Fiber cement siding was first introduced to the US construction market in the early 70’s and has continued to grow in popularity ever since. If you’re looking for a siding material that looks just like wood without the maintenance and high costs of traditional wood siding, fiber cement is one of the most well-known and best-loved options for use in exterior remodeling projects.
Beyond its physical similarities to wood and easy maintenance, however, there are plenty of other reasons why this siding stands out above other alternative materials. In this article by Smart Exteriors, we’re revealing some of the reasons why we love this product for those interested in remodeling their homes with this fantastic siding option.
Insect-Proof
Unlike wood siding that attracts termites, woodpeckers, ants, beetles, and other pests, fiber cement materials are not susceptible to pest or animal infestations. If you’re interested in a siding material that won’t require constant vigilance, maintenance, and perhaps some expensive repairs due to damage from animals and insects, fiber cement is the way to go.
Won’t Warp or Rot
One of its best qualities is its fiber cement siding’s weather resistance to heat and moisture—two of the biggest threats to other materials like wood and vinyl. Vinyl siding can warp and even melt in high heat, making it an unstable choice for those living in hotter areas of the country. Wood siding, on the other hand, is highly susceptible to water damage making it unsuitable for people that live where it rains and snows heavily. Fiber cement is an excellent alternative to both options as it’s not going to warp or rot in dry or wet climates.
Fire Resistant
There’s nothing better than a siding material that will stand strong against fires, especially for those living in dry areas where forest and wildfires are rampant. Fiber cement siding, unlike most vinyl or wood materials, is non-flammable making it the obvious choice for many homeowners concerned about potential fire hazards.
Wide Range of Looks and Styles
Beyond cedar and wood shingle siding styles, fiber cement products can be designed to appear like other materials too— like stucco, stone, and others. It can also be painted in a variety of beautiful colors that match your home’s décor and enhance curbside appeal. If you’re hoping to give your home a specific look but are afraid of the high costs or maintenance needs that the material requires, it is an exceptional option.
Eco-Friendly
Fiber Cement Siding is made with sustainable materials like cement and wood fibers made from recycled wood. This makes it far more environmentally friendly than other options like traditional wood or vinyl. If you’re concerned about protecting natural resources and reducing your carbon footprint, this is an excellent and environmentally conscious choice.
Lasts a Long Time
Fiber cement siding is made of a combination of cement, wood fiber, and other long-lasting materials that are engineered to last a very long time. In fact, James Hardie fiber cement HardiePlank products come with a 50 year warranty—but are known to last much longer when given the proper maintenance and upkeep to stand strong over time. While fiber cement products can cost more than other options, especially when compared to vinyl, the long lifespan ensures that your investment is well spent. After all, you’re likely to not need to replace your fiber cement siding as long as you live in your home, meaning that you’ll spend far less than with cheaper options over the long run.
A Word of Caution
It’s easy to believe that fiber cement siding is the superior option for many reasons—from its durability and unmatched strength to its versatile beauty and aesthetic appeal. However, it’s important to note that fiber cement siding products are only as good as the methods used to install them. Fiber cement products depend on very specific and exact installation techniques performed by skilled contractors in order to benefit from peak performance. Shoddy work and poor placement of fiber cement siding often results in serious problems down the road, and these issues will often void the manufacturer warranty if they’re deemed to be caused by a poor installation.
In order to gain the most benefits from fiber cement siding while keeping costs down, it’s important to choose a company that understands this material and has plenty of experience installing it in home renovation projects. For best results, take the time to protect your investment by interviewing your options for home remodeling to find the most qualified siding experts.
Specialists in Kansas City
Smart Exteriors is proud to serve as Kansas City’s number one expert exterior remodeling company. Among our many exterior remodeling services that we offer for our customers, we specialize in fiber cement siding replacement and installation work for homeowners across Kansas and Missouri.
If you’re interested in fiber cement siding options and are looking for Kansas City’s finest experts in James Hardie siding installations—Smart Exteriors is the company to call. To learn more information about our products and services for exterior home remodeling, contact us by phone to speak with an agent now or fill out our online form to request a free, in-home pricing estimate and consultation.
