of the build. In 2015, Green Builder® recognized James Hardie as the most sustainable siding product. To read the specs for James Hardie’s sustainability record and future plans, be sure to visit their official website. Whether it is a new build or a remodeling job, James Hardie is the best choice.
Speaking of material, one common question is, “Does James Hardie contain asbestos?” The simple answer is no. James Hardie is made from a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. In its current production, James Hardie does not contain asbestos in any of its products. However, if you’re removing old siding from your home it is probably best to get a professional to test for asbestos because it may have been there in a previous iteration of the home.
If you’re ready to invest in your home this earth day, then contact us at EMA Construction for a free estimate!