Before we discuss the benefits of fiber cement siding, there’s a question to answer: What IS fiber cement siding?
You may have heard of this modern building miracle called by a different name: HardiePlank or HardieBoard. That’s because James Hardie Industries is the most well-known manufacturer of fiber cement siding. The company’s name has become synonymous with the product—much like “Q-tips” or “Band-Aids” have become familiar names for cotton swabs or adhesive strips.
Fiber cement siding—also called cementitious siding—is a manufactured siding product made by combining cellulose from wood with fly ash as a filler and Portland cement to bind the ingredients together. The result is a durable, attractive, low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and rot-resistant siding that enhances the value of your home.
Here are 6 benefits of fiber cement siding:
- Wood-grain appearance. Though fiber cement does contain cellulose from wood, its wood-grain appearance is embossed on the boards during manufacturing. The appearance of cementitious siding is attractive and classic, beautifying your home as it protects. Fiber cement siding not only comes in a variety of statement colors—we can paint it any color you like!
- Rot-resistant. When wood meets water, the result is often decay and rot. Homes with wood siding and trim must be meticulously maintained to prevent wood rot. However, fiber cement siding is highly rot-resistant, because it’s not made of wood. It can withstand wet conditions without compromising its strength. When properly installed, HardieBoard (or any other brand of fiber cement siding) won’t be exposed to sitting water—and therefore, won’t rot.
- Fire-resistant. Though not technically fire-proof, fiber cement siding is highly fire-resistant. It has a fire rating similar to brick and can protect your home from exterior fires. The boards won’t burst into flame and feed a fire, unlike other types of siding, including wood siding (which is highly combustible) and vinyl siding (which is derived from petroleum and burns readily).
- Environmentally friendly. When lumber companies get to the end of a lumber run, they have leftover wood from trees already cut down that can’t be made into traditional lumber. Fortunately, that’s exactly what fiber cement siding requires: wood cellulose in pulp form (versus in the form of boards). Using leftover wood that might otherwise be wasted means that fiber cement siding is an Earth-friendly, green building material. Manufacturers aren’t cutting down trees to make a cementitious siding. Instead, they’re using the leftover wood from trees that would otherwise go to waste. In addition, the fly ash and cement used in fiber cement board production are abundant and non-toxic.
- Insect-resistant. Because the amount of wood cellulose content in fiber cement siding is so low, termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other wood-boring insects don’t go after it. For that reason, it’s considered an insect-resistant building material.
- Increase home value. If you’re considering replacing the current siding on your home, whether it’s wood, aluminum, steel, or vinyl, fiber cement siding is the smart choice when you consider home value. The HardiePlank product itself is more expensive than other siding options, but you definitely get what you pay for. Homeowners find that they recoup their investment in cementitious siding when it’s time to sell their homes. Few other building products perform so dependably as fiber cement siding when it’s properly installed. Potential buyers know the value of this low-maintenance, durable siding option that often comes with a 50-year (or longer!) guarantee when properly installed.
With so many fiber cement board and cementitious trim options on the market today, Freeland Painting can give the entire exterior of your home a durable, fire-resistant surface that will be low-maintenance and guard against rotting wood for decades to come. Because it’s made with cement, HardieBoard keeps its shape and looks beautiful for decades.
If you’re in the market for new siding for your home, the experts at Freeland Painting can help you by answering all of your questions about your siding options and providing a free estimate for fiber cement siding.
Call us today to set up your free estimate, 678.679.3126, and we’ll renew your house with curb appeal that’s sure to appeal. Because we brush up on the details every day!
