If you’ve been looking into replacing your home’s siding this year, you’ve probably started researching different siding materials. Fiber cement siding is becoming a more popular choice than ever before, as evidenced by its average 70% return on investment here in Indiana.
But what exactly is fiber cement siding?
And what makes James Hardie the best fiber cement manufacturer? We’re here to tell you everything else for when you’re ready to replace your siding.
Continue reading to learn more so you can decide if this is the right choice for your siding project.
How Is Fiber Cement Siding Made?
One thing that sets fiber cement siding apart from other materials is that it’s made from a unique blend of ingredients. The combination of these raw materials results in a beautiful and durable material that can increase your home’s curb appeal and make your home look brand new. Fiber cement siding is made with:
Silica Sand
This sand acts as a filler in the siding.
Wood Pulp/Cellulose Fibers
This blend makes the finished siding material flexible and resilient.
Portland Cement
A mixture of clay, iron, and limestone, this cement mixture helps to bind all of the other materials together. The result is a strong siding that can withstand the range of elements we experience here in Indianapolis.
Water
The water dissolves the wood pulp and hardens/activates the Portland cement.
Fiber Cement Siding Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durability: Fiber cement siding is highly durable and can withstand various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and moisture. It is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting option for your home.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to other siding types, fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance. It does not need regular painting or staining and can often go for many years without needing any significant upkeep.
- Fire Resistance: Fiber cement siding is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance, which can be hugely important for homeowners looking to enhance their property’s safety.
- Pest Resistance: Unlike wood siding, fiber cement siding is not attractive to pests like termites, carpenter ants, or woodpeckers, reducing the risk of structural damage.
- UV Resistance: It resists fading and damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, maintaining its color and appearance over time.
Cons:
- Installation Cost: Fiber cement siding can be more expensive to install than some other siding materials, such as vinyl or aluminum, depending on labor, type of fiber cement, and additional features like trim and insulation.
- Installation Complexity: It can be more complex and time-consuming to install fiber cement siding compared to some other siding options, which could lead to higher labor costs. For specifics, get in touch with your preferred contractor for a more exact estimate.
- Weight: Fiber cement siding is heavier than some alternative siding materials, which may require additional structural support or reinforcement of the building’s framework.
James Hardie: The Best Fiber Cement Siding Manufacturer?
Once you’ve decided to use fiber cement siding for your project, you’ll notice there are a few different brands on the market. However, James Hardie is largely recognized as the top fiber cement brand around the world.
Here are a few of the ways James Hardie Siding surpasses the competition.
It Requires Very Little Maintenance
Before you replace your siding, it’s important to consider how much time and effort you want to put into taking care of it. While other siding options require hands-on maintenance like painting and staining, James Hardie siding does not.
To keep your James Hardie siding in good condition, all you have to do is wipe it with a gentle brush and rinse it with a garden hose once or twice per year.
Its Durability Is Unmatched
Unlike other fiber cement brands, James Hardie siding is specifically engineered to withstand weather extremes like ice, high winds, snow, rain, humidity, and more. Beyond that, it’s also fire, moisture, and pest-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about common issues that plague other types of siding.
Fiber Cement Siding: Countless Style and Color Options
One of the most exciting parts of replacing your siding is having the chance to personalize your home’s exterior. James Hardie siding makes it easier than ever, thanks to its wide variety of different design options.
For example, if you like the look of wood siding but don’t want the hassle of the maintenance it requires, you can choose a James Hardie fiber cement siding option that mimics the look of wood grