Cement Siding Charleston often referred to as Hardie board by most homeowners, is visually appealing and low-maintenance. It can also help lower your energy costs by preventing heat from escaping your home in the summer and cold air from entering in the winter.
Fiber cement siding is typically less expensive than brick, synthetic stucco and wood options while providing similar or better performance.
Cement siding is a strong, durable material that resists severe weather elements and natural disasters. It’s also impervious to the ravages of woodpeckers, termites and other destructive pests.
It is manufactured using Portland cement, sand and cellulose fibers, which give it added strength. The fibers help the cement resist cracking and are produced through a unique curing process. Unlike some other siding materials, this siding doesn’t absorb moisture, making it resistant to warping, rot and mildew. It can also withstand extreme heat and heavy rains without suffering damage.
The durability of fiber cement siding also means that it will last longer than other types of siding. It’s highly resistant to dents and dings from hail, windblown debris and even the occasional baseball thrown during kids’ backyard games. This advanced protection can ease homeowners’ minds and save them the time, expense and hassle of repairs and replacements.
In fact, many manufacturers offer 30- to 50-year warranties on their products. In addition, fiber cement is a non-combustible material and does not contribute fuel to a fire, so it’s safe to install in high bushfire-prone areas.
It’s important to note that if you choose to have fiber cement siding installed, it should be done by professionals. It requires skill and expertise to properly install, as mistakes can have a dramatic impact on the performance capability of the siding. A professional installer can make sure the job is done correctly the first time, which can ensure your new siding is ready to stand up to the toughest challenges. A professional installer can also ensure that the job is completed quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time and money.
Aesthetics
Unlike vinyl, which is limited in color options and textures, cement siding can mimic the look of many different textures. It’s also durable, and it won’t rot like traditional wood siding will. Because it’s resistant to moisture, it also doesn’t attract termites or carpenter ants like wood can.
Because of its versatility, fiber cement siding is a great choice for homeowners looking to experiment with their exterior design. It’s available in a wide range of colors and surface styles, from smooth planks to stucco and authentic-looking cedar shingles. It can be used on both the walls and roofs of homes, and even as soffits. Soffits are the underside of roof overhangs, protecting them from water damage and allowing for attic ventilation. Fiber cement soffits are made from the same material as the siding to provide a uniform look.
The different textured surfaces of fiber cement also help add interest to the home’s exterior. It can be molded into various shapes to create unique designs. For example, the angled panels that interlock with each other and have contrasting joints here are a fun way to draw the eye up the building’s center.
Because of the way it looks, cement is a popular siding option for craftsman-style homes. It’s often paired with clapboard siding on the first story and shingle siding on the second to create a distinctive, transitional style. It’s also a good alternative to wood in areas that experience heavy snowfall. Cement won’t rot or suffer from water damage like wood does in these conditions, and it also resists wind-driven debris. It would take a serious storm to knock down fiber cement siding. In addition to this, it is also fireproof and insulating.
Energy Efficiency
Cement siding has many options available for those looking to customize their home design. It can be used to provide the foundation for a contemporary look, or can be paired with window casings and trim to create an updated traditional aesthetic. It can also be accented with contrasting joints to highlight the style of the individual panels. The versatility of cement siding allows homeowners to make their home a true reflection of themselves and not just a cookie-cutter model.
In addition to the ability to customize a home’s exterior, cement siding is energy efficient. By pairing it with insulation and weather barriers, homeowners can reduce their energy bills by limiting the amount of time they spend using their heating and cooling systems.
As a result of its composition, fiber cement siding is also an eco-friendly choice. It is made of sand, water and cellulose wood fibers which makes it very similar in appearance to natural wood, but does not contribute to global deforestation. Unlike vinyl, it is also not a source of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Additionally, fiber cement siding is resistant to harsh environmental factors like hail and extreme heat and humidity. It is also impact-resistant and can resist rot and salt damage. Fiber cement is even less likely to be damaged by fungus and mildew than other types of sidings.
Some brands, such as James Hardie, produce siding that is specifically designed with different climates in mind. These products are known as HardieZone. Typically, they contain more cement and other components than others to better suit specific regions. They also come in a variety of colors and finishes. Some are prepainted, and only need to be repainted every 15 years, while others will need painting in five to 10 years.
Eco-Friendliness
Cement siding is a green building option for homeowners. It uses less water than regular cement in production and is a more sustainable material than wood or vinyl. The longer lifespan of the material means homeowners won’t need to replace or repair it as often, so it doesn’t contribute to the waste produced by frequent discards.
The primary materials used to make fiber cement include sand, recycled wood, and cellulose, all of which are eco-friendly when sourced from reputable companies. The James Hardie company, for example, sources 90% of its materials from local vendors and works to reduce waste through recycling initiatives. Trim cuttings and discarded siding can be recycled into new fiber cement siding for installation, which helps to reduce waste accumulation in landfills.
A major difference between fiber cement and other types of siding is that it is non-combustible. This helps to prevent fires from spreading to other parts of the house and also makes it unappealing to wildlife like woodpeckers and termites.
Another feature that can help to make fiber cement siding eco-friendly is its resistance to moisture. This helps to prevent mold growth and also extends the lifespan of the siding. This is especially important in areas where humidity is high or where there are frequent rain showers.
Lastly, the installation process of fiber cement siding is easier than many other siding options. While it does require specialized contractors to work with the material, it is not nearly as labor-intensive as other sidings such as vinyl and aluminum. It can be purchased in pre-cut sizes or cut on-site, which helps to limit the amount of wasted material during installation. In addition, it is very easy to paint, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their home without wasting excess siding material.
Maintenance
Cement siding is a good choice for homeowners who want to cut back on maintenance costs. While not indestructible-that’s a myth about any type of siding-fiber cement does not require the regular repainting or touch-ups to keep it looking pristine that other materials often need.
It’s also resistant to rot and deterioration from salt, and it won’t be harmed by woodpeckers or termites, or eaten by animals. The material is incredibly strong, and it can withstand high winds that damage other types of siding.
Fiber cement is made from Portland cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It is cured with a special mix that prevents cracking and adds strength. This makes it more durable than vinyl and less prone to fading from the sun. In fact, manufacturers offer warranties that go up to 50 years for most of their products.
The material is also a good choice for those who live in snowy climates. Cement siding resists water damage that occurs from melted snow and rain, and it can hold up to heavy windstorms. It’s also fire-resistant and noncombustible, which gives it an edge over traditional siding options in fire prone areas.
Although it can be installed by DIYers, it’s best to hire a professional. They can shape the siding into unique designs for a custom look and help ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to get the most energy efficiency out of it. In addition, they’ll know the proper tools and safety protocols for working with fiberglass.
James Hardie is the world leader in fiber cement siding. Their product combines the durability of concrete with the color and beauty of wood, and it’s made from recycled and sustainable sources. They source 90 percent of their materials locally and employ waste minimization and solid waste recycling technologies to support “zero landfill” initiatives. Their production process also uses fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning, in place of some of the sand and silica typically used to make the product.