There’s a never-ending quest for methods to make houses more long-lasting and energy-efficient, which is why the demand for fiber-cement siding has risen. Fiber cement siding may be used on both new construction and remodeling projects, making it an excellent choice if you want to enhance the lifespan of your home or lower your heating and cooling costs.
What Is Fiber Cement Made of?
The four-ingredient basic recipe is water dissolves the wood pulp, which activates and hardens the cement. Wood pulp improves flexibility and resilience. Fly ash serves as a filler in this case (as opposed to silica sand in some cases). Portland cement binds the components together. Limestone, clay, and iron are used to modify the color of fiber cement.
This material is then molded into boards or dried panels, fabricated into various shapes and sizes according to industry standards, and exposed to high temperatures (causing further hardening). There’s more than one type of fiber-cement siding on the market today; some examples include James Hardie®, Certainteed®, and Mastic®.
What Makes a Fiber-Cement Siding Product an Energy-Efficient Option?
The fiber cement used in James Hardie products is made from 40 percent recycled materials, which means it’s both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly! The United States Department of Energy states that homes with well-insulated walls can have up to 50 percent lower heating and cooling costs. Fiber cement siding can help you achieve the highest energy rating, a one-star improvement over standard exterior clapboard or vinyl sidings.
Fiber Cement Siding has Unrivaled Durability.
Fiber cement siding has one of the most extended service lifespans in the siding industry: 50 years. The cement, wood fiber, and other additives that go into this composite material combine to create a resistant product to harsh weather conditions. Fiber cement siding outlasts different types of siding in terms of durability and longevity.
The Appearance of Wood
Wood siding has a timeless appeal. It will never go out of style. Vinyl or aluminum cannot compare to this appearance, but fiber cement siding can. It’s an excellent option for rustic or modern wood design, and it won’t require the same amount of staining, painting, or sealing to keep its look.
Fire and Heat Resistance
Fiber cement siding offers excellent fire safety. When you set up the barbecue, you won’t melt your siding. In the unlikely event of a home fire, your siding will not become fuel. As a result, fiber cement siding protects both you and your family by making your house safer.
The Biggest Drawback of Fiber Cement Siding
There are some sacrifices you’ll have to make with this product. For starters, it’s expensive! There is a reason why fiber cement siding can be found on luxury homes or businesses—it costs more than other types of exterior cladding options. Additionally, the installation process involves specialized tools and requires an experienced crew.
However, if you can afford fiber cement siding or want to start a remodeling project that includes this feature, the benefits are worth it! This material is more resilient than vinyl or aluminum, has excellent fire safety ratings, provides both durability and energy efficiency—what’s not to love about it?