What Are The Different Types Of Fiber Cement Siding? Contractors Explain

Is your home's curb appeal fading because it has an older vinyl exterior that is faded, cracked or covered with dents? Is your wood exterior peeling or warping, giving your house a run-down appearance? If so, you should consider having fiber cement installed by professional siding contractors. This innovative material is a modern alternative to real wood, aluminum or vinyl options that has several advantages.

What Is It Made From?

This innovative material is made primarily (90%) from Portland Cement. This is thick construction material similar to concrete that is commonly used for buildings, bridges and other commercial buildings. Its popularity for high traffic construction is due to its incredible strength and durability. Portland cement is made from a blend of water, sand silica and limestone, which gives it its characteristic color. The other 10% is either wood pulp or fly-ash, which are binding agents. The look and feel of wood pulp is similar to wet cardboard when it is mixed into the other ingredients. Fly-ash, a by-product of coal burning furnaces, looks smoother when added, but it tends to create a more brittle finished product.

How Do The Ingredients Affect Quality?

Each manufacturer chooses what materials they use for their fiber cement products. Many manufacturers choose fly-ash because it is readily available and inexpensive. It does, however, make a weaker product that is more prone to splintering or breaking during installation or when struck by an object after installation is complete. Siding contractors often have a preference depending on whether they want to offer their customers an inexpensive option or they prefer to offer a longer lasting product that's more durable.

Siding Contractors Compare Quality From Brand To Brand

For superior durability, fiber cement is unmatched because it is three times as thick as vinyl. The quality of the materials can vary, however, from one manufacturer to another, so talk to local siding contractors who will be able to recommend the best brand for your needs. While you may find some brands that are less expensive, keep in mind that these probably use fly-ash as the binding material. Because this makes them brittle and prone to breakage, some siding contractors feel that they aren't the best choice if you want your exterior remodeling to stand the test of time and harsh weather.

Also ask your siding contractors questions about the density of the materials used. Generally speaking, a higher density of wood pulp or other binders will result in a cleaner cut during installation. Lower density will have a rougher, uneven cut and won't insulate as well.

The Many Advantages Of Fiber Cement

Siding contractors agree that the advantages of fiber cement versus vinyl or wood are numerous. It provides better soundproofing, adds a layer of insulation to your house, is impact resistant and will never suffer from wood rot or termites. In fact, it is so durable that some brands offer a fifty-year warranty on the materials. There simply isn't a better product on the market for upgrading the exterior of your home. In fact, it was recently designated the best renovation product on the market with the greatest return on investment for homeowners. You can't get much better than that!