Everything you need to Know about Fiber Cement Siding before you buy

Siding protects the walls of your house from the effects of the weather. It forms an additional barrier against the infiltration of wind and rain to keep excess moisture from seeping in. Siding forms an integral part of your house and contributes to its aesthetic and market value.

As such, it is important to invest and ensure that you use the best siding available for your home. Wood, vinyl and metal siding are popular but the best choice, both in terms of money value and function, is fiber cement siding. We answer frequently asked questions about fiber cement siding below:

•    What is fiber cement siding?
Currently the leading choice in siding, fiber cement siding is a composite siding made of cement, wood fiber, and sand that have been cured with pressurized steam for stability and increased strength.

•    How does it look like?
Fiber cement siding is available in a variety of styles, textures, patterns, sizes, and colors. Most fiber cement siding styles are also designed to look and feel like wood – only much stronger and more durable. Most of the time, fiber cement siding imitates the look of horizontal wood clapboards or imitation shingles.

•    How fiber cement siding can help?
There are many advantages to using fiber cement siding. Here are some of them:

o    Termite-resistant. Termites eat wood. The process of making fiber cement siding makes the wood fibers inedible for termites. Since they can’t eat it, termites will leave your siding alone.
o    Moisture-resistant. Fiber cement siding, unlike wood, is not porous and won’t absorb moisture from the air or rain. This prevents rotting or damaging mold and mildew growth.
o    Non-combustible. Fiber cement siding is fire-resistant which makes it ideal for areas with high fire risk.
o    Durable. Most fiber cement siding come with 50-year manufacturer or material warranty. It is also thicker which makes it more resistant  to cracking, peeling, swelling, chipping and other damages other siding materials are susceptible to.
o    Suitable for most climates. Fiber cement siding works well in the heat of southwest states or in the cold of New England and northern climates.
o    Low maintenance. If properly installed, fiber cement siding will last a long time and will only require periodic inspection. The look of fiber cement siding is also easily refreshed with paint since adheres to this type of siding without difficulty.

•    How does fiber cement siding compare to other siding materials?

o    Price. Fiber cement siding generally costs more than vinyl siding but costs less than stucco, stone, or wood cladding.
o    Versatility. Fiber cement siding is more versatile than vinyl and wood siding.
o    Damage Resistance. Fiber cement siding is less susceptible to weather damage caused by wind storms or wind-borne debris compared to wood or vinyl. It also resists chipping and cracking better than masonry.

•    Where to find fiber cement siding?
There are many manufacturers of fiber cement siding but one of its best known suppliers is the James Hardie company. James Hardie fiber cement siding, known by the name “HardiePlank” carries a 50-year product warranty. James Hardie has excellent reputation in fiber cement products, leading others in the industry to refer to the James Hardie fiber cement siding and siding from other manufacturers as “hardie boards.” You can also ask an expert contractor can procure James Hardie fiber cement siding for you.

•    Who can install fiber cement siding?
It is recommended to have an expert contractor install fiber cement siding for your home. High quality workmanship matters as much as the quality of the material when it comes to siding. When improperly installed, fiber cement siding may not last and may void your home insurance especially if you did it yourself. Summit Design & Build is one such expert that specializes in installing fiber cement siding.

•    Why go with Summit Exteriors?
Fiber cement siding, while durable, requires care and proper handling prior to installation. Summit Exterior  Services has expert contractors that are highly trained and skilled in handling this particular material.
o    Commitment to quality. James Hardie fiber cement siding is the preferred siding material by Summit Exteriors due to its high quality and durability.
o    Trained manpower. Fiber cement siding is heavy. You will need to do some careful and heavy lifting. Summit Exteriors has the manpower to help you.
o    Qualified professionals. Inhalation of dust from the cutting of fiber cement may cause lung irritation. Contractors from Summit Exteriors are equipped to reduce this risk and protect against other potential health problems.
o    Service warranties and timely project completion. With Summit you can be assured of high quality workmanship and timely delivery.
o    Competent client communication. Summit Exteriors will let you know how the project progresses and will have an project manager dedicated to your home.