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While it ’s been around for years , there are several reasons that roughage cementum siding is becoming more and more democratic with homeowners : Some appreciate the sustainable aspects of its production . Others favor the material for its architectural appeal . Fiber cementum ’s minimum maintenance toll are yet another rationality for its popularity . While professional installation is recommended , fiber cementum siding can last for decennary once it ’s on your home . The product ’s length of service , more than anything , may excuse the high demand for the material .
When compared to other type of siding for the rest home , fibre cementum siding offer significant advantages . Some of the biggest reasons homeowner choose cementum board siding over vinyl radical or other alternatives are :
Photo: jameshardie.com
What You Need to Know About Fiber Cement Siding
Not all fiber cement sidetrack is the same , and there are unlike aspects about the class of turnout that can regard which mathematical product is right for a menage in a special clime .
Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance and Longevity
fibre cementum turnout typography may vary from companionship to company , but the canonic formula is Portland cement , George Sand , and cellulose ( woods ) fibers . Wood fiber help forbid cracking , as does a unequaled hardening process that leaves fiber cement board with minimum wet content .
Each of the major producer offer a stemma of cement vulcanized fiber siding that encounter or exceeds standards set forth by theAmerican Society for Testing and Materials . The siding stands up , not only to the elements but also to hazards like insects and noise pollution . Repainting is necessary after 10 to 15 years , but maintenance duty are light otherwise . Indeed , manufacturers ’ warranties take the stand to the production ’s durability , with 30- to 50 - year guarantee being the average .
Fiber cementum siding has the durability of cement , a division 1A fire evaluation , is imperviable to Grant Wood - boring insect , does not decompose , and is resistant to deterioration from salt and ultraviolet shaft . “ The added price of fiber cementum is made up by the fact that once it ’s up , you do n’t have to occupy about it , ” says Lisa Santerian , marketing director for CertainTeed WeatherBoards fiber cementum sidetrack .
Photo: jameshardie.com
roughage cement offerslow - maintenance siding . It ’s impact - resistant , closely mime lifelike siding cloth such as wood , and it ’s uncommitted in primed or painted options . Most company warranty their merchandise for 50 years , which speaks well of its durability .
Styles of Fiber Cement Siding
When fiber cementum siding first came on the market in the former 1990s , only a handful of styles were available , most of which were 6 - inch board and board - and - batting type panels . In the come after decades , manufacturing business broadened their offerings to let in a wider motley of styles and widths . Today , homeowners can find virtually any type of side in a fiber cement product , make it simple to equate most types of existing railroad siding , even those on historical homes .
The fibre cement sidetrack industry has drop years perfecting the look and finish of its Cartesian product . This type ofexterior sidingcomes in a variety of designs : circuit , board , vertical , shake , curved - handshake , and geometric patterns are all available .
vulcanized fiber cementum siding come in a horde of texture and goal , and it can be tint to about any hue the householder desire . Some fiber cement turnout production resemble wood , while others simulate the feeling of instinctive fieldstone , stacked flagstone , or brick . open designs are created during manufacturing , when the surface is either embossed or bequeath politic .
Photo: jameshardie.com
For homeowners who prefer to paint their siding a tradition color rather than selecting one of the manufacturing business ’s hue , pre - fit character cement siding is a terrific option . It can be painted with anyquality exterior blusher . The cement ingredient in the siding is holey , just as concrete is , which helps lock the paint in seat .
In improver to shingles and planks , fibre cementum is available in every imaginable siding style , let in clapboards and woods - looking handclasp . “ We can do any sort of architectural shapes and styling , and the consumer can pick any color they want , ” says Santerian . “ you may even get half - round and octagon shapes if you want . ”
To fill out the look , manufacturers such James Hardie , maker of the popularHardieZonesiding scheme , offer up matching soffit , fascia , and trim . To accomplish the best final result ( and adhere to the brand ’s guarantee stipulations),HardiePlank , generically cognize as “ Hardieboard ” or “ Hardie board siding , ” should be paired with molding and shave from the same maker and the same siding line .
Photo: woodtone.com/
The Cost of Fiber Cement Siding
The upfront expenses associated with fiber cementum turnout are considerable , being that most homeowners choose to have the product professionally instal . The good news is that the sidetrack ’s ongoing maintenance monetary value are minimal . You ’ll incur the disbursement of repaint about every 10–15 year or so , but the lion ’s share of the overall toll will come at the beginning of the production ’s 50 - plus - year lifespan .
Fiber cement railroad siding ’s material costs alone ranges from about $ 0.70 to $ 15 per satisfying foot , but initiation toll are extra and depend on the run rate of labor in the biotic community . Professionally installed fiber cement siding range from around $ 5 to $ 25 per solid groundwork .
Should You DIY Fiber Cement Siding Installation, or Hire a Pro?
A homeowner who has a working knowledge of construction practice can often instal fiber cementum siding without any problem . It ’s more challenging than vinyl siding to install because it require some especial tools for cutting , and like any DIY labor , caution must be taken when measuring , film editing , and check that the sidetrack is perfectly level .
Fiber cement is heavier thanvinyl sidingand atomic number 13 siding , but it is wakeful exercising weight than natural wood or stone , which means it is not terribly difficult to install . Installation guidepost should be tight followed , particularly when it get to cutting the product and keeping it dry .
Cutting fibre cementum is more challenging than cutting raw wood ; it need pneumatic or hand-held shear , a dust - reducingcircular saw , or a diamond - tipmiter byword . cut fibre cement will unloose silica junk into the airwave , so be certain to wear a masquerade party when turn off . In plus , a DIYer probably needs to invest in sonorous - obligation saws that will hold up the undertaking of repeatedly cutting through cement sidetrack panels .
Photo: jameshardie.com
DIYers and contractile organ alike should follow treatment and storage recommendations . concentrated or moist fiber cement siding can shrink at the derriere ends if installed before drying . “ All our packaging states very clearly : ‘ Do Not Install Wet ware , ” Santerian says . “ Unfortunately , we still hear story of installers spraying the product down before initiation . ” Proper storage of the Cartesian product before installation is all-important if the siding is to stay dry . A sheltered storage place is good .
Fiber Cement Siding: A Greener Alternative
There are many reasons why householder choose fiber cementum siding for their dwelling , and one of the most of import is that it ’s a more sustainable option to many other types of siding . As a wood alternative — but not an mastermind wood — fiber cement has woods - saving dimension and environmentally friendly qualities . For lesson , CertainTeed takes the forest vulcanized fiber needed for its fiber cement siding from sustainably handle forest . Other manufacturer use only recycled woodwind instrument , which also helps reduce tree harvesting .
Some fiber cement siding manufacturers also employ fly ball ash tree ( a by-product of coal - burning ) to replace the sand and silica , thereby adding post - industrial recycling to its list of attributes . Fly ash also make the fiber cement lighter than its backbone and silica counterparts , making it light to treat and install .
James Hardie , the founder of fiber cementum and world leader in the siding category , is equally committed to sustainability — source 90 percent of its materials from regional suppliers and employing thriftlessness minimisation and solid dissipation recycling technologies to support “ zero waste to landfill ” initiatives . While cement , water , sand , and cellulose fiber are used forJames Hardiesiding mathematical product , fly ash is not . The company believes that it adversely impacts the enduringness of fiber cementum .
Even though individual manufacturers have their own convention and predilection , fiber cementum siding is generally free of any volatile organic chemical ( VOCs ) and toxic compound that are insecure to respire and can leave in headaches , nausea , and respiratory symptoms . This make fiber cementum production healthier for the environment than side made from vinyl group , a synthetic product that creates VOCs during the manufacturing process .
Comparing Fiber Cement to Other Types of Siding
fibre cement sidetrack is an option to lifelike wood , stone , stucco , brick , atomic number 13 , and vinylsiding options . On average , for a 1,500 square - ft house , homeowners can gestate to compensate between $ 27,000 and $ 30,000 to have fiber cement instal .
Although fiber cementum has endured some largely unwarranted criticism concerning moisture issues following faulty installing , it remains one of the moredurable side productsin the manufacture .
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Wood
Wood siding tout a timeless lulu , and many homeowner value the way its coming into court gradually deepen in pernicious ways . you could preserve on installation by doing the work yourself , butwood sidingproducts demand a high stratum of maintenance . Still , if your priority is good looks , then you ca n’t go haywire with Natalie Wood .
The price to have Sir Henry Joseph Wood sidetrack installed is generally low than that of vulcanized fiber cement siding , place from about $ 10,000 to $ 13,000 for a 1,500 substantial - foot household . A meaning top side to woodwind instrument siding is that homeowners can replace just a small section of with young siding and have it blend in seamlessly .
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Brick and Stone
Brickand stone are considered premium type of exterior siding because they add a level of morphologic integrity to a home ’s walls while cater a measure of detachment and protective cover against the elements . They ’re also the most expensive siding types , graze from $ 45,000 to $ 52,000 on average to clad a 1,500 - straightforward - base sign of the zodiac .
Unless the householder is experienced in masonry , installing brick or Lucy Stone is not a DIY undertaking . Because these cloth are heavy and require the installation of a brick shelf to endure them , excavation and concrete work will also be necessary if the home does n’t already have an existing brick ledge .
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl
If budget is the basal concern when betray for new home siding , vinyl is a competitive alternative . Like vulcanized fiber cementum sidetrack , vinyl radical siding can be a DIY project as long as the DIYer has a working knowledge of building practices . When vinyl siding is professionally installed , a householder can ask to bear between $ 18,000 to $ 21,000 to side a 1,500 - substantial - understructure theatre .
Though most innovative product are colorfast and repellent to insects and rot , vinyl sidingis not maintenance free . Its vulnerability to weather damage makes occasional hangout necessary . Still , the price tag is free-enterprise and solicitation to many homeowner .
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Aluminum
Aluminum sidingtoday is more low-cost than other types of siding , ranging from around $ 7,700 to over $ 11,000 to have a 1,500 - square - metrical foot business firm professionally sided .
atomic number 13 siding is lightweight , installation is DIY - favorable , and the mathematical product resists rot , attack , and dirt ball infestations . The downside to aluminum siding is its aptness to indent on impact . An intensehailstormcan leave the whole side of a house with detectable pits that ca n’t be removed . Though it was once a common siding choice for many homeowners , aluminum ’s popularity is fade commit the salutary and more durable siding options usable today .
Fiber Cement Siding vs. Stucco
Another type of exterior finishing , stuccois a premium mathematical product and it comes with a high price period . At $ 42,000 to $ 45,000 to have a 1,500 - square - foot house professionally cease , stucco is in the same price range as brick and Harlan Fiske Stone . In regions where stucco is n’t commonly used , it can cost even more to install .
Stucco is often used on southwestern and Tuscan - style homes . While professional may make its installation look easy , stuccoing a house is anything but a DIY project . for achieve a strong stucco exterior , the Cartesian product must be put on in layer , with the semi - firm compound smoothed over metal lath for stableness .
Best Brands of Fiber Cement Siding
Today , multiple brands of fiber cement siding are available , but some have become household name in the construction diligence .
James Hardie
James Hardie was the first company to fabricate fibre cement siding , and the company continues to produce a wide range of siding and crop products . In addition , James Hardie offersHardieZone siding , which is made with unlike climates in creative thinker . HardieZone products hold different amount of cement and other components to become specific weather state of affairs better than others .
GAF
While the company ’s name is General Aniline & Film , it just goes byGAFthese sidereal day , and it produces a wide kitchen stove of construction product in North America . Its vulcanized fiber cement siding telephone line is available in local lumberyard or fromThe Home Depot , and it offer a range of trim and accessories in addition to basic siding styles .
American Fiber Cement Corporation
Another major maker of fiber cement railroad siding , theAmerican Fiber Cement Corporationoffers a form of side manner and accessories . The siding products descend with a choice of either visible attachments or concealed attachments . The latter offer a seamless look . Do n’t project on reckon into this siding for your home , however — it ’s typically only available for tumid commercial project , such as airstrip malls and industrial building .
Woodtone
A smaller , but up - and - coming manufacturer , Woodtoneoffers a range of construction materials and fibre cement turnout is one of them . Woodtone specializes in producing siding that take care like raw wood . ItsRusticSerieslap railroad siding is available in a wide range of colour , and trim firearm are also available .
Allura
Elementia , a part of the Mexican Consortium , now produces the fibre cementum siding previously manufactured by CertainTeed . The railroad siding now trade under theAlluraor Allura Plycem name and is widely usable throughout North America . The Cartesian product is offered in planks , panels , shipshape , soffit , shake singles and more , and can be purchased from local lumberyards or larger dwelling house improvement shopping centre , such asMenards .
Final Thoughts
For great looks and durability at approximately half the cost of brick orstone , fibre cementum turnout is a top option . While it ask big - tariff tools to cut and install , it ’s still among the more DIY - friendly railroad siding options . The product comes pre - paint in non - fading colour or can be paint to suit . Plus , it ’s low - maintenance .
Some of the most popular brands of fiber cementum siding mimic the tone of raw wood so closely that casual observers are unlikely to get it on the difference . But , unlike real wood , which require cutting down trees , fiber cement railroad siding product wo n’t add together to worldwide deforestation , which makes the product a more eco - friendly alternative .
FAQs
vulcanized fiber cementum siding get along with some of the most extended guarantee in the manufacture , typically around 50 year , so it ’s among the longest - lasting siding products . It will need occasional repainting , however , usually every 10 to 15 years or so , count on the quality of the paint .
While costs can vary based on region , it can escape an average of $ 27,000 and $ 30,000 to have a 1,500 - square - foot domicile professionally side . Material monetary value range from $ 0.70 to $ 15 per square invertebrate foot , bet on the mathematical product .
Typically , roughage cementum sidetrack needs to be paint every 10 to 15 years .
When fiber cement siding snap , it ’s often due to geomorphological settling of the house . Cement is a component in concrete , so call back of the sidetrack as “ concrete siding . ” It ’s sturdy and can withstand shock such as big hail , but if the family ’s basis work shift , fibre cement railroad siding can crack up .
Hardie control board is a generic term for James Hardie fibre cementum sidetrack . The full term has become so common , it ’s often nonchalantly used for other make of concrete board side as well .
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