When it comes to choosing the materials for your home, you want to ensure that it mirrors your style and practicality. You want the exterior of your house to translate your sensible preference for aesthetic and durability to your visitors without saying a word.
And that is how fiber cement came into popularity.
The 1980s fiber cement formulation was introduced to the market to reduce the health risk of asbestos exposure from siding materials. However, its widespread use in modern manufacturing methods can be more attributed to the product’s affordability, long life span, and versatility.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding Made Of?
This exterior material is constructed using a blend of four simple ingredients:
- Portland cement: Binding substance that is usually made with limestone, clay, and iron.
- Cellulose Fiber: Structured from plants and processed into a pulp; provides strength and toughness.
- Sand: Acts as a filler and adds more volume to the concrete.
- Water: Dissolves the cellulose fiber and activates the cement.
The Advantages Of Fiber Cement Siding
Take a look at the reasons why more homeowners and builders are considering fiber cement for house siding:
Durability and Longevity
Fiber cement is composed of sustainable materials that can resist many common hazards. It is well suited in all kinds of climates and can hold its own against damage from harsh weather conditions, excess moisture, and rot. On top of that, research has shown that fiber cement siding can last for more than 50 years.
Versatility
A highly versatile product, fiber cement allows you to choose from a wide range of colors, style, and texture. Its flexibility presents a lot of opportunities to improve your home’s curb appeal. You can match the design you have in mind by painting or repainting the cement, and have it mimic other materials such as stucco, cheddar shingles, and wood clapboards.
Fire and Heat Resistant
Fiber cement is ideal for hot and dry regions where wildfires are common. Unlike other sidings, such as vinyl and wood, it is non-combustible and doesn’t melt when exposed to extreme heat or open flames.
Ideal for Hurricane Prone Areas
Vinyl and aluminum can dent easily on impact, making it a poor choice to use in areas experiencing frequent hurricanes, hail, and high winds. On the other hand, fiber cement sidings are much more durable and can tolerate winds and impacts of 130 miles an hour or higher.
Resistant to Rotting and Weather Changes
With fiber cement, you get to replicate the look of wood without its susceptibility to rot and warp from termites, fungi, rain, and humidity. Fiber cement is not a food source for pests and is moisture-resistant; it doesn’t swell and shrink as the weather changes, or brittle and break during freeze-thaw cycles. It can preserve its smoothness and beauty for decades while protecting your home against the harshest conditions.
Easy to Maintain
Fiber cement siding is proven to be more long-lasting than its substitutes. Even though its installation is more costly, it’s a better investment because it requires minimal maintenance.
Giving your home a new look would be cheaper and easier since you can repaint the cement with virtually any color. Make sure to hire professionals for the installation process, unless you’re prepared to recaulk your sidings every few years and power-wash it once or twice a year.
Environmentally-Friendly
Because of fiber cement’s durability and low-maintenance requirements, you are also reducing your waste production. Your siding is less likely to end up in landfills, and if it ever does, its inert materials have less adverse effects on the environment.
Better Return On Investment
The numerous advantages of choosing fiber cement sidings come with a higher price (mainly due to its labor-intensive installation process), but it’s a worthy investment. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, the cost of recovery with fiber cement siding is $15,000. That is 76% of recouped investment, a much higher recovery cost compared to 63% of recoup from vinyl siding.
Whether you’re renovating or building a house from scratch, fiber cement siding is surely a smart option to consider. Not only does it contribute to the aesthetic of your home, it also provides better security and higher cost recovery value.
One thing to avoid is installing fiber cement siding on your own, as the process involves heavy materials and specialized tools. The product weighs 300 pounds per 100 square feet and requires a crew of installation experts like Quality Discount Roofing and Construction. Leave it to the reliable service of QDR and enjoy your much deserved home exterior.
Contact www.qdrusa.com and get a free consultation for your house siding needs.
