Fiber cement siding is a high-end alternative to traditional vinyl planks. While fiber cement products can look similar to vinyl in some conditions, the difference is usually fairly clear on closer examination. However, fiber cement siding also typically costs more than standard vinyl. This higher price may lead some homeowners to wonder when or how they'll benefit from this more durable material.
As with any other home improvement decision, the answer can be complex. If you're working with a tight budget or need to sell in the immediate future, the high expense of fiber cement may not be right for you. On the other hand, any of these three scenarios might make your house a perfect fit for fiber cement siding.
1. Long-Term Owners
One of the primary advantages of fiber cement siding is its incredibly long lifespan. Fiber cement siding often comes with a much longer warranty than vinyl siding, and you can expect it to hold its color better than cheaper vinyl options. In other words, you can eventually recoup much of the higher cost of the material and installation labor by needing less frequent replacements.
These advantages make fiber cement planks particularly beneficial for homeowners who intend to live in their homes for many years. In some cases, fiber cement siding may last as long as 100 years. Even if you don't get quite as much life out of your siding, you'll still be able to enjoy peace of mind from knowing that you won't have any expensive siding replacement projects in the future.
2. Higher-Risk Homes
Fiber cement siding has numerous durability advantages over both vinyl siding and wood planks. In addition to lasting for longer under ideal conditions, fiber cement siding is generally more resistant to adverse weather events like hail. Since fiber cement durability is so good, it will also generally stand up better to wind-driven debris in storm-prone areas.
Pest resistance is another major advantage. While vinyl is also resistant to insect and rodent damage, wood siding is far more vulnerable. Since fiber cement can more accurately recreate the look of classic materials such as cedar, you can use it in areas with a higher risk for pests such as termites or rodents.
3. Owners In Historic Neighborhoods
If you live in an area with many historic or older homes, you probably want to do everything possible to maintain that classical appearance. Unfortunately, historical neighborhoods typically have a high prevalence of homes with wood siding since vinyl wasn't available to the original builders. Although wood has its advantage, it is a maintenance-heavy material with poor fire and pest resistance.
On the other hand, fiber cement planks can emulate most historical materials closely enough to match your neighbors. Custom coloring can also help you maintain your home's classic appearance. Using fiber cement instead of wood, you can modernize and protect your home without affecting the character of your historic neighborhood.
To learn more about fiber cement siding, including James Hardie siding, contact a professional in your area.
Share6 June 2023
When you want to make your home shine, there are some very important basic components you should be mindful of. For starters, you should evaluate the exterior of your home to determine whether or not the siding or exterior cladding needs to be replaced. Next, you should check to see if the roofing needs to be replaced, since it really can make a powerful difference. Roofing can take up a great deal of the visual space from the outside, so think carefully about how yours looks. Pay attention to issues like aged, curling shingles or roofing that contains dips or divots. Check out this blog for great tips about roofing.
