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Fiber cement siding is a durable and low-maintenance material that is commonly used to cover the exterior of houses and, in some cases, commercial buildings. It’s manufactured with cellulose fibers, along with cement and sand, making it long-lasting and durable.
How long will fiber cement siding last?
With the proper care, your James Hardie fiber cement siding will outlast its 30-year warranty. It can even last up to 50 years if cared for properly.
What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?
Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.
What is cement fiber board siding?
Fiber cement siding is a durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance material that’s used on residential houses and some commercial projects. It’s a semi-rigid material that provides substantial protection, while still maintaining some flexibility.
How strong is fiber cement siding?
Indeed, manufacturers’ warranties attest to the product’s durability, with 30- to 50-year warranties being the norm. Fiber cement siding has the durability of cement, a class 1A fire rating, is impervious to wood-boring insects, does not rot, and is resistant to deterioration from salt and ultraviolet rays.
What are the pros and cons of fiber cement siding?
Fiber Cement Pros and Cons Maintenance: this siding is resistant to insects, fungus, and UV damage. Durability: this type of siding holds up well over time and resists fire, making it one of the more durable siding materials on the market.
What is not a benefit of fiber cement siding?
One of the supposed biggest disadvantages of contractors installing fiber cement siding is how difficult it is to work with. Granted the material doesn’t cut as fast as vinyl or aluminum and the long pieces are more brittle than wood but labor costs and resources aren’t that increased.
Is fiber cement siding the same as hardiplank?
Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with Portland cement.
Which type of siding is best?
Types of Siding Materials: Siding Type Options Durability Vinyl Excellent 20-30 years Aluminum & Steel Good 30-50 years Fiber Cement & Composite Good 35-50 years Wood Excellent 50+.
How often should fiber cement siding be painted?
If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don’t need to worry about painting it when it’s time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation. For both types, a new paint job can be done every 10 to 15 years.
How do I know if I have fiber cement siding?
The key to tell if you have fiber cement siding is to check for a wood-grain pressing. Older models of asbestos siding used a similar approach to make the siding look natural—which makes sense, because fiber cement siding was made to replace asbestos.
Is fiber cement siding waterproof?
The HardiePlank siding is made with a human-made mix of strong materials and wood fiber for years of worry-free, maintenance-free service. Fiber cement siding is waterproof, fire-resistant, and insectproof.
Is fiber cement siding expensive?
Fiber cement siding costs $5 to $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. The price for materials equals $1 and $15 per square foot. The labor cost ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot.
Does fiber cement siding increase home value?
It is estimated that fiber cement siding will add 10-15% to the value of homes and is highly sought after by home buyers or real estate appraisers. Think about it—great curb appeal can chase away all the wrong potential buyers or attract just the right homebuyer.
Does fiber cement siding require maintenance?
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance material, fiber cement siding is a great choice. You only need to do most maintenance tasks once a year, and you can tackle big projects like exterior painting once a decade or when the mood strikes.
How do you care for fiber cement siding?
How to Maintain Fiber Cement Siding Fiber Cement: A Low-Maintenance Material. Inspect the Caulking Regularly to Keep Moisture Protection High. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts. Keep Siding Clean to Prevent Problems Down the Line. Fiber Cement Must Be Repainted.
Is fiber cement siding termite proof?
Why Use Fiber Cement Siding? It’s the only type of siding that combines the performance of masonry—minimal upkeep; rot-, fire-, and termite-proof; unaffected by wind or cold—with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, even stone or brick.
What are the disadvantages of cement board?
It is costly when installing a fiber cement board siding. Because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install, labor costs are expensive. It can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding for installation cost alone.
Is fiber cement siding flexible?
Wood pulp keeps the fiber cement siding planks flexible. Sand is mixed in to give the cement a thicker texture. The cement binds all the ingredients together. Once a slurry has formed, the mixture is put into molds that form planks.
Do termites eat Hardie board?
Hardie Board siding resists pests including termites and carpenter ants. It’s also woodpecker resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the hassles of repairing termite or woodpecker damage.
Does fiber cement board expand and contract?
Fiber cement boards don’t expand and contract much, but leave a little room for expansion at the end joints and then fill the gap with caulk. Butt joints, however, should be nailed tightly together and should not be caulked.
Can you pressure wash cement board siding?
Do not use a high-pressure hose to clean fiber cement siding. This is one of the few ways that you can damage it. If you feel that you need to use a pressure washer, especially on harder to reach locations, only use it at a low pressure — under 1500 psi — with a wide tip.
