Siding is more than just a design choice—for many homeowners, the right materials signal peace of mind. Whether you're rebuilding after a natural disaster, constructing a new home, or simply upgrading your exterior, the right siding can enhance durability, safety, and your home's long-term value.
Last year, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters, from winter storms and floods, to drought and wildfires. Weather resistance, sustainability, and resilience against extreme weather remain top priorities for builders and their homeowners, and Modern Mill’s ACRE siding is a product that's a step above the rest.
Made from upcycled rice hulls, ACRE is an innovative alternative to traditional wood and plastic composites. It's wood-like, yet resists fire, moisture, and pests, and is one of the most all-around sustainable products we've come across. In addition to siding, ACRE is changing the landscape of trim, decking, fencing, and more.
A Sustainable Choice Without Compromise
Sustainability matters, but homeowners shouldn’t have to choose between being eco-conscious and having a durable, beautiful home. ACRE siding is proof that you don’t have to compromise.
"What sets Modern Mill's products apart from other composites is their natural wood-like beauty and performance," says Chris Guimond, CEO of Modern Mill. "While many composites offer low-maintenance solutions, they often appear plastic-like and fail to capture wood's rich aesthetic appeal. Modern Mill’s products offer the convenience of composites with the warmth and workability of wood."
Unlike traditional wood siding material, which relies on harvesting slow-growing trees, ACRE is made from upcycled rice hulls—a byproduct of food production that would otherwise be discarded. As far as environmental impact is concerned, it's no surprise that this sustainable option is a popular choice. On top of that, as Guimond pointed out, many composite or plastic-based alternatives don’t capture the rich, natural look of real wood. ACRE solves this by offering a finish that can be painted or stained to look like a natural wood product.
ACRE also stands out among non-wood alternatives because it contains no harmful chemicals. Many traditional exterior siding options use formaldehydes, phenols, adhesives, or VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can impact indoor and outdoor air quality. ACRE is completely free of these toxic chemicals, making it a healthier choice for homeowners and the environment.
The company takes environmental stewardship seriously. "Our manufacturing process diverts millions of pounds of agricultural waste annually," says Guimond. "While old-growth trees like cedar, Ipe, teak, and mahogany require centuries to mature, rice hulls can be harvested within months, making them a more abundant and sustainable renewable resource."
Fire Resistance for High-Risk Areas
Wildfires are a growing concern across the country, and while communities across the country live with a real day-to-day fear, those able to upgrade to fire-resistant materials may find some peace of mind.
"Modern Mill products are fire-rated, and our Shiplap Siding meets the requirements of Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in accordance with the California fire code," explains Guimond.
This means ACRE siding can be used in all fire hazard zones, from moderate to very high risk.
One of the most widely recognized fire safety tests for building materials is ASTM E84, which evaluates how quickly flames spread along a surface. The test uses red oak (one of the most flammable woods) as a reference point, giving it a rating of 100. ACRE’s rating? Just 40—making it 1.5 times better than wood when it comes to fire resistance.
To put it in perspective, the ASTM E84 rating system categorizes materials into three classes:
- Class A (Best): 0-25 Flame Spread Index
- Class B: 30-75 Flame Spread Index
- Class C (Worst): 80-200 Flame Spread Index
ACRE falls into the Class B category, meaning it significantly reduces fire risk compared to traditional wood siding.
For homeowners rebuilding after wildfires or looking to fortify their homes against future risks, choosing fire-resistant siding like ACRE is an attractive option toward better home safety.
Built to Withstand Harsh Weather and Pests
Beyond fire resistance, ACRE is built to handle extreme weather conditions. Whether you’re dealing with hurricanes, heavy snow, or persistent moisture, it's important to choose durable materials designed to stand the test of time.
"With extreme climate conditions becoming a worldwide concern, Modern Mill products are engineered to withstand extreme weather," says Guimond. "Our Shiplap Siding has FL Product Approval and was tested both horizontally and vertically for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), specifically Miami-Dade County."
Why Homeowners Are Choosing ACRE Over Wood and Other Siding Options:
- Hurricane Resistance: Tested and approved for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), ACRE siding holds up under strong wind and impact conditions.
- Resistant to Water Damage: Unlike wood, ACRE doesn’t absorb water, so it won’t swell, warp, or rot—even when placed in direct contact with the ground.
- Mold and Mildew Prevention: Because it doesn’t retain moisture, ACRE naturally resists mold, mildew, and other fungi that commonly affect wood siding.
- Pest Resistance: Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects have no interest in ACRE since it contains no organic food sources. Even woodpeckers, which often drill into traditional wood siding looking for insects, quickly move on when they realize there’s nothing to eat.
For homeowners in humid climates, coastal areas with severe weather, or regions prone to heavy snow, ACRE provides peace of mind with minimal maintenance.
How does ACRE compare to fiber cement siding?
ACRE provides a more natural wood appearance than fiber cement, which often has a manufactured look. It’s also much easier to work with—lighter in weight, simple to cut, and free of the dust concerns that come with fiber cement installation. Unlike fiber cement products, which contain silica (a known health hazard), ACRE is made without harmful additives.
Can ACRE siding be painted or stained?
Yes! Unlike some composite siding products, this type of siding can be stained to resemble premium wood.
