Traditional Stucco is a siding material with a cement base in combination with inert materials; water, sand, and lime. It is applied in three coats over solid, framed walls to provide a clean and smooth finish. Its application is normally done in three layers over a base of wire mesh, wood-sheathed walls, building paper, wooden-slat spacers, concrete block or stone, as well as special XPS (extruded polystyrene) foam. Although it is labor intensive and more expensive than other siding materials, stucco properly installed can last 50 years or more. It is also an effective fire-resistant barrier and a good green option.

Also known as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems). This material consists of several synthetic layers and foam insulation. This material may be available in several colors and textures. EIFS is generally applied over an unbroken layer of expanded polystyrene insulation board. EIFS may be found in drainable and barrier systems. Barrier systems also extremely effective may not always be the optimal choice for they may actually trap water inside the walls and prevent it from draining, which may cause decay in the structural framing. Draining systems are the best choice for EIFS. These systems include plywood or OSB, a reinforcing mesh, a base coat with a reinforced mesh embedded, sheets of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), and a combination of a Portland cement basecoat topped with a texture polymer stucco material. This system is specifically designed to collect the water trapped behind the walls and drain away from the building.

Although it is not an innovation in construction materials, it is still considered a good green choice as long as it is sourced locally. This material acts as a natural insulator and can be used in almost any area. Brick is maintenance-free. Recycled brick has also become popular among homeowners since it provides a different look unmatched by new bricks.

Fiber cement provides structures the look of wood without the maintenance and high costs. This material is available in planks as well as panels, which are applied horizontally. Fiber cement is non-combustible, water-resistant, and termite resistant. It normally comes with a 50-year warranty.

Fiber Cement is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. The fibers are reinforced to prevent cracking. They are also easier to install than wood since the pieces are straighter. Although much heavier than wood, fiber cement siding is more flexible. This siding can be installed over foam insulation but additional precautions must be taken to ensure it is properly installed.

Fiber cement siding costs less than traditional stucco and wood, yet more than vinyl. This siding may need painting every four to six years. If a top coat is applied painting may last more than 12 years. Long exposure of the surface to the environment causes the siding to deteriorate; therefore it is important to paint the siding within the first 90 days after it has been installed.

This material is composed of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic resins. One of the main advantages of this material is that it doesn’t crack, split, or warp. It is able to absorb paints and stains and is termite and rot resistant. Composite decking does not require much maintenance. It is important to ensure that the composite material does in fact have high recycled content for it to be considered a good green choice.

Today homeowners can find a good selection of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood and that has not been CCA-treated (CCA: Chromate Copper Arsenate). The most common woods preferred by homeowners are cedar and redwood. Although not the most eco-friendly of materials, it is always good to ensure that they come from a sustainable source.

Another source of woods becoming increasingly popular among homeowners are tropical woods. The number of imported woods from South America is constantly increasing. Popular woods among builders today include Ipe, Meranti, and Cambara. If purchasing these woods, builders and homeowners should ALWAYS ask the supplier for a copy of the Chain-of-Custody to ensure it has been sustainably harvested, or for the FSC logo.