Siding is an essential component of any home’s exterior, adding protection from the weather as it simultaneously serves as a design feature and makes an indelible first impression. Just as essential are the growing needs for the conservation of energy and material resources taken from our increasingly vulnerable planet.

For years, we’ve been steering towards integrating more energy efficient building materials into luxury homes. New York homeowners are being wowed by bonus of reductions in costs for maintenance and energy they experience after their home’s remodel. More stunning are the deliciously handsome design styles that have been obtained when combining these sustainable siding materials into the home’s exterior.

Here are our 3 picks of sustainable siding materials for New York homes.

Natural Woods Resources Blog from cypress, Douglas-fir, redwood, pine, and cedar trees are favorites for many New York homeowners.

They typically don’t need to be resealed or painted as often as other siding materials. This makes them practical for maintenance. They are excellent insulators in winter and summer, making them the eco-friendly choice for energy conservation. Also, some wood materials are remarkable for their insect and moisture-repellant properties. This is especially important during the wet and warm seasons of the year.

Pitfalls to consider with some wood materials, such as the softwood varieties like pine or beechwood, are their susceptibilities to rotting. While these varieties initially come at a lesser cost than some of their longer-lasting, greater-density counterparts, such as cypress or cedar, they require higher maintenance and depreciate in durability much faster.

Brick siding is an eco-friendly option that offers homeowners a classic look and an unbeatable lifespan. It is a good prevention from flammable materials entering the home.

Two main types of brick siding are solid masonry and brick veneer. Each type is designed to provide specific benefits, depending on your preferences and the climate you live in.

Traditionally, brick walls were the standard for construction. However, with the rise of the wood industry and the availability of inexpensive lumber, builders began transitioning to wood-framed homes instead. This was especially true after World War II, when the popularity of brick veneer siding made it less expensive to build a house without a masonry component.

Brick siding comes in many styles and colors to suit your tastes, such as gray or tan, yellow-brown, or even red.

It is durable and long-lasting, protecting homes from hazards such as windstorms and flying debris for over 100 years. This higher level of protection to a home can add the correlating benefit of lowering your homeowners’ insurance premiums.

Metal is a highly sustainable choice in siding material. It can be recycled by as much as 100%, which makes it excellent for keeping our planet happy.

Like metal roofing, snow, ice, and water just slide off, and hail storms or high winds are seldom an issue. This makes them especially easy to maintain, although additional care should be taken when installed on homes located in coastal areas to mitigate corrosion from the salt air.

Metal siding doesn’t have to be plain looking, as it can come in various colors and architectural styles, the most popular designs being corrugated panels and standing seams. Additionally, many types of metal are suitable for siding, including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc, so the options available to homeowners are plentiful.
The metal itself is heavier than other siding materials and is better left to experienced construction contractors to install. It can be tricky to work with, and the edges and corners will be sharp in their raw forms and while cutting.