When choosing the ideal siding for your residential property, you’ll try to balance the material’s looks, maintenance, affordability, and durability. Because of all the options available, including vinyl, stone, wood, stucco, and brick, settling on a pick that delivers everything you’re looking for is a challenge. Most materials offer two or three qualities for which homeowners are looking. Yet another (often overlooked) choice is exceptional and offers all four desirable qualities. In this post, we’ll explore the world of fiber cement siding as a potential option for your home or office, highlighting what it’s made of and what makes it such a great siding option.
What is Fiber Cement Siding, and How is it Made?
Fiber cement is an ingenious mixture developed approximately 100 years ago, although it gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s. Its basic components are:
Water
Fly Ash
Cellulose Fibers (Wood Pulp)
Portland Cement (clay, iron, limestone)
The result of this combination is a robust and flexible material that can be formed to fit the required shape, size, and style for any home’s siding. Moreover, it has the necessary resilience to withstand the harsh conditions that building sidings are required to endure. You can find it in various styles and finishes at cost-effective prices.
The Benefits of Using Fiber Cement Siding
Here’s a look at the positive qualities of fiber cement and why it makes for a great siding option.
Durability
You can rely on fiber cement to stand up against hail, falling branches, and the various dings and dents that come with exposure to the elements.
Rot-Resistance
Unlike options such as wooden sidings, fiber cement will not rot over time. It is impervious to mildew, mold, and the damaging effects of excessive moisture.
Environmental Impact
As we continue to realize the dangers of climate change and the responsibilities we all have to do as much as possible, fiber cement siding offers us a great opportunity.
This type of siding is made from much more environmentally sustainable materials. Because it is durable, it will last a very long time and reduce the waste that comes with siding replacement. This will save you money, time, fuel & energy.
Fireproof
Fiber cement has a class 1A fire rating, the highest rating for building materials. This rating means that fiber cement is not only non-combustible but will not contribute to the increase of any existing fires should they occur.
Insurance companies typically offer homeowners lower premiums if they have fiber cement sidings on their property, which is a significant advantage for people living in wildfire-prone areas.
Pest Resistance
A siding option like wood will leave you susceptible to pests such as termites and other destructive organisms. The combination that makes up fiber cement is repellant to these creatures, which will protect your property’s structure, foundation, roof, as well as your siding, therefore protecting your entire home.
Adaptability
You can use fiber cement siding on your property regardless of where you live and the climatic conditions your home has to endure. It will outperform most siding options in areas such as:
- Down South: The fungi and termites that thrive in the moist, warm climate here do not affect fiber cement.
- Out West: Fiber cement is fireproof, which makes it ideal for wildfire-prone areas and is resistant to the high ultraviolet rays that these regions experience.
- Up North: Cold weather will not make fiber cement brittle and susceptible to breakage, and the natural cold-thaw cycle won’t harm it.
- On the Coast: The high humidity, salt air, constant sun, and high winds of coastal locations won’t affect fiber cement as much as they will other sidings.
Low Maintenance Costs
There’s a common myth about fiber cement stating that it is indestructible, but this, unfortunately, is not entirely true. Over time, it will degrade, but at a much slower rate than other siding selections. You will spend significantly less time, money, and effort to keep your fiber cement siding.
Ease of Installation
While fiber cement siding is relatively easy to shape and personalize to your specifications, the prudent option would be to call in expert contractors to handle the job.
Final Thoughts
Fiber cement is a wonderful choice for your property’s siding, but there are some factors you’ll need to consider before making it your choice. For one, the upfront cost of fiber cement is relatively higher than wood or vinyl. Still, it will be worth the cost over time, thanks to its superior durability and longevity.
Another consideration you should be aware of is that handling fiber cement requires expert roofing professionals with the experience, skills, and equipment to handle the siding properly and take care of any residual materials.
Titan Siding and Roofing has decades of experience serving the communities of the Greater Cincinnati area. Should you ever require professional fiber cement siding installation, repair, inspection, or maintenance, call Titan Siding and Roofing first. You won’t regret it!
Sources
https://www.angi.com/articles/benefits-fiber-cement-siding.htm
https://www.thespruce.com/green-fiber-cement-board-1821774
https://sidingauthority.com/fiber-cement-siding
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/siding/21017880/all-about-fiber-cement-siding
