When your friends and family members pull up to your house, what do they see first? If your home has faded stucco, dated brick, or damaged siding, you might be thinking about making a few changes. Here are four reasons to consider fiber cement siding over other exterior covering options, and why you won’t regret the decision.
1. VISUAL APPEAL
Available in an incredible range of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, fiber cement siding is a manmade product, which means homeowners have full control over how they want their home to look. Panels can be designed to mimic the appearance of traditional siding or arranged to look like wood shakes, giving you the chance to create an exterior that you can be proud of.
Additionally, since fiber cement siding is an incredibly durable mixture of cement and wood pulp, homeowners won’t have to worry about panels warping, cracking, or breaking easily. Fiber cement siding is an appropriate material for homeowners who live in a wide range of climates since the product is strong enough to endure high winds, heavy rains, and even sea salt spray.
Some builders prize fiber cement siding for its ability to hold paint well, allowing homeowners to reduce the long-term maintenance of their home exteriors. Many boards even come pre-primed and ready for paint, taking some of the preparation work out of updating your home.
2. SIMPLE MAINTENANCE
Because of the compressed, non-porous nature of fiber cement siding, the panels are also incredibly easy to clean, requiring a simple rinse of a hose whenever they become dirty. If you live in an area where pollution is a problem, residues can also be removed with professional pressure washing, helping you to keep your home looking clean and attractive.
Another powerful benefit of fiber cement siding is its resistance to pest infestations and fungal growth. Designed with products that are unappealing to microscopic pathogens and termites alike, fiber cement siding is rated to last a lifetime, protecting you from surprise expenses like pest control and full product replacement.
3. FIRE RESISTANCE
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a shield that protected your home from direct flames? Fiber cement siding carries an impressive Class-A fire resistance rating, which is the highest rating for a fire resistant product. In fact, in some instances, homes that have fiber cement exteriors have been able to withstand flames — while other houses in the area have fallen victim to burning embers.
Fiber cement siding is made up of 90% non-flammable materials, allowing the panels to resist direct flames. If you live in a high-density area or a rural location where flames could spread rapidly, investing in fire-resistant products just makes sense.
4. LONG PRODUCT WARRANTIES
Fiber cement siding is so durable that most manufacturers offer generous product warranties, saving homeowners money in the long run. For example, although fiber cement siding isn’t the least expensive product on the market, manufacturers typically offer 50-year warranties on the structure of the boards, with some companies also offering warranties for the finish.
When you calculate the costs of upgrading your home’s exterior, don’t forget to factor in the price of long-term ownership. Think about things like maintenance costs, repair prices, and replacement costs. Often, fiber cement siding is the least expensive long-term option, even though other versions may seem less expensive at the time.
For a home makeover that is just as functional as it is beautiful, talk with the professionals at Paris Building Supply about fiber cement siding. As proud carriers of James Hardie, Stylecrest, and StoneCraft Industries products, this construction business can help you to create the home of your dreams.