7 Reasons to Consider Fiber Cement Siding For Your Home
Jeff Petrucci
President at Bloomfield Construction & Restoration. Specializing in Multi Family Roofing ??Fire ?? Flood ??Restore Expert
New siding is a great way to improve the appearance, integrity and value of your home! When selecting the right material, homeowners want to keep expenses down without compromising on the property’s aesthetics. But, which siding material is best?
In recent years, fiber cement siding’s popularity has increased — providing homeowners with a beautiful, long-lasting solution. About 20% of newly built homes are now using the material, and owners of older homes increasingly use it during siding replacements. When talking to homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan, our team is often asked what the advantages of fiber cement siding are compared to options like vinyl or wood. Here’s what we tell them:
7 Reasons to Consider Fiber Cement Siding For Your Home
1. Durable & Low Maintenance
Fiber cement siding is built to last. Warranties can cover the product for up to 30 years and transfer to new homeowners. The siding’s ability to hold paint reduces maintenance costs; pre-painted James Hardie, for example, comes with a 15-year guarantee on its finish. New technologies have added a fade-resistance to fiber cement siding. Resealing or repaint every few years is not required as it is with wood, stucco or aluminum siding.
Regular care is a breeze, especially when compared to wood or shakes. Homeowners simply spray the exterior of their home with a garden hose once or twice a year and use a non-scratch sponge to get debris off.
2. Increase Your Home’s Value
Curb appeal is vital when selling your home, and siding makes a quick first impression. Real estate agents have found that investing in fiber cement siding can get sellers a great financial return and helps homes sell more quickly. Even if you aren’t looking to sell your home right away, the investment continues for years to come because of the siding’s durability.
3. Withstands Harsh Weather
Quality siding is more than a visual upgrade for your home. It provides a protective shell and puts a barrier between you and the weather's elements outside. Hail, falling sticks and strong winds can damage siding materials. Fiber cement siding is resilient and dent proof –– maintaining its integrity through harsh conditions. This siding is less prone to cracking, fading, shrinking or warping from varying weather like other materials do.
4. Less Prone to Fire Damage
Probably the biggest advantage of fiber cement siding is its ability to keep your family safer! It is noncombustible and an impressive 90% of its materials are not flammable. During house fires, vinyl siding will melt and wood siding quickly goes up in flames; fiber cement siding doesn’t face these risks. The siding can withstand higher temperatures than other products and makes it more difficult for the fire to spread.
Some insurance companies actually offer a discount when homeowners install fiber cement siding; check with your agent to see if this applies to your policy.
5. Varying Options
Fiber cement siding is a great way to help your home stand out in your neighborhood. There are a wide range of color and style options available. The material is made from wood pulp, sand and Portland Cement and comes smooth or textured. Homeowners can also select the color or stain as well as the thickness.
6. Historic Home Approved
When restoring a historic home, picking the right materials is important to maintain its character. In some districts, renovations are even regulated. Because of fiber cement’s superior appearance and durability, many historic districts are now approving its use during renovation projects. Its ability to match other materials helps ensure it isn’t distracting alongside surrounding historic homes.
7. Pest Resistant
While wood siding is beautiful, it can be a real hassle to keep pests away. Some bugs, such as ants and carpenter bees, make their homes in wood siding, and attract predators, such as woodpeckers. The two work together to create a host of issues for siding and roofing. Because fiber cement siding is made from mostly concrete, it isn’t easy to chew or peck –– making it an unfavorable home for local critters.
Here at Bloomfield Construction, we’re proud to be a certified James Hardie Preferred remodeling contractor. We offer a range of James Hardie fiber cement siding styles and work directly with each homeowner to determine the right fit. Its many advantages and affordability make fiber cement siding a solid choice for any Michigan home!
Are you looking to repair or replace your home’s siding? Give us a call. We’d love to talk siding options with you to determine which material is best for your home!