Homeowners who care about the environment face a crucial decision between Maibec siding and Longboard Siding. Maibec’s 75-year-old legacy since 1946 shows their commitment as pioneers in sustainable forestry and responsible manufacturing. Your home’s carbon footprint and energy efficiency depend largely on which of these popular siding options you choose.
Maibec siding uses Eastern white cedar as its foundation. This material naturally fights off decay, insects, and moisture without needing harmful chemicals. The company’s closed-loop manufacturing system puts all waste material back to use, which helps protect the environment. Longboard aluminum siding comes with its own green advantages. The material comes from recycled sources and can be recycled again after use. Both options give Ottawa homeowners excellent benefits to think over for their siding installation.
Our team at NorthCo Services helps you pick the most sustainable option for your Ottawa home remodeling project. Call us at 343-321-0527 to learn more or get a FREE estimate!
Understanding the Materials: What Are Maibec and Longboard Siding?
Homeowners can make better decisions by understanding the basic differences between home siding options. Maibec and Longboard each have unique characteristics that impact their sustainability, performance, and visual appeal.
Maibec: Eastern White Cedar Wood Siding
Maibec siding showcases genuine natural beauty through its real wood composition. The material comes from Eastern white cedar and has become popular because it resists decay, rot, and insect damage naturally. Properties stand out with the wood grain’s texture that adds depth and character, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Maibec, North America’s largest manufacturer of Eastern white cedar shingles since 1964, offers great versatility. Their products feature a wide range of solid colors and semi-transparent stains that enhance wood grain’s natural beauty. The siding goes through careful kiln-drying to remove excess moisture, which improves stability and performance over time.
Maibec stands out with its impressive durability guarantee, a 50-year warranty against wood decay. Ottawa homeowners looking for sustainability and timeless appeal will find this an excellent investment.
Longboard: Aluminum Siding with Wood-Look Finish
Longboard siding blends aluminum durability with wood-like esthetics through innovative engineering. This architectural-grade aluminum system uses high-performance powder coat finishes that look just like natural wood textures. The company handles everything in-house, from aluminum extrusion to final touches.
The AAMA 2604/2605 certified powder coating gives exceptional protection from corrosion and UV rays. This material resists weather, moisture, and temperature changes without breaking down. Longboard siding also offers extra safety benefits as it’s completely non-combustible and fire-code compliant.
The best part about Longboard is that it needs almost no long-term maintenance – you won’t see any rot, warping, peeling, or fading. You can choose from 24-foot lengths with 22 woodgrain finish options and additional powder-coated colors.
Key Differences in Composition and Appearance
The main difference between these materials comes down to natural wood versus engineered aluminum. Maibec gives you authentic wood texture and warmth, while Longboard creates a sophisticated wood-like appearance without maintenance hassles.
Maibec appeals to traditionalists with its natural variations and organic character. Longboard, on the other hand, offers consistent patterns and better color stability as time passes.
These differences matter a lot for Ottawa homes that face harsh weather. Our team at NorthCo Services can help guide you through these options based on your needs and environmental priorities. Call us at 343-321-0527 to learn more or get a FREE estimate!
Environmental Impact: Sourcing and Manufacturing
Building materials leave their mark on the environment long before they reach your home. Maibec and Longboard each take their own path toward environmental responsibility, offering Ottawa homeowners different eco-friendly advantages to think over.
Sustainable Forestry and FSC Certification for Maibec
Maibec blends environmental responsibility into its daily operations and manufacturing. The company gets its Eastern white cedar from FSC-certified forests, which guarantees responsible management that reduces environmental effects. Third-party verification proves these forest products meet strict environmental standards.
Maibec’s steadfast dedication to forest regeneration stands out. Natural regeneration occurs in about 80% of harvested areas, and replanting helps the remaining 20%. This method will give future generations access to these renewable resources.
The company makes the most of every tree. Cedar bark from shingle sawmills becomes mulch. Their production line uses water-based paints that meet Quebec’s Ministry of Environment standards for volatile organic compound (VOC) content.
Recycled Aluminum and Energy Use in Longboard
Longboard focuses on recycled materials and energy-smart manufacturing. Their ECO™ product line uses at least 50% recycled aluminum, which cuts carbon emissions right from the start. This eliminates high-energy processes like mining, refining, and smelting.
The aluminum industry has made great strides in environmental responsibility. Primary aluminum production’s carbon footprint dropped 49% since 1991, while recycled aluminum saw a 60% reduction. Longboard’s water filtration system sends manufacturing water back to earth clean and contaminant-free.
Carbon Footprint of Transport and Production
Each material comes with its own environmental trade-offs. Wood siding produces less carbon during production than aluminum. In spite of that, Longboard’s recycled content cuts its environmental impact substantially.
Longboard’s recycled aluminum reduces total embodied carbon in their ECO™ products by 45%. This matters a lot since building and construction create about 40% of global carbon emissions.
NorthCo Services helps Ottawa homeowners find the right eco-friendly siding for their homes. Call us at 343-321-0527 to learn more or get a FREE estimate!
Durability, Maintenance, and Lifespan
Your siding’s lifespan affects its environmental footprint over time. The material’s ability to handle weather and its maintenance needs are vital factors to think about for green practices.
Weather Resistance and Longevity
Maibec’s Eastern white cedar shows impressive durability with a 50-year warranty against wood rot. Most homeowners never need to replace it during their lifetime. The wood goes through special kiln-drying and treatment processes that boost its natural resistance to decay and insects.
