Today, many homeowners are finding that exterior
siding can be a viable method to enhance both the appearance and the value of
their home. Exterior siding, sometimes called cladding or clapboard is the
outermost layer of material on a home. There are a variety of types of siding
ranging from popular vinyl sidings, to aluminum, wood, and natural or cultured
stone.
However, the newest and currently best-received exterior siding alternative is
fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie siding, is the
most popular brand of siding in North America. In fact, a recent study has
shown that, of homeowners who have recently purchased vinyl siding for their
homes, about 50% of them say they would have chosen fiber cement siding over
vinyl, had they been better informed. |
|
|
What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of sand, cement, and cellulose
fibers, which is then blended with water, waxes, and resins. The material is
then autoclaved, a process in which the mixture is subjected to highly
pressurized steam that presses the material into its final form. This autoclave
procedure provides increased strength and durability to the final product.
Fiber cement siding is normally manufactured into a much thicker and more
durable product than its vinyl counterparts. While this increased thickness will
add more weight to your home, it will also provide more protection.
Problems with Vinyl Siding
While vinyl siding is the most commonly known and most inexpensive siding
alternative, it presents a host of problems and tribulations to the homeowner.
For instance, since vinyl siding is not tightly secured to the walls of the
building, gaps are left in which insects and moisture may accumulate and create
problems down the line.
Also, vinyl siding is extremely flammable and can catch on fire or melt if to
close to a flame or other heat source, such as a barbeque grill or even a
reflective light source. In addition, vinyl siding will fade over time from
exposure to the sun. When faded, it is often difficult to find replacement
panels that will match your existing vinyl siding shade and color. Vinyl siding
is also infamous for not being able to be painted with quality results. While
paint may be applied to the vinyl, the paint very rarely holds on the plastic
and will most likely peel and crack.
Vinyl siding is extremely thin, sometimes only 5/100” thick. This leads to
structural inadequacies, so the siding is more prone to damage from being struck
by objects, weather, and temperature changes. The vinyl siding may crack, split,
or become misshapen.
About the Author:
Budda Oliver is a marketing agent of Blue Ridge Exteriors. The James Hardie
siding contractor provides siding in Richmond Virginia. For more information on
their
Hardie siding
products please visit their website.
Find Siding Service Contractors. Get Up to 4 Quotes Now. It's Quick, Free, and Easy!
Related Advice and Tips:
About Siding
Exterior
Siding
Vinyl Siding
Care for
Vinyl Siding
Painting
Aluminum and Vinyl Siding
Certified
Vinyl Siding
Exterior
Trim
DVD Siding
Installation
Fiber Cement
Siding
How to
Choose Home Siding
All About
Vinyl Siding
What is
Fiber Cement Siding?
How to
Replace and Repair Damaged Siding
|
