In choosing materials for your home’s exterior, some considerations, such as durability, aesthetics, and value, must be factored in. Among those choices available in the market, fiber cement has gained popularity among many homeowners as it serves the purpose of style, strength, and low maintenance. Fiber cement siding adds durability and versatility to a property, which is a wise investment for improving its curb appeal. Focusing on improving the longevity of your property, this type of siding is well worth the money.
In the following parts of this article, we will explore the benefits of using fiber cement over other siding materials and why it’s better than traditional ones.
- Unmatched Durability
The most basic yet vital advantage of fiber cement siding is its durability. Composed of a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, this material is built to last the harshest weather conditions. Whether you are combating harsh rain, heavy snow, strong winds, or unbearable heat, fiber cement siding holds up far better than its wood and vinyl siding counterparts.
For example, fiber siding lasts between 30 and 50 years with little to no maintenance, which is an impressive contrast to wood sidings that only survive 15-20 years before needing a replacement. The best feature about fiber sidings that sets them apart is that they are not susceptible to cracks, warps, or rotting. This provides a dependable long-term solution and protection.
- Enhanced Fire Resistance
Safety is of utmost importance to homeowners, and fiber cement performs excellently in this category. Unlike wood or vinyl siding, which is flammable, fiber cement does not ignite and is significantly fire-resistant. It is perfect for houses in areas at risk of wildfires or regions with stringent fire safety regulations.
As per the National Fire Protection Association, using various non-combustible substances such as fiber cement helps significantly mitigate property damage during a fire. Its Class A fire rating offers comfort and makes your home much safer.
- Low Maintenance Requirements
Cleaning the outer parts of your house is a very time-consuming and expensive process, but with fiber cement siding, you will save a lot on repairs and effort compared to wood or vinyl. Almost no maintenance is done on fiber cement since it does not rot, break, or bend.
Therefore, regular repairs and replacements will no longer be a constant source of stress.
All it takes to make your fiber cement siding look spectacular is a quick wash with a garden hose and some soap twice a year. You won’t even need to stress about irons since many manufacturers offer warranties lasting up to 30 years, with utmost certainty.
- Versatility in Design
Fiber cement is widely known for its wide range of designs and is perfect for giving homeowners a variety of styles, colors, and textures.
Fiber cement can take on a classic wooden grain, sleek and modern smooth panels, or even a custom bold color while still matching desired aesthetics.
It is essential to highlight that fiber cement does so without the downsides that come with wood, like weathering or pests. This protection ensures a high-end look without compromising appearance, durability, or performance.
Improvements in Resistance to Pests and Rot
Fiber cement siding is immune to pests, a common concern among homeowners using wood, such as termites or carpenter ants. The threats to which fiber cement is exposed are minimal, considering its siding composition form is inorganic. Apart from ensuring your siding remains in one piece, it also keeps the home protected.
Moreover, fiber cement is impervious to moisture, meaning that it is an ideal choice for humid areas that receive a lot of rain. Because fiber cement does not swell or degrade over time, the exterior of your home remains attractive and robust.
- Fend off Pests and Rot-Causing Bacteria with Ease
Termites, carpenter ants, and pests of all kinds are a headache for homeowners with wood siding. Fortunately, fiber cement eliminates the problem. Due to its inorganic composition, infesting pests do not cause damage, which means this type of siding guarantees protection for your house.
Moreover, fiber cement is rot-resistant and highly resistant to moisture, so it is suitable for climates with high humidity or constant heavy rain. It will not rot or expand like wood, so its use on a home guarantees the home’s exterior looks good and remains sturdy for many years.
- Better Energy Efficiency
It is known that fiber cement is not an insulator, but it has a good thermal performance when coupled with other energy-efficient materials. When paired with appropriate insulation, fiber cement siding does wonders in managing constant indoor temperatures, reducing the amount used by heating and cooling systems.
The US Department of Energy states that improving one’s insulation, as well as the surrounding structures, can result in energy bills being reduced by up to 15%. This means that if fiber cement is selected as part of your energy-efficient plan, these savings are likely to be achieved while increasing comfort in the home.
- Eco-Friendly Alternative
Fiber cement is a sustainable building material for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Using panels for Fiber Cement Siding, his building method uses less waste and natural resources. It also increases durability, meaning it is not frequently replaced, thus minimizing manufacturing and waste disposal.
Manufacturers are focused on eco-friendliness by using recycled raw materials and fiber cement, so by choosing this option, you lower your carbon emissions while purchasing a new side. This makes fiber cement siding one of the most sought-after resources due to its strength and energy efficiency.
- Increased Property Value
The first benefit is the increase in property value. This type of siding is a clever decision due to economic considerations. For one, houses with fiber cement siding have high resale value as they are very pleasing to the eye, are strong, and require no maintenance.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Losing Balance Issues for the Cost Report, owners of homes who replace their siding with fiber cement will be able to recover up to 77% of the installation cost upon resale. It is one of the best improvements to get for increasing your home’s market value.
- Exceptional Warranty Coverage
Many manufacturers of Fiber Cement Siding offer exceptional warranties that demonstrate faith in the durability of the product. Regarding Fiber Cement Siding, the warranties usually last about 30 years, along with a guarantee of 15-year enhancement of factory finishes.
This type of warranty is bound to give you energy as you’re confident your investment is free from defects and wear during the warranted time.
It further emphasizes the adeptness and superiority of fiber cement as siding.
Final Thoughts
For many homeowners who wish to improve the exterior of their house, fiber cement siding proves to be the perfect choice since it combines durability with beauty and good performance. Fiber cement offers value for many years and provides reassurance because of its ability to withstand fire, insects, terrible weather, low maintenance, and design flexibility.
