What looks just like wood, feels just like wood, but isn’t wood? In the world of siding, the answer is fiber cement. Fiber cement siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, all of which are pressurized with steam to create a solid material. Since fiber cement tends to be a less common choice among consumers, Ruben Jeruco of New Jersey-based Jeruco Exteriors likes to review the pluses and minuses inherent in fiber cement siding so that his customers can decide if it’s the right option for them.
There are several advantages to fiber cement siding. As a material, fiber cement looks great, and since it’s available in a variety of colors and patterns (such as horizontal versus vertical), it offers the homeowner the opportunity to create a unique look for his house’s exterior. Fiber cement is also very solid. The components involved in fiber cement allow it to better withstand extreme weather conditions and bouts of intense humidity, which is something that other types of siding cannot claim. Fiber cement siding is also resistant to mold. And unlike wood, it doesn’t rot, warp, or attract insects. The result is a clean product that offers the same attractive look of wood without all the hassle.
On the siding maintenance scale, fiber cement falls somewhere in the middle, requiring some, but not a lot, of maintenance throughout the years. Since the material is good at holding paint, paint chips, wear and tear, and fading do not come into the picture until many years down the road. In fact, Jeruco Exteriors offers its customers a 15-year finish warranty on fiber cement siding to highlight this very benefit. Finally, fiber cement is considered a more environmentally-friendly product than some of its siding material counterparts, making it an appealing option for those looking to go green.
However, before you sign up for fiber cement siding, you should know that it does come with a few disadvantages. First, fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl and wood, so be prepared for the added cost. Fiber cement siding also does not have any insulating properties, so there won’t be much in the way of energy savings throughout the years. Finally, although fiber cement siding does not require as much maintenance as some other types of siding, it does need to be repainted at some point down the line. According to Jeruco, sometimes even this slight degree of maintenance can be off-putting to some. If a customer seems truly resistant to maintenance, then Jeruco might recommend vinyl siding over fiber cement.
At the end of the day, each type of available siding material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and fiber cement siding is no exception. If you’re considering having fiber cement siding installed, then get all of the facts from your contractor before making a decision. Remember, siding is a long-term investment, so take the time to choose the material that best suits your needs and get ready to enjoy your home from an all-new perspective.
