The "Green" Value of GenStone Siding

The beauty and visual appeal of natural stone, rock and clay brick veneers is beyond question. These materials are often used to complement or enhance an otherwise dull or unremarkable exterior. GenStone Products faux stone siding panels offer consumers and builders a way to incorporate the appeal of natural stone into their design plans without causing the excessive environmental damage that excavation processes have historically impacted upon our planet.

• Whether it is a residential or commercial setting, stone, rock and brick are popular choices for builders or consumers who desire the classic, traditional look of architectural masonry. However, the "green" or "eco-friendly" value of using natural materials in siding construction should be considered when making the decision to add rock, brick or stone to any exterior.

• What does "green" mean, anyway?

  The topic of ecological friendliness is multi-faceted. From simply committing to a course of "reducing, reusing and recycling," to the complexity of developing environmentally sustainable goods and alternative energy sources, there are varying "shades" of green. For the purposes of this discussion, we will assume "green" to mean friendly to the environment.

• How can using GenStone make a "green" difference?

  Extracting rock, clay and stone from the earth can be a considerably less than "eco-friendly" process. While clay for brick making is excavated by digging and trenching, stone and rock are acquired by using explosives to demolish hillsides, forests and plains. These raw material harvesting methods require the use of heavy-duty, diesel-powered machinery and equipment. Quarrying rock and stone is especially harmful to the earth's surface. It causes permanent, irreversible scarring to the landscape, the destruction of naturally existing features and assumes a role in the potential ruin of floral and faunal habitats. Additionally, these types of extraction processes contribute significantly to noise and air pollution levels overall.
• GenStone siding products do not use any kind of stone, cement or mortar in the manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the need to cull rock, clay, sand or stone materials from the surface of the earth. Each uniquely colored and molded panel is made by compressing a combination of polyurethane and color oxides into one of several cast stone, rock or brick molds. Extreme pressure is applied to the raw material and the mold, which results in a highly dense, realistic-looking finished faux siding product.
• Every panel is checked for quality and strength and individually finished by hand in a factory controlled environment. Unlike the unpredictable and sometimes unseen variations in the consistency, density and absorbency of natural rock, stone and antique brick, GenStone panels are distinctive, durable, and waterproof.

• Is GenStone artificial rock, brick and stone veneer siding non-toxic?

  Yes! GenStone siding panels are inert and non-toxic. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires manufacturers to maintain Material Data Safety Sheets on many commonly used products, from window cleaning solutions to acid-based, corrosive compounds. GenStone adheres to these requirements and also complies with Proposition 65 as implemented by the state of California, which was designed to eliminate exposure to toxic substances in consumer products.

• GenStone faux siding products provide a viable and "green" alternative

  You can have the look of random rock, stacked stone and traditional brick veneers while contributing to the preservation of natural resources with GenStone artificial siding. Modeled after the unique patterns and colors found in nature, GenStone brings consumers and builders an affordable and environmentally conscious way to achieve the look of organic materials.
• For more information, to request a sample or to get a free quote, call 1-800-425-0788.

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