Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. While the actual composition of the siding varies by manufacturer, the goal is the same – to provide a durable, low-maintenance siding product with the natural look of wood. Once painted or stained, fiber cement siding takes on the look of real wood siding.

Replacing House Siding

If siding is loose, cracked or hosting mold or mildew, it’s time to replace it. It’s a good idea to hire a professional, as proper cutting, fitting and weatherproofing requires experience. Shouldn’t the next time you re-side your home be the last time? Fiber Cement siding products installed by a certified contractor will do just that! Find a local, reputable home contractor today!

Choosing New House Siding

Siding should offer protection from the elements while also reflecting a home’s style. Popular house siding options include:

Vinyl is inexpensive but not very durable. Since it does a poor job of imitating the look of wood or other high-quality materials, it’s aesthetically less-appealing. However, repair costs (might be less) if you find the right guy for the job. Look for vinyl with a double-hem nailing area for the best protection and cross your fingers that this year’s stormy season doesn’t send golf-ball -sized-hail.

Wood looks great on many styles of homes. It is more expensive and requires regular re-refinishing painting and pest control efforts.

Fiber cement siding is durable and can easily transform from a wood-like appearance to a more modern style. If you feel the cost of installation is too high, remember that you get what you pay for! Calculate in ALL of the lifetime costs vs the cheaper alternative and see the profit…we did!

Maintaining House Siding

Regular preventive maintenance can help maximize the longevity of new siding. The type of maintenance depends on the siding you chose:

• Vinyl or plastic: Power wash the siding every few years to rinse off dirt and bugs. In humid or damp areas, pressure washing may need to be done more frequently to prevent mildew.
• Wood siding: Refinish about every five years. Also regularly trim unruly outdoor plants and bushes away from the house. The plants can transfer moisture to the wood. Carpenter bee’s will love your home, too…but your insurance agent won’t be thrilled which means..neither will you. Ask your agent about wood-loving pests before you invest!
• Fiber cement: Repaint the siding every 10 to 15 years, or as cosmetically necessary. What pests? Pressure wash if you’d like and don’t worry about the hail.

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

While it’s hard to come up with reasons not to use fiber cement siding, there are plenty of pluses over vinyl and wood including:

Class 1(A) fire rating (aka: it’s virtually non-combustible)

• • Impervious to attack by termites and other insects.
  • Will not rot or crack.
  • Dimensions are stable to adjust to the local humidity and temperature.
  • Weather resistant, withstands hurricane force winds as well as extreme heat and cold.
  • Stands up to impact from hail or windblown debris.
  • Resists fading and deterioration from UV rays.
  • Easy to re-paint and lasts several times longer than on wood.
  • Environmentally friendly and sustainable material.
  • Warranty benefits

*NOTE: fiber cement siding is often referred to as hardiplank siding, hardie siding, hardy board siding, hardy plank siding, or hardie plank siding, which are names associated with James Hardie Siding, a manufacturer of fiber cement siding.- See more at: https://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/mai…