Fiber Cement Siding: What It Is And Why It’s Popular

The Future Of Home Exteriors: Fiber Cement Siding

Are you tired of constantly maintaining your home’s exterior? Do you wish there was a more durable yet stylish option for your home’s siding?

If you’re nodding along, then you’re in the right place.

This blog post will introduce you to the world of fiber cement siding, a game-changer in home exteriors.

By the end, you’ll understand why so many homeowners in Bowie, Maryland, are making the switch to this innovative material (and why you’ll want it for your Bowie home siding installation or replacement project).

What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a revolutionary material that has taken the residential construction industry by storm.

It’s a durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance material that’s perfect for residential houses and some commercial projects.

This siding provides substantial protection against the elements while maintaining some flexibility, making it an ideal choice for homes in various climates, including Bowie, Maryland.

Why Choose Fiber Cement Siding?

When it comes to choosing the right exterior materials for your home, fiber cement siding stands out for several reasons.

This siding combines the performance of masonry—minimal upkeep, rot-, fire-, and termite-proof—with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, and even stone or brick. It’s resilient, requires minimal maintenance, and offers design flexibility that can match any architectural style.

In other words, it’s a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

A Few Words From Integrity Home Pro On Fiber Cement Siding

This premium siding offers great exterior protection as it is a fiber-cement base and offers a look that separates you from the look of any of your neighbors.

Hardi board is available in smooth plank, cedar plank, stucco, or shake looks. The straight cedar plank embossed board is one of the most popular board types, with a 7-inch to 9-inch profile reveal versus the typical 5-inch vinyl siding profiles

Today, customers make a wide variety of color combinations, from warm earth tones to cooler harbor blue with white trim. All coordinating looks will have handsome curb appeal. The pre-painted panels have a 15-year colorfast finish.

As for finishes, the embossed cedar plank is the most popular.

Composition Of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is composed of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers.

These natural fibers provide the siding with flexibility and resilience, while the Portland cement gives it strength and durability. Some manufacturers, like James Hardie, include proprietary additives or use fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning, as a filler to enhance the product’s performance.

This unique composition makes fiber cement siding a reliable and durable choice for your home’s exterior.

Cost Of Fiber Cement Siding

The cost of fiber-cement siding installation in Bowie, MD, can vary based on several factors, including the finish, size, and location.

On average, the fiber cement siding cost ranges from 70 cents to about $15 per square foot uninstalled.

While the upfront expenses might seem considerable, the ongoing maintenance costs are minimal, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Plus, considering the longevity and performance advantages of fiber cement siding, it’s a worthwhile investment for your home.

Longevity Of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is known for its durability.

It’s resistant to elements and pests and requires minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers offer 25 to 50 years of warranties, which speaks volumes about its longevity.

So, when you choose fiber cement siding, you’re not just choosing a siding option; you’re choosing peace of mind for decades to come.

Fire Resistance

One of the standout features of fiber cement siding is its fire resistance.

Unlike vinyl and wood, fiber cement siding is noncombustible. This makes it a safer choice for homes in areas prone to wildfires or for homeowners who simply want to add an extra layer of protection to their homes.

Fiber Cement Board Types

Fiber cement siding comes in various types, including clapboards and shingles, offering a range of styles to suit your home’s architecture.

Clapboards

Also known as lap siding, clapboards are fast to install and look great painted or stained.

They are available in smooth, wood-grain, or rough-sawn surface treatments; in widths from 5¼ to 12 inches; and with a primed or factory-applied finish.

Most clapboards are 5/6 inches thick, though a more wood-like 5/8-inch thickness is available.

Shingles

Fiber cement shingles come as individual shakes and as 4-, 8-, and 12-foot strips, with either wood-grain or hand-split textures and in straight and staggered courses.

You can choose a primed, factory-painted, or stained finish, depending on your preference and your home’s aesthetic.

Styles And Aesthetics Of Fiber Cement Siding

One of the best things about fiber cement siding is its design flexibility. Fiber cement products come in a variety of designs, including:

• Lap Siding: This traditional style mimics the look of wood siding but with the added benefits of fiber cement. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a classic look without the maintenance of wood.
• Plank Siding: Plank siding offers a clean, modern look. It’s available in a variety of widths, allowing for a customizable design.
• Vertical Siding: Vertical siding adds a unique visual interest to your home. It’s a great choice for contemporary homes or to accent certain architectural features.
• Shake Siding: Shake siding gives your home a rustic, charming look. Fiber cement shake siding offers the beauty of traditional shake without the higher maintenance.
• Geometric Pattern Siding: For those looking for a bold, distinctive look, geometric pattern siding is a great choice. It allows for creative and eye-catching designs.

