Bark hopes to take bite out of siding market

For a tree, bark acts like a suit of armor, protecting it against extreme weather and insect attack. Consequently, a small but growing market has surfaced for siding made of bark, to provide similar protection to homes.

BPD asked Patrick Parton, bark siding specialist at hardwood manufacturer Parton Lumber Co., Rutherford, N.C., for a rundown on the bark siding market:

BPD Is this a new trend, or has bark siding been around for a while?

Parton Actually, bark siding has been around for more than 500 years, dating back to the Nonh American Indians. Modern use of bark, however, began in the mid-1800s.

The original tree of choice for bark siding was the chestnut. So, with the decline of the chestnut tree went the decline of chestnut bark siding. Later, in the 20th Century, another suitable species was identified-yellow tulip poplar. Found throughout the eastern U.S., yellow poplar has many of the same-and some would say bettercladding qualities as chestnut. With the switch to poplar, bark siding is making a comeback.

How is it used?

Typically bark siding is used as full siding on the building or as an accent on various areas such as dormers or gables. This gives the structure a durable, tough and visual- ly appealing exterior cladding, as well as a unique rustic appearance. It is generally installed over housewrap and roofing underlayment, with only a few simple tools. Bark siding can also be used inside the home, as paneling. Bark shingle thickness ranges from 1/4" to 9116" for interior application, and 5/8" to l-3l8" for exterior. Bark outside this range is rejected. A minimum thickness of 5/8" makes it better able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Shingles come 18" and24" long. The width of the shingles varies randomly between 4" to 18", but can be recut.

Weatherability then must be its strongest selling point?

Poplar bark siding is extremely rugged and durable. Houses 75 years old exist that still have the original bark siding intact. Remember, bark is a non-living, protective covering for trees, comparable to a human fingernail. Its weather surface lasts the lifetime of the tree.

In addition, bark siding is kiln-dried to reduce moisture content, further increasing its strength and long-term integrity and reducing the chance of shrinking, cracking, staining and decaying.

Does bark siding needed to be treated with preservatives or sealant?

No, it's naturally weather resistant. Bark siding doesn't require sealants, chemicals or preservatives, meaning there are no additives to potentially seep into the ground.

Is bark siding resistant to insects?

Yes. The kiln drying process ensures that insects and their eggs are killed when the wood is heated above 130 degrees, especially at high humidity. Also, bark does not attract carpenter bees or termites.

How much does it cost, relative to other siding materials?

The bark is expensive to acquire and process, so bark siding will cost more than, say, vinyl or hardboard. But when you take into consideration that it is maintenance free, will last the lifetime of the home, and provides that distinctive look, the cost becomes quite reasonable.

What are the prospects for growth in the bark siding market? Can its popularity grow beyond Appalachia?

The fact that poplar bark is a beautiful, resilient and renewable siding material makes it appealing to individuals in all parts of the country. Since it is such a versatile material, it can be used in both residential and commercial applications.

With the growing consumer demand for sustainably harvested wood products and eco-friendly building materials, the market for bark siding shows a lot of potential for growth. In addition, an increase in demand for bark siding would help make it a more affordable optionmeaning buyers would get 'more bans for their bark.'

Bark Siding Manufacturers

Barkclad Natural Products Canton, N.C.

www.poplarbarksiding.com everharuumber.com

(distributed in West by Bridger Forest Products, Belgrade, Mt.)

Everhart Lumber Co.

Tellico Plains, Tn.

Furniss Enterprises www. naturalbarksiding.com www. ha rdi ncreekm il lwork.com

Lake Toxaway, N.C.

Hardin Creek Boone. N.C.

Highland Craftsmen Spruce Pine, N.C. barkhouse.com www. partonbarksiding.com lf you're looking for quality and value from your insurance provider, please contact us at 8OO.752.1895 or log onto

Parton Lumber Rutherford, N.C.

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