Longboard aluminum siding lasts an impressive 35-40+ years. The aluminum build makes it naturally resistant to corrosion, insects, fire, and temperature changes. Longboard stands behind this with a 15-year warranty on its powder-coated finish and a 50-year warranty on the extruded aluminum profiles.
Maintenance Requirements Over Time
These materials need very different levels of care. Maibec needs regular upkeep to stay looking good and working well:
- Annual visual inspection recommended
- Cleaning to remove organic buildup and prevent mold
- Re-staining needed every 6-8 years for natural tones and every 3 years for “Spice” series
Longboard siding needs much less attention:
- Periodic cleaning to maintain appearance
- No staining or painting needed
- Different cleaning schedules based on environment (yearly for non-aggressive environments, every 3 months for coastal or industrial areas)
Impact of Maintenance on Sustainability
Good maintenance shapes sustainability results. Regular checks and timely re-staining of Maibec prevent early replacement and maximize wood siding’s carbon benefits. Longboard’s low maintenance needs mean fewer resources used throughout its life.
Both choices help the environment: Maibec through natural materials and renewability, Longboard through extreme durability and minimal upkeep. Your environmental priorities and maintenance comfort level will help you pick the most sustainable option.
Installation and End-of-Life Considerations
Material composition and durability aren’t the only factors. The way siding gets installed and what happens to it after use are vital factors that determine your siding choice’s true environmental effect.
Ease of Installation and Waste Generation
Maibec siding needs meticulous attention during installation. Every cut board’s bare wood needs resealing to stop water damage and rot. Maibec’s em+ installation system makes things easier with its end-matched tongue and groove joints. The warranty stays valid only if you meet specific installation requirements.
Longboard aluminum siding makes installation much simpler. The lightweight material proves easier to handle and helps reduce labor costs. The simple installation process creates less on-site waste and speeds up completion.
Material waste reaches about 5% during installation. Good planning helps reduce environmental effects during this phase.
Recyclability and Disposal Options
These materials show clear differences at the end of their life cycle:
- Maibec wood siding offers complete renewability and recyclability. People can repurpose it, turn it into compost, or use it as biomass fuel. This genuine wood product creates minimal pollution during extraction and production.
- Longboard aluminum siding excels in recyclability. Aluminum maintains its properties through endless recycling cycles. Even damaged aluminum siding holds value, making recyclers eager to get it.
The aluminum recycling process includes crushing, grinding, cooling, sieving, and electrostatic separation. This closed-loop method reduces waste and saves resources.
Siding Installation Ottawa: What Local Experts Recommend
Ottawa siding contractors at NorthCo Services see great results with both materials. Local experts stress proper sealing for Maibec installations and strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Longboard’s ability to withstand Ottawa’s extreme weather makes it a popular choice among homeowners who want low-maintenance options.
NorthCo Services offers FREE estimates. Visit to get professional siding installation in Ottawa. Our expert team works with both materials and helps you pick the best option for your sustainability goals and home requirements.
Conclusion
Our analysis of Maibec and Longboard siding options shows that sustainability depends more on your environmental priorities than finding a universally “better” product.
Maibec stands out with its renewable wood source, natural beauty, and impressive carbon storage abilities. Eastern white cedar comes with a 50-year warranty against rot – remarkable durability for a natural material. FSC certification guarantees responsible forestry practices that protect ecosystems for generations to come.
Longboard’s sustainability shines through its recycled aluminum content and unlimited recyclability. You’ll need minimal maintenance over decades of service. The product’s exceptional weather resistance makes it a perfect fit for Ottawa’s tough climate.
Your most eco-friendly choice depends on what matters most to you. Maibec might be your pick if you want natural materials that store carbon. Longboard could work better if you value long-term durability with little upkeep.
NorthCo Services knows these details matter. We help Ottawa homeowners make informed decisions. Instead of one-size-fits-all answers, we look at your home’s needs, maintenance priorities, and environmental goals to suggest the right sustainable siding for you.
Both materials offer great environmental benefits. Professional installation is vital to maximize these advantages. Well-installed siding lasts substantially longer and reduces waste over time.
Call us at 343-321-0527 to learn about your sustainable siding options!
FAQs
1. Which siding material is more environmentally friendly: Maibec or Longboard?
Both Maibec and Longboard have environmental benefits. Maibec uses renewable Eastern white cedar and follows sustainable forestry practices. Longboard utilizes recycled aluminum and has minimal maintenance requirements. The most eco-friendly choice depends on your specific priorities and home needs.
2. How do Maibec and Longboard sidings compare in terms of durability?
Maibec offers a 50-year warranty against wood rot, while Longboard has an expected lifespan of 35-40+ years. Maibec’s natural wood requires regular maintenance, whereas Longboard’s aluminum construction needs minimal upkeep and resists various environmental factors.
3. What are the maintenance requirements for Maibec and Longboard sidings?
Maibec siding needs annual inspections, regular cleaning, and re-staining every 3-8 years depending on the finish. Longboard siding requires only periodic cleaning, with no need for staining or painting, making it a low-maintenance option.
4. How do these sidings contribute to energy efficiency?
While not directly compared in terms of energy efficiency, both materials can contribute to a home’s overall energy performance. Proper installation of either siding type can help improve insulation and reduce energy costs.
5. What are the end-of-life considerations for Maibec and Longboard sidings?
Maibec wood siding is fully renewable and can be repurposed, composted, or used as biomass fuel. Longboard aluminum siding is infinitely recyclable without losing its properties, making it highly valuable for recycling even when damaged.
