Fiber cement siding is a man-made material. It is made with four ingredients. Those four ingredients are water (dissolves the wood pulp, and activates/hardens cement), wood pulp (for flexibility and resilience), fly ash or sand (acts as a filler), and Portland cement (made up of limestone, clay, and iron—it acts as a binding agent). It can mimic stucco, shingles, masonry, or clapboard.
Fiber cement siding is available in a variety of colors, profiles, and finishes. This allows you to create a unique look for you home.
The profiles available include clapboard (smooth and woodgrain finish), shingles (strips and individual shingles), and panels. There are styles that resemble wood, brick, stucco, and stone. Plus, it costs a fraction of the real thing.
Pros of Fiber Cement:
- Fiber cementis fire-proof, rot-proof, and termite-proof.
- Low maintenance—fiber cement needs hosed off once or twice a year to keep it clean. You should also inspect grout joins every few years.
- Fiber Cement is water-resistant.
- Unaffected by below-zero temperatures. Fiber cement will not crack or become brittle because of freeze-thaw cycles.
Cons of Fiber Cement:
- Fiber cement siding is one of the least expensive options, but it will still cost about twice as much as vinyl.
- Fiber cement siding is much heavier than vinyl siding.
- Needs to be painted—this can be done before or after installation.
- Not exactly eco-friendly—but it is more eco-friendly than vinyl siding.
If you are thinking of replacing your siding, Shakespeare Home Improvement has a great selection to choose from. We offer Ply Gem Mastic and Certainteed siding, making sure you will always find a siding that you are in love with. Contact us today for a free estimate.
For more information on other types of exterior home coverings, check out out blog about the ins and outs of siding here.