The Pros of Fiber Cement Siding

The modern version of fiber cement cladding dates back to the 1980s, and there is a new process to fabricate fiber cement board without asbestos commonly used in cement siding of yesteryear.A man-made material composed of a blend of cement, silica and natural cellulose fibers, the mixture is pressed wet into molds to form clapboard planks or shingles sized for use as exterior patterned wall siding.

Once cured, before shipping the product may be painted in a variety of desirable exterior colors. If not painted at the factory, it will be given a primer coat and can then be painted onsite after installation. Fiber cement siding is manufactured in several textures from a contemporary smooth finish to a rough, rustic wood appearance.

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

Durability

Just the name—“fiber cement”—has an industrial-strength ring to it. Indeed, this product is considered the most resistant to common enemies of residential siding. The material doesn’t rot or warp and is crack-resistant. UV exposure does not degrade it and it resists hail, snow and ice. Wind is not a threat: In locales that experience a high incidence of hurricanes or tornadoes, many local building codes actually specify the use of fiber cement siding.  Pests that attack conventional wood siding, notably termites and woodpeckers, show no interest in fiber cement.

Environmentally Neutral

In finished form, fiber cement siding isn’t recyclable, per se. However, unlike PVC siding, a petroleum product that breaks down and releases toxins inside landfills, the ingredients of fiber cement siding are considered environmentally inert and do not degrade into damaging substances.

Longevity

Fiber cement siding typically offers an estimated maximum 50-year service life for non-backcoated product and 75 years for backcoated versions. Warranty coverage for the product typically extends from 30 to 50 years. If the siding was painted during the original manufacturing process, the factory coat of paint may also carry a guarantee against fading, peeling, chips and other defects for a specific span of years, usually around 15.

Fire Safety

This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. Wood siding adds more fuel and more flame to a house fire. PVC vinyl siding requires temperatures around 700 degrees to actually ignite, however, it melts and falls off the house at temperatures as low as only 165 degrees. Fiber cement siding is generally unaffected by both heat and flame. It has a Class 1(A) rating for fire/flame spread, the highest available rating.