Why Fiber Cement Siding Is a Great Solution for a Low Maintenance Home

Fiber cement siding can serve you well for more than half a century! But most importantly, it is affordable! Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which is then blended with water, waxes, and resins. The material is then autoclaved; a process in which the mixture is subjected to highly pressurized steam that presses the material into its final form. Fiber siding holds paint exceptionally well. It is stable and doesn't expand or contract.

Fiber cement siding is the fastest growing siding product on the market. The first step to installing this Siding is to completely remove all old siding and, if necessary, all trim boards. It can be painted any color you choose or it is available pre-finished with a 15-year paint warranty. And best of all, fiber cement siding is non-combustible. Fiber cement siding comes in a range of styles and grades of quality. Construction industry estimates for having it installed range from $4.50 -$9 a square foot, or $5,600 -$11,250 for 1,250 exterior square feet. Keep in mind that these are industry estimates and prices can and do change daily.

This siding won't rot or crack, and it resists damage from rain, hail and flying debris. Best of all, it is fire resistant, with a limited, transferable warranty for up to 50 years. Fiber cement siding looks like wood, but termites won't eat it and it gives your home an extra level of fire protection. At this time, it must be painted, just like wood siding. This, in my region costs slightly less than the highest quality vinyl siding. Redwood siding costs two and one half times more than fiber cement siding.

"James Hardie Building Products" has earned its trust in the industry, with over a century of experience in producing durable building products. To prove the value of their products, James Hardie backs their most-used lap and panel siding with a 50-year limited, transferable product warranty. James Hardie is the only company in the fiber-cement industry that can call on 20 years of proven field experience in markets all over the world. Volume home builders want companies and products they can trust. James Hardie siding is designed to last a lifetime, resisting cracking, rotting, hail damage, termites and many other possible problems.

Paint typically lasts up to 15 years. Stains may also be applied to these products. Paint all exposed cut edges. Painted fiber cement looks and feels like wood. It is strong and has good impact resistance and it will not rot.

Once fiber siding hardens, it turns into a building material that resists fire, insects, water, hail and wind. Fiber cement siding is also manufactured in a sheet form and is used not only as cladding but is also commonly used as a soffit / eave lining and as a tile underlay on decks and in bathrooms. This siding is one of the best solutions for having a low maintenance home.