Choosing the correct siding for your home is all about balancing the cost, insulation, effectiveness, and appeal. You want something that is going to look amazing as much as you want it to protect everything within your home. With most siding options, like brick, stucco, and wood, you might have to make compromises. But when you choose fiber cement siding, you get resilience and so much more.
Here is everything you need to know about fiber cement siding:
What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is also known as Hardie Board (when produced by James Hardie). It is a composite material fabricated from a mixture of wood (cellulose) fibers and Portland cement. Other ingredients sometimes added include water to dissolve the cellulose and fly ash or silica sand as a filler.
Fiber cement can be cut from sheets into wood-like shakes, shingles, clapboard, and even patterns that look like stone or brick.
Why Use Fiber Cement Siding?
Benefits are abound with fiber cement siding, such as:
- Design and versatility. Fiber cement can be crafted to mimic other styles of shingles and siding, including trimming and soffit. You can get it prefinished, unfinished, stained, or painted.
- Durability and resilience. Most fiber cement products come with at least a 15-year warranty that covers chipping, peeling, and cracking. But most of the time, you won’t have to worry. Fiber cement resists temperature changes, humidity, rot, pests, and even UV rays and salt. Plus, it has a Class 1A fire-resistance rating. This also gives fiber cement regional advantages.
- Energy-efficient. Although not as good as vinyl and metal siding, fiber cement has a decent amount of insulation ability. Your utility bills will be cheaper!
- Sustainable. Concrete is not always recyclable, but fiber cement can be reused, depending on the recipe. For instance, fly ash is recycled from burned coal and can replace silica and sand. Portland cement uses all-natural ingredients.
Fiber Cement Siding Longevity and Maintenance
While the composition of fiber cement siding will vary between companies, the base ingredients remain the same. The cellulose fibers add some insulating qualities, while the fibers prevent cracks from forming. A curing process during manufacturing also adds to the resilience of this siding by reducing the moisture content.
Every line of fiber cement siding must also meet or exceed standards from the (ASTM). Not only is fiber cement fire-resistant (class 1A), but it protects against the elements. Wind, rain, salt, pests and dry rot won’t ruin fiber cement siding. Since the siding is thick, you also get reduced noise pollution.
Maintenance is light. You only need to clean the siding a few times every year and keep an eye out for premature wear and tear. Otherwise, you can expect fiber cement siding to last between 30 to 50 years on average. However, some studies have found that it could last much longer than 50 years in the appropriate conditions.
No wonder most companies provide their customers with a 15- to 50-year warranty for most fiber cement products.
Fiber Cement Siding Installation
The only downside to getting fiber cement siding for your home is the installation. Because it is so heavy (around 2.5 pounds per square foot) this is not a DIY-friendly material, as it requires skill and experienced manpower to install properly. In other words, you are going to need a fiber cement siding contractor to help.
You can expect the installation cost to be rather high. Keep in mind that the weight of fiber cement siding may make it too heavy for some homes.
How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?
Looking for siding that has a significant return on investment? Because of the longevity of fiber cement siding, the initial investment will be nullified over time. In most states, fiber cement is less expensive than stucco, wood siding, and brick. Vinyl siding is a cheaper option, but it does not last as long as fiber cement.
Keep in mind that many independent contractors will set their own rates for the materials and labor. Be sure to shop around for a local contractor that understands the ins and outs of fiber cement siding, like RGB Construction. You will get the most out of your investment that way.
Ready To Start Your Project?
Hopefully, you now know more about fiber cement siding and how it can be an excellent option for your home. If you want durable siding for your home, no matter where you are located, check out fiber cement. It is also available in an array of colors and styles. Upgrade your home’s curbside appeal! While some maintenance is needed, fiber cement siding will look amazing for many years.
We are the answer to your search for fiber cement siding contractors near me. RGB Construction has been serving your area since 2008, and we have had many satisfied customers. Why not contact us today at 856-264-9093 and learn what separates us from other contractors?
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