50% of US homeowners are now choosing fiber cement siding for their new homes, so you may already know about its growing popularity over wood and vinyl. In 2021, the fiber cement market stood at $3.96 billion, and by 2028, it is expected to touch $6.23 billion– that’s almost double!
But what’s the reason behind its growth?
If you are curious about fiber cement siding, you must have many questions: Why do people prefer fiber cement siding? Is it worth the investment? What are some essential things homeowners should know before they choose it?
This article will be extremely helpful if you want answers to the questions above. Now, let’s take a look at three crucial details you’ll be learning by the end:
- Ingredients of fiber cement siding.
- What leads to its invention?
- Its pros and cons for homeowners.
Let’s start with the backstory of fiber cement siding to better understand its value for your home.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
As you know, siding covers your home’s exterior to protect it from weather damage. Until 1980, people had options like wood, stucco, cement, brick, and vinyl. Fiber cement is an evolution of the siding industry. James Hardie Corp. invented this unique material to build advanced siding boards.
Its revolutionary composition contains cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers; however, the ingredients may change based on the manufacturer. James Hardie has a patent over the original composition, which includes Portland cement, for maximum performance.
What Led To Its Invention?
Before fiber cement, asbestos fibers were common in siding products. Manufacturers used asbestos for extra strength, resilience, and durability. When its harmful effects came to light in the 1900s, asbestos was forever banned from the US manufacturing industries. That’s when James Hardie Corp. invented fiber cement siding for superior protection, high durability, and zero health hazards.
Within ten years of its launch, the product became famous throughout North America, leaving behind vinyl and wood siding. Let’s take a look at the reasons for its rapid success.
Why Are Homeowners Shifting To Fiber Cement Siding?
If people find a more beneficial product, they will naturally select it instead of others that are available. That’s why most homeowners are now choosing fiber cement siding. Below are the benefits of fiber cement over vinyl, wood, cement, brick, and stucco:
Pros
Fiber cement siding is incredibly durable, weather resistant, and comes in appealing patterns- the biggest reasons behind the surge. However, many people don’t know the specific pros and cons of fiber cement siding.
Incredible durability: How long does fiber cement siding last? This is the first question people ask us. According to reports, fiber cement siding can last 50 to 100 years, and they are virtually maintenance free. This is a common feature that most homeowners appreciate. However, it depends on the climate. The product you choose, and installation quality.
High weather resistance: If you live in a state like Ohio, you’ll enjoy the additional benefits of this material. Fiber cement is highly resistant to water, heat, fire, wind, and impact– the best qualities for protection against tornadoes, hail, heavy rain, snow, and long, hot summers.
Low cost: Fiber cement is an affordable and more appealing replacement for brick and stucco siding. It has many advantages over wood and brick siding, and it costs less than the two materials. Homeowners can choose from a variety of designs and colors to match their home’s aesthetics. You can even get it in authentic wood and brick finishes.
Insurance discount: If you have a house in a fire-prone region, many insurance companies may offer you a discount on fiber cement siding. It is time tested for best performance in cold climates too!
Energy efficient: Fiber cement siding is much more energy efficient than stucco and cement. It facilitates ventilation and insulation, which keeps the house cool in summers and warm in winters.
Low maintenance: Since fiber cement siding is prone to every weather condition, you don’t have to worry about siding damage. It also repels pests and does not rot like wood or crack like vinyl. Moreover, pre-stained siding boards can remain colorfast for 20 years!
These qualities are enough to attract homeowners searching for beautiful, long-lasting siding at reasonable costs. But before you move on, it’s essential to know some key factors that influence the performance of fiber cement siding.
Cons
While there are no significant cons to fiber cement siding, there are some crucial details that every homeowner should know.
Costs more than vinyl: Some people may feel fiber cement is costly. So, how much does fiber cement siding cost? On average, installing fiber cement siding costs around $13,000. But according to your home size, it may range from $3,500 to $38,000. If you’ve been using plastic (vinyl or PVC) siding, it is natural to feel that fiber cement costs higher.
However, the manufacturer’s warranty, insurance benefits, low maintenance, and other qualities compensate for the initial cost of fiber cement siding. So, in the long run, you may find it more rewarding than other siding materials.
Painting: The color will last for 20 years when you buy manufacturer-stained siding boards. Many homeowners wonder can you paint fiber cement siding on-site? The answer is: Yes; however, if you paint a new color over it, that paint may last for only 10 years.
Manufacturer matters: Like any other product, fiber cement siding will be at its finest only when you choose a good quality manufacturer and installer. That’s why experienced and honest contractors give more weight to Hardie Board, so it may be best to go with James Hardie Siding and a contractor that has experience working with this material. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a market full of shoddy contractors and under-performing products.
Looking For A Trustworthy Siding Contractor?
If you live in Western Ohio, we’ve got you covered. All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters is one of the most notable and trustworthy companies in the area. You can find our name shining among the prestigious contractors on National Roofing Contractors Association, Better Business Bureau, and Home Advisor.
We have been installing fiber cement siding for years. At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we aim to educate people about the roofing and exterior industry, so they can make better decisions. To learn more about siding boards, you can read our article, where our experts discuss the top six siding options.
If you think we can help you, call us at (937) 902-2839 for a free consultation. We hope you find this article helpful, and we are happy to be a part of your home improvement project.
