Old, worn-out siding opens the door to water intrusion, rot, and mold in your walls. And stucco is so porous that moisture can invade subtly and cause significant damage before you even realize you have a problem.
The good news is fiber cement siding is a moisture-resistant, durable, low-maintenance product you can count on! You’ll never have to deal with water penetration if you choose this outstanding, trustworthy exterior material.
Read on to discover the multiple benefits of fiber cement siding for your home.
10 Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
1. Provides Trustworthy Protection for Your Home
Fiber cement’s makeup is so strong that it lasts decades! Defending homes against snow, rain, hail, high winds, and severe weather, fiber cement stands up to the elements. Made of Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water, this outstanding material delivers exceptional protection for your home. (Note: its composition varies depending on who manufactures it.) The James Hardie company’s formulation includes proprietary additives that maximize product performance.
2. Handles Extreme Temperatures Easily
Many homes have stucco exteriors that cannot handle Pennsylvania’s exceptionally hot summers or super cold winters and eventually require what’s called stucco remediation. That’s why fiber cement is a much better choice than stucco.
Fiber cement can handle dramatic temperature changes with ease. Unlike vinyl, fiber cement does not become brittle in cold weather. It easily stands up to below-zero temperatures and won’t crack because of our freeze-thaw cycles, making it a dependable choice.
3. Safeguards Your Home with Fire Resistance
Non-combustible fiber cement siding won’t ignite when it’s exposed to a direct flame and won’t fuel a fire. In the unlikely event of a house fire, fiber cement increases the amount of time you have to get your family to safety. Check with your insurance company because they may even provide a discounted rate when you cover your home with this durable siding product.
4. Provides Moisture Resistance You Can Count On
Fiber cement stands up to water intrusion, safeguarding your home from deterioration, rot, and mold. When you cover your home with this durable product, you literally get to avoid the hassles invading moisture causes. If you’ve had stucco damage in the past, or water saturated wood siding, you understand the huge benefit it is to be shielded from it.
5. Resists Pests and Damage from Woodpeckers
There’s no need to worry about carpenter ants or termite infestation when you choose durable fiber cement as your home’s protective layer. In fact, there’s nothing about fiber cement’s makeup that attracts damaging pests to your home. And woodpeckers will stay away from your dwelling as well because this amazing siding material doesn’t even remotely resemble the wood they are looking for to nest in or store food.
6. Delivers Low Maintenance Throughout Its Lifespan
Fiber cement is so durable that it requires almost no maintenance throughout its life. Simply wash it twice a year with mild soap, a medium bristle nylon brush, and a garden hose. (Resist the idea of washing it with a power washer to avoid damaging it.)
Make sure your landscaping stays trimmed back so your siding can dry out after a storm. And every few years, take a look at your new siding’s caulking around windows and doors. If it deteriorates over time, simply apply a fresh coat of caulk from your local hardware store. That’s it!
7. Is So Durable That It Lasts up to 50 Years!
When installed properly and maintained well throughout its life, James Hardie fiber cement can last up to 50 years! That means this may be the last time you need to replace your home’s siding, saving you time and money in the long run.
8. Comes with An Outstanding Warranty
Fiber cement products are so well made that they typically come with a substantial warranty. The companies who make this robust siding know just how good it is, and are consequently super generous in its warranty length. James Hardie fiber cement comes with a hefty 30-year non-prorated, transferable warranty.
9. Creates the Perfect, Customizable Style for Your Home
You’ll bring out the best in your home’s looks with fiber cement siding. It not only delivers optimal performance but also creates the beauty you desire for your home’s exterior. Architects and designers love this versatile siding; it pleases those with even the most distinct taste.
It comes in traditional horizontal lap siding as well as vertical contemporary panels. It can even mimic the look of stucco or cedarwood (minus their need for maintenance and repairs), and has high-end, visually appealing specialty lines such as the Hardie company’s Asprye® Collection complete with Artisan V-Groove siding.
10. Is Installed Best by the Pros
When you choose fiber cement siding, realize that it’s a heavy material that is difficult to handle when placed on your home. It’s recommended that you leave its installation to a professional contractor who has experience with this particular material. You will enjoy fabulous long-term results when you hire a reputable team to your fiber cement siding—and their meticulous work will ensure your warranty is honored.
Discover the Beauty and Durability of Fiber Cement Siding
At Porter Family Exteriors, we understand how important it is to get the best return on investment from your home remodel. We work with you to ensure you arrive at the finest possible decision for your needs. Style, material, and energy efficiency are all factors that come into play, and our team has the knowledge and experience to help you get exactly what you’ll love—long-term!
With our 3-D visualizer tool, you can design your home exterior with replacement siding, trim, and accessories to envision the new home style you’ve dreamed of.
Learn more about how our fiber cement siding services can transform your home to beautiful!