Published on: March 25, 2021
Fiber cement siding revolutionized the look and maintenance of homes. Wood siding was always a charming finishing design. Yet wood rot and complicated maintenance procedures often made customers shy away from the beauty of wood siding – and you can’t blame them for that.
Then brilliant engineers created fiber cement siding and that stunning wood look became attainable for many homes.
We’ll guide you through understanding this type of siding, what it is, the benefits and how to choose the best option for your home.
Fiber cement siding is an attractive and paintable material that is fire-resistant to protect and finish a home. Consumers love this type of siding because it is long-lasting and low maintenance.
Because it’s paintable, you can adjust the look of your home without going through a painful replacement project.
If you recently purchased a home with this type of siding but don’t like the color, you have options. In fact, you have all the options of every outdoor paint available on the market.
Various organizations have tested fiber cement siding to better understand how it stands up to the test of time. What they’ve found is that quality installations and materials can last up to 100 years.
Most fiber cement siding companies provide a 30-year warranty when a licensed professional installs the material. The color though is under warranty for 15 years if it comes painted from the factory.
There are so many benefits of fiber cement siding from durability to pure aesthetics. Here’s a look at some of the main benefits this type of siding offers.
Hardie plank siding is five times thicker than vinyl siding, meaning it’s providing many more layers of protection to your home. It stands up to wind, hail and other elements so that you don’t have to replace it as often.
You’ll also enjoy a more color-fast and consistent appearance even after hours of UV light exposure. The modern look fiber cement siding offers is also better for curb appeal and home sale value.
Ultimately, the decision between these types of siding will come down to your personal preference. But from a wear and home protection standpoint, fiber cement siding is far better than vinyl.
The cost of fiber cement siding depends on the manufacturer you choose, style options and more. Some applications take more cutting and styling than others, yet they add to the overall beauty of your home.
The RSMeans 2014 Residential Cost Data Report found that vinyl siding costs on average $201 per 100 square feet. In comparison, fiber cement siding averages $300 for the same square footage.
The best way to compare the cost of different siding options is to reach out to a local contractor for a price estimate based on your specific home and goals for your project.
Now that you know more about fiber cement siding, you’re ready to evaluate the many different manufacturers and styles. Visiting a showroom or having a contractor visit your home with samples is the best way to choose great siding. That way, you can see, feel and envision the siding.
Here’s a look at some of the top options to help you choose what’s best for you.
At 2FL, we install a great deal of James Hardie siding because of its great durability and warranty. The product’s quality is outstanding and provides the longevity you need to keep your home looking great.
HardiePlank is 5/16-inches thick. You can choose from widths of 5 ¼ inches to 8 ¼ inches to get the look you want.
We also love HardiePlank because it comes pre-painted from the factory, removing one step in the installation and finishing process. Though, you can still paint it another color than what is baked in at the factory if you later change your mind.
If you like the look of a siding shingle, HardiePlank also supports that. The versatility in looks that HardiePlank offers is one of the reasons why we highly recommend it to our clients.
GAF is best known for its roofing supplies, but its shiplap profile siding has grown in popularity over the years to bring it new notoriety.
Homeowners with existing asbestos-cement siding can switch it out for WeatherSide easily with the same great look. You can use this siding to replace just a small portion of your existing asbestos-cement siding for repairs, which is a great benefit of this type of siding.
If you’re looking to build an addition on your home and want high-quality siding to match your existing siding, WeatherSide can also make that happen. Or use it on sheds or other detached buildings to create continuity with your home while still updating to better quality materials for your new space.
Another popular option for this type of home siding is Allura. You can purchase fiber cement siding products in lap siding, vertical siding or shingles to get the look you want.
Getting a great overall look with this product is simple since it offers trim and soffits in more than 30 colors and stains to match your siding.
The product comes with a 50-year limited warranty for its lap siding, vertical panels and shakes and soffits. The ColorMax paint carries a 15-year warranty and the backerboard and underlayment have a 20-year warranty.
Nichiha is one of the more popular options for commercial fiber cement siding. You might see this siding on your local bank, grocery store or restaurant.
While the company does offer residential siding, it’s much better known for its commercial products. It excels at large-format boards and panels, which is why it’s so ideal for commercial uses.
The only way to purchase this type of siding is through a contractor or architect. You won’t find it at your local hardware stores.
Woodtone is a smaller manufacturer of fiber cement siding, but it does one thing really well. Its RusticSeries is the closest-looking thing to wood siding. You’ll find 18 colors and grains to choose from in the ultra-embossed siding.
With matching trim products, Woodtone looks great without the maintenance that wood siding requires.
Ready to transform the look of your home or business with fiber cement siding? 2FL offers consultants to help you choose the best siding for your home that achieves the look you want with the quality you need.
Our installation team will then take over in providing a quality experience that lasts for decades. Contact us for more information or to get your Seattle-area siding project started.
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