QA

What Is Fiber Cement Siding Made Of

Fiber cement is made up of a few simple ingredients: Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers.

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.

Is fiber cement siding the same as Masonite siding?

Masonite siding is essentially like particle board, which is very cheap to make. James Hardie’s fiber cement siding is definitely a bit pricier. This is because it is made to last. The durability and low maintenance qualities of this siding make it a better investment.

Is fiber cement siding a good choice?

Overall, fiber cement siding gives homeowners the best value long-term. Before you have any siding installed, always weigh the pros and cons. Brick and stone siding are resistant to rotting, fire, and insects just like fiber cement siding. The downside is that it’s heavier and more costly than fiber cement siding.

Is fiber cement siding the same as Hardie board?

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. It is also installed in much the same way as traditional lapboard or wood siding, as it is nailed directly to your home.

What are the pros and cons of fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement board has all the benefits of other sidings with few disadvantages. Installation of fiber cement board siding is costly. Labor costs are higher because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install. Cost can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding.

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.

When did builders stop using Masonite siding?

As a result of the lawsuit, nearly all manufacturers stopped producing Masonite siding and, in March 2001, the Masonite Corporation announced its decision to phase out production of all hardboard siding products.

Why was Masonite siding discontinued?

It was “supposed” to be lower maintenance than its counterparts and last longer; however, time showed that this product was not living up to its hype. After about 20 years and class-action lawsuits, it is no longer manufactured.

What is Hardie board siding made out of?

Hardie Board remains the number one siding in America and continues to be the top of the line fiber cement siding. Fiber cement is a composite material comprised of cellulose wood fibers, sand, and water. As such, it is a durable material designed to mimic wood.

What are the cons of fiber cement siding?

List of the Cons of Fiber Cement Siding It is not available for direct order from the manufacturer. It comes with a higher labor cost than other materials. It requires you to re-paint the siding at some point during its lifetime. It is not a recyclable material.

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.

How often do you have to paint fiber cement siding?

However, to keep your fiber cement siding looking and working its best, it’s essential to repaint it every 10 years or so and performing basic repairs to cracks or splits in the fiber cement and caulking regularly.

Is fiber cement better than brick?

Brick and fiber cement are both durable materials. Brick is known to be an attractive exterior option for homes, whether they be historic homes or new construction. However, fiber cement siding also provides a durable exterior with more options to improve curb appeal. It is also more affordable to install than brick.

Does fiber cement siding absorb water?

Fiber Cement Absorbs Moisture Absorptive claddings like fiber cement can hold moisture, leading to panel damage, rot, and even mold problems. Close attention must be paid to all required gap clearances between rooflines and decks during installation, to not put fiber cement in continued contact with more moisture.

Which is better Hardie board or vinyl siding?

To start, vinyl can become more brittle with age and exposure to the elements. It can be damaged by wind debris, hail or any number of other external forces and may crack, buckle and warp with changing temperatures. By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding.

Is fiber cement good for exterior walls?

Fiber cement is long lasting and provides excellent overall value. Generally, it costs less than brick, synthetic stucco and some wood siding options. It’s typically equally or less expensive than hardboard or composite siding, and more expensive than vinyl.

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.

Is fiber cement board water resistant?

Fibre cement cladding is very durable because it is water resistant and does not rot, warp or crack. It is also resistant to termites, woodpeckers and other pests.