Finishing Options

Fiber cement siding comes in a host of textures and finishes, and it can be tinted to virtually any hue the homeowner desires.

Some fiber cement siding products resemble wood, while others simulate the look of natural fieldstone, stacked flagstone, or brick. This means you can achieve the exact look you want for your home’s exterior, whether that’s a traditional wood finish or a more modern, sleek design.

James Hardie siding has many different options available.

Fiber Cement Siding: A Sustainable Choice

In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever.

Fiber cement siding is a more sustainable option compared to many other types of siding. Some manufacturers use sustainably sourced or recycled wood, and some use fly ash, a byproduct of coal burning, as a filler.

Fiber cement siding is generally free of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and toxic compounds, making it a healthier choice for your home and the environment.

The Versatility Of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding For Different Climates

Fiber cement siding is a versatile material that performs well in a range of climates.

Whether you’re in the arid locales of the West, prone to wildfires, or in the high humidity and bright sun of the coast, fiber cement siding stands up to the challenge. It’s noncombustible, unaffected by strong UV radiation, and resistant to the effects of salt air and high humidity.

In the South, where termites and fungi thrive in the warmth and moisture, fiber cement siding is a superior choice. It provides no nourishment for these pests, ensuring your home’s exterior remains intact and beautiful.

Even in the North, where temperatures can drop below zero, fiber cement siding doesn’t become brittle or crack due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Comparing Fiber Cement To Other Siding Materials

When comparing the cost of siding materials to fiber cement, fiber cement siding holds its own.

It’s practically indestructible and averages about $1.70 per square foot (depending on many cost factors), making it a cost-effective choice for many homeowners. Unlike wood, which is vulnerable to rot, insects, fire, and splitting, fiber cement siding is resilient and long-lasting.

Vinyl siding, while low-maintenance and lightweight, can melt in fires and easily blow off in high winds.

Brick and stone are as resistant to rot, insects, and fire as fiber cement, but they are much heavier and more costly.

Aluminum siding holds paint well and won’t rot or burn, but it dents easily and is difficult to repair.

Stucco is durable and fire-resistant, but it requires skilled installers to trowel it on.

Installation Tips For Fiber Cement Siding

When installing fiber cement siding, it’s important to use rustproof stainless-steel nails, prime all cuts, and caulk joints with a paintable exterior-grade sealant that will remain flexible.

To reduce water absorption, fiber cement has to be installed at least 2 inches above steps, decks, and roofs. It must also be at least 6 inches above grade.

Regularly check joints and recaulk as needed to ensure the longevity of your siding.

Remember, due to its weight and the specialized tools needed to cut and nail it, fiber cement installation is best left to professionals.

Here at Integrity Home Pro, we have the expertise to install fiber cement siding correctly, ensuring it lasts for years to come.

Maintenance Of Fiber Cement Siding

One of the many benefits of fiber cement siding is its low maintenance.

As with wood siding, you’ll want to spray it with a garden hose every 6 to 12 months to keep it clean.

Inspect caulked joints every few years, and be sure to keep foundation plants pruned back so that the siding can dry out.

With these simple maintenance steps for fiber cement siding, you can help it continue to look great and perform well for many years.

Where Fiber Cement Siding Fits

Various House Sizes

Fiber cement siding is available in different sizes to suit your project.

Clapboards are standard at 12 feet in length, while shingles come as individual shakes and as 4-, 8-, and 12-foot strips. This variety allows for customization and ensures that you can find the perfect fit for your home.

Different Architectural House Styles

Whether your home is contemporary or classic, fiber cement siding can complement its architectural style.

With a range of designs, textures, and finishes available, you can achieve the exact look you want. From the clean lines of plank siding for a modern look to the rustic charm of shake siding, fiber cement siding offers design flexibility like no other.

Historic Districts

Due to its ability to mimic the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, stone, or brick, fiber cement siding is even accepted for use in some historic districts.

It allows homeowners to maintain the historic charm of their homes while enjoying the benefits of modern materials.

Fiber Cement Siding: A High-Demand, Premium Product

With its many advantages, fiber cement siding has become a high-demand product for many homeowners.

It’s a premium product that offers a blend of durability, aesthetics, and affordability. Whether you’re renovating an older home or building a new one, fiber cement siding is a choice that you’ll appreciate for many years to come.

Transform Your Home With Integrity Home Pro’s Siding Installation Or Replacement Service

Choosing the right siding for your home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. With fiber cement siding, you can enjoy a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance exterior that stands the test of time.

At Integrity Home Pro, we specialize in high-quality fiber cement siding installation and replacements in Bowie, MD. Our team of experts is ready to help you transform your home with this innovative material.

To get started, fill out our contact form today or give us a call. Your dream home is just a phone call away!