Every house needs a siding that can withstand external pressures and is also appealing to the eyes. Vinyl or wood shingles as siding materials are quite popular in America. However, there is a new and better alternative to conventional siding materials. We are talking about fiber cement siding.
Fiber cement siding comes with a two-in-one deal. They offer both; the elegance of vinyl and the sturdiness of wood sidings.
What is Fiber Cement Siding Made of?
- Fiber cement is a man-made material. It is composed of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. The percentage of each ingredient is determined in a way that it gives maximum strength and sturdiness to the siding. Fiber cement siding resembles wood shingles in appearance. However, unlike wood, it is non-combustible and does not rot.
Let us see how cement-fiber siding can be the best choice for your home.
Durable and Resistant to Various Environmental Conditions
- One of the biggest advantages cement-fiber siding has over other sidings is its ability to resist various harsh environmental conditions. Fiber cement siding can withstand prolonged exposure to high-intensity sun rays. It does not get easily damaged from snow, rain, or hail.
For homes near the ocean, fiber cement is an excellent choice of siding. It does not corrode from exposure to humid and alkaline air. It has shown resilience in the face of high-pressure winds. So much so, that fiber cement siding has been listed as the most preferred material in the local building codes of such areas that are prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.
Vermin and Rot Protection
- Sidings are placed to offer us protection from the harshness of the outside world. Most other sidings, especially wood, are susceptible to rot. Wood sidings also get eaten away by termites and vermins. The concrete or cement in the fiber sidings does not allow pests to infest and offers full protection against them.
Fiber cement sidings are water-resistant as well and do not allow mold to grow. Fiber cement sidings are a healthier choice of sidings as they don’t allow common allergens to find space in your home.
Fire Proof Material
- Fire is a potential safety hazard. One of the biggest selling points of fiber cement siding is the fact that it is non-combustible. Non-combustible silica and cement contribute to 90% of its composition, making it fireproof. Cement has Class 1(A) rating for fire resistance, which means it has a very high degree of resistance to fire and heat.
Compared to both wood and vinyl sidings, fiber cement sidings are a much safer choice. Wood is particularly susceptible to catching fire. Vinyl starts to melt off the house with temperatures as low as 100 degrees Celsius. Fiber cement sidings have a marked edge over both these sidings.
Does Not Pose a Threat to Environment
- Even though fiber cement sidings cannot be recycled, they do not pose a direct threat to the environment. Once the siding is discarded, it degrades naturally and does not release harmful toxins into the ecosystem. Hence, it is an environmentally inert substance.
Compared to vinyl, fiber cement is a more environmental-friendly choice of sidings. Vinyl is a plastic resin and releases harmful substances upon disposal. These harmful substances remain in the ecosystem for a very long time and can cause cancer and other diseases. If you envision a plastic-free world, then choosing fiber cement over vinyl sidings is a step in the right direction.
Elegance and Style
- Budget-friendly sidings can sometimes be tacky and lack the elegance offered by wood sidings. Fiber cement sidings are not only easy on the pocket; they are aesthetically pleasing as well.
Fiber cement siding comes in different textures and styles. They are designed in a way that they resemble real wood, stone, or bricks. They can give your house an antique look while offering multiple benefits of modern material.
Now that we have established the supremacy of fiber cement siding over conventional sidings, this should be your go-to material for any replacement work needed. If you want to replace your old sidings with James Hardie fiber cement siding, consult United Windows and Siding. They offer premium quality siding replacement services in Denver and Colorado Springs.