Fiber cement siding gets its name from the two main ingredients in its make-up: cellulose fiber and cement. When combined with water, sand, and a few other additives, they form one of the toughest and most durable siding materials out there. You can find them in both planks and panels, and it’s common to find fiber cement siding that is made to mimic wood planks or cedar shakes.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of fiber cement siding to help understand if it’s the best choice for you and your home:
The PROs:
It’s resistant to rot and pests.
Because fiber cement isn’t affected by moisture, you won’t ever have to worry about your siding rotting. It’s also not attractive to termites or outdoor pests like regular wood siding is.
It’s fireproof.
Fiber cement siding gets a Class 1 fire spread rating, which is the highest level of fire protection a material can have.
It’s durable.
This type of siding won’t bend or shift with temperature changes and isn’t easily affected by storms with strong winds.
It’s long-lasting.
If maintained and sealed properly, fiber cement siding can last for decades without having to be replaced.
It’s a great substitution for wood.
Wood siding is desirable because of its aesthetic appeal, but its drawbacks like being susceptible to rot and splintering can sometimes make it not worth the beauty. Fiber cement is made to look like wood siding but doesn’t bring along with it these wood-specific disadvantages.
The CONs:
It’s more expensive than vinyl.
Fiber cement siding is just about mid-range when it comes to siding pricing. Although it’s not the most expensive siding option, it’s not the best option for homeowners looking for a quick and cheap build.
It’s challenging to install.
Fiber cement siding is heavy and a bit awkward to handle in order to avoid the risk of breaking panels apart. Because of this, installation takes longer and requires more attention to detail than other types of siding.
The best way to know whether or not fiber cement siding is right for your home is to talk to the experts!
Platinum Exteriors is a Carroll County, MD siding company with over 15 years of experience in the field. Our professionals are dedicated to keeping your home’s exterior in the best shape possible. Contact us today for more information.
