The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fiber Cement Siding

Posted by Rita H Peterson on September 26th, 2019

Whether it’s to add value to your home’s market price, to beautify it or to protect its exterior from damage, siding is a good investment to make. For all these properties, you may have considered fiber cement siding in Aurora like millions of houses in the US. It is undoubtedly one of the more durable materials in the market and quite pleasant to look at. However, some factors like the cost may make you cautious about this product. You can make the final decision only after understanding what benefits this exterior cover can give your home and what are the drawbacks you will have to deal with.

Advantages Of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement sides can provide you with the following benefits for which you may want to install it on your house’s exterior:

Long Life: Fiber cement is one of the most long lasting materials in the market, able to last for at least half a century. This means even your grandchildren can enjoy their benefits as adults.

Incredible Resilience: Fiber cement is durable to all elements that can damage other sidings. It does not discolor or warp due to moisture due to being non-porous. UV rays don’t discolor it easily either. Its lack of pores makes it resilient to fungus and termites among other pests. Being mostly sand and cement, it is very heat and fire resistant and won’t spread blazes easily. It is very sturdy and can withstand impact from strong winds, debris, hail, etc. making it ideal for storm-prone regions. And it is resistant to salty water which makes it good for houses close to the seashore.

Pleasant Appearance: Fiber cement can be made to look and feel like wood for a warm aesthetic, like stone for its coolness or like rough and sandy like bricks. They come in many different shades of white, black, blue, green, etc. If you prefer, you can simply have it primed and then paint it in a shade of your choice.

Long Term Warranties: Manufacturers are so confident about the longevity of this substance that they offer buyers warranties that last for decades. Some even provide non-prorated warranties, this means that if the siding gets damaged before the warrantied term then you get a complete refund or replacement. Their colorings also come with long term warranties.

Low Maintenance: It is pretty low maintenance. It can be cleaned every week with a power hose thanks to its water resistance and it needs to be repainted every ten years or so which doesn’t add up to much in the long run.

Disadvantages Of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement sides come with the following drawbacks that may make you reluctant about installing it:

High Cost: Installing fiber cement costs a lot in terms of both labor and the material. The average starting cost if per square foot compared to aluminum coverings. In some cases, the price can even go triple of other materials.

Difficult Installment: The installation cost is so high because the material weighs ten pounds for every square foot as compared to vinyl which weighs six per square foot, making it more difficult to apply on the exterior.

Safety Hazards: The weight also makes it more likely to cause injuries during the installation. The dust produced when cutting the material can cause allergies or severe lung diseases. The dust may also contain carcinogenic properties which may activate when inhaled. Due to these hazards, the installment of fiber cement is not a DIY project you want to undertake. Instead, leave it to the experts who are trained and equipped for the job.

Now that you understand the pros and cons of this material you can decide whether you want to apply fiber cement siding in Aurora or not based on if the benefits are worth risking the drawbacks. If you do decide to go ahead with this option talk to the manufacturers to ensure that you get the expected warranties and that it is installed properly.