There are many types of siding available today. Whether building a new home or upgrading the exterior of your current home, choosing the right siding and trim can be overwhelming. Curb Appeal, cost, durability, and lifespan are all in the mix. Consider Fiber Cement siding.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
- Resistant to Rot– This is a significant benefit of fiber cement siding. Rot can lead to expensive repairs once it takes hold of your home. You need to be sure the siding you choose is highly resistant to rot. Vinyl is commonly used for homes today. The siding itself does not rot, but it is susceptible to letting in moisture. Stone and brick siding is resistant to rot, but the cost is beyond the budget of many homeowners. Fiber Cement siding has the same benefits as stone and brick at a lower price.
- Long Life Span– Fiber Cement is a mix of cement, wood, fiber, and other additives that are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, wear, and insects. The initial installation cost is higher than vinyl or aluminum, but the long life span and low maintenance make this material cost-effective over time.
- Curb Appeal– The natural appearance of Fiber Concrete is striking. You can opt for a wood grain or stucco look at a much lower cost and less maintenance required than those materials because of the advanced manufacturing method used with Fiber Cement. Various types of siding try to emulate natural wood but rarely succeed in obtaining a believable wood appearance. Fiber Concrete can be manufactured with the grain and texture of actual wood. The wide choice of colors and textures gives you many options to customize the appearance of your home
- Weather Resistant– The excellent moisture resistance of Fiber Cement makes this siding highly recommended for areas that are susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other extreme weather conditions. Wind-blown objects that cause significant damage to vinyl or aluminum siding have far less impact on Fiber Cement. Benefits also include resistance to hail damage, UV degrading, and winter conditions, such as snow and ice.
- Insulation– The R-value of Fiber concrete and vinyl is about the same. If you are thinking about installing insulated vinyl siding, there can be a significant increase in cost. This makes fiber concrete a better deal. The extra protection against fire makes it a much better deal. Vinyl siding can melt and fall off if a grill or wood fire is too close.
- Low Maintenance– Painting done in the factory can last up to 25 years before repainting is necessary. Regular maintenance includes spraying with a hose and wiping away dirt, which is about the same as vinyl or aluminum siding.
- Eco-Friendly– Anyone who is concerned about our environment will be pleased to learn Fiber Concrete siding uses less wood and plastic than other types of siding. The long lifespan also contributes by not requiring frequent repairs using more materials. One of the largest manufacturers of Fiber Concrete, James Hardie, is a proponent of being responsible for our environment.
Facts about Installation
You may have heard in the past that Fiber Concrete is difficult to install. Professional contractors now have many years of installing this material and have improved tools making the difficulty equal to installing any type of siding. Homeowners should leave this project to the professionals for the best results. Special shears and cutters make it possible to create very little dust during installation. Experienced installers can give you a special look that is possible with this type of siding and not with other types of siding.
Panels are available as long as 4’x 12’, which cuts down on the installation time and creates an attractive look. This can be done much faster than applying individual shingles. Painting can be done in advance or on-site. This makes it possible to add interesting touches and designs, or you can save on the cost by doing the painting yourself. Fiber Concrete panels can be blind nailed for aesthetic reasons or face nailed in multiple areas for extra strength. Nailing can be done on the top, middle, and bottom as compared to vinyl or aluminum, which needs to be nailed from the top. This is helpful in especially windy conditions. Please contact Moss Roofing to discuss Fiber Concrete Siding. We have been proudly serving clients in the greater Indianapolis area for over 25 years. Our professional team will be happy to answer your questions concerning siding, roofing, and gutters. We pride ourselves on getting the little things right the first time. Let us show you all the options available to make your home a showplace!
