Cement siding is a long-lasting, visually appealing option for your home’s exterior. It is rot-resistant, mold-proof and pest-proof and provides a strong, solid feel.
Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie board, is durable and offers design versatility. It is heavy, and cutting it can create dust that poses health risks. Contact Cement Siding Charleston now!
1. Easy to Install
Fiber cement siding is easy to install when it’s done correctly. It is a little different from vinyl or aluminum, but it doesn’t require specialized tools or complicated installation techniques. If you hire a licensed professional to do the job, it should go very smoothly with minimal problems. If you prefer to take on the task yourself, you can use a few basic tools and follow manufacturer instructions for best results. However, it’s always recommended to have a certified siding specialist work on your home’s exterior to avoid any structural or aesthetic issues down the road.
Cement siding is also incredibly durable and low maintenance. It can last for up to 50 years and doesn’t rot, crack, or grow mold. It is also fire resistant and insect-proof. These qualities make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their homes and boost its value.
Manufacturers like James Hardie engineer their products for specific climate regions (called “Hardiezones”) so you know your new siding will withstand the unique climate conditions where you live. It is also very wind resistant, so it holds up well during hurricanes and other severe weather events.
The main ingredients in fiber cement siding are Portland cement (limestone, clay, and iron), sand or fly ash, and cellulose fibers or wood pulp. Some manufacturers add other proprietary materials for strength and durability.
Unlike vinyl, it’s very difficult to install fiber cement siding incorrectly and have it look bad. When you do it right, though, it can look beautiful and raise your home’s value and curb appeal. It’s important to read installation manuals and reviews for your brand of siding before you begin the project. This will help you avoid any common mistakes that may result in damage to your home’s exterior and/or voiding your warranty.
When installing cement siding, it’s important to leave a gap of 1″ at all horizontal termination points. It’s also important to use flashing correctly at all windows and doors to prevent leaks. It’s best to use a carpenter’s level and a tape measure for accuracy, and make sure that the sheathing and sheathing screws are securely fastened.
2. Versatile
Cement siding is a highly versatile option for homeowners that offers the look of natural wood with outstanding durability and resistance to pests, rot, and fire. This durable siding material is available in a number of different design styles including lap cement siding, board and batten, and vertical panels, and can be customized with a variety of trim options to match your home’s architecture.
Lap cement siding features overlapping horizontal boards, and is popular for homeowners who want a traditional style that is customizable and durable. This type of siding can be painted to create a wide range of color options for your home’s exterior. Board and batten cement siding is another popular choice amongst homeowners who want a rustic and textured look for their home’s exterior. This type of siding is installed in rows with narrow strips (battens) covering the gaps between the wider boards, which creates a unique visual pattern that complements many architectural styles. Board and batten cement siding can also be painted to enhance your home’s color palette or to coordinate with other architectural elements on your home.
Fiber cement siding is manufactured with a combination of strong building materials, and can be designed to mimic the appearance of traditional wood siding. It is also highly resistant to rot, impact damage, and fire, and manufacturers offer long warranties that outperform other traditional siding options.
When properly installed by a skilled contractor, the durability and versatility of cement siding can help reduce maintenance costs over time. In fact, the average homeowner can expect to enjoy their siding for 50 years or more.
Because of its longevity, many homeowners choose to install fiber cement siding over other traditional options like vinyl or wood. Fiber cement siding can increase the value of your home and provides a better return on investment than other types of siding.
Fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl, but less expensive than brick, synthetic stucco and some wood siding options. It is also often a lower cost than stone, and is typically equal in price to hardboard and composite siding. Manufacturers like James Hardie engineer their products for specific climate regions, called “Hardiezones,” so homeowners know they are purchasing siding that will withstand the conditions where they live year after year.
3. Durable
When it comes to selecting siding for your home, durability is one of the most important factors. Your exterior siding is your first line of defense from the elements – wind, rain, snow, sun, UV rays and other environmental stresses. It also defends your interior from rodents, insects and pests like termites, woodpeckers and carpenter ants. Then there are the accidental impacts – kids’ backyard baseball games and the occasional run-in with a passing car.
Fiber cement siding is designed to outperform traditional siding options and can hold up well in most climates. Its composition of sand, cement and cellulose fibers provides a long lifespan for your home’s exterior, with minimal maintenance requirements.
It is rot-resistant, so it won’t warp or sag. It also is inedible to termites and other pests, so you won’t have to worry about infestation. Additionally, it is fire-resistant and engineered to withstand damage from moisture and extreme cold.
In addition to durability, fiber cement siding also adds value to your home and can increase its resale value. Its minimal upkeep and impressive longevity make it a smart investment for homeowners.
Whether you choose fiber cement siding from James Hardie or another manufacturer, they offer many style and color options to suit your home’s design and architectural style. Some even come pre-primed and ready to be painted upon installation, allowing homeowners to save on materials costs.
However, if you want to ensure that your siding is installed correctly, it’s best to hire a professional. A contractor will be familiar with the proper insulation tools needed to get the best results, as well as have the knowledge and experience to properly prep the materials for a quality install. In addition, they are familiar with the proper safety protocols that must be followed during the installation process.
The specialized equipment and installation skills required for installing cement board siding require expertise not found with other types of home improvement projects. It is a heavy material that can pose challenges during the installation process, so it’s critical to use the correct tools for the job. It’s also extremely dusty when cut, so using the appropriate protective gear is vital to avoid inhaling it.
4. Low Maintenance
Fiber cement siding is the best-selling cladding material in America. It is favored by builders and homeowners alike for its durability and style options. The cladding is impervious to damage and requires little maintenance to keep it looking beautiful, allowing it to last for decades. While brick and natural stone are attractive options, they can develop minor leaks near windows or seams over time due to their rigid nature, which can ultimately compromise the structural integrity of a home or building. Fiber cement siding is resistant to leaking, which makes it a more reliable choice for protecting your home’s structure.
This resilient, rot-resistant cladding also offers superior pest resistance. Unlike wood, which attracts a variety of insects and rodents that can cause major problems for your home’s exterior, fiber cement is unappetizing to termites, wasps, woodpeckers, and other pests. The cladding is also a non-combustible, making it safer for homes located in bushfire prone regions.
Cement board siding is manufactured with a blend of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, and can be made into large sheets or individual planks for installation. It is available in a variety of designs, such as lap and vertical panel siding, ensuring homeowners can find the perfect aesthetic for their property’s exterior. Lap cement siding, for instance, features overlapping horizontal boards, creating a distinctive pattern on the exterior of a home.
Vertical panel siding, on the other hand, offers a modern architectural look by installing panels in a vertical orientation instead of the traditional horizontal position. This style can complement various architectural styles, including modern and contemporary.
While it’s possible for skilled homeowners to install this durable cladding, hiring a professional can be beneficial. Professionals can ensure that all required steps are followed correctly, preventing moisture infiltration and other issues with the material. Additionally, a professional will be able to properly apply a weather barrier and caulking to protect your home from moisture and other potential damage.
Despite the many benefits of cement board, some homeowners are reluctant to choose this material for their exterior due to high costs and perceived difficulty of installation. However, the truth is that cement board is actually more cost-effective than some other siding options and significantly increases your home’s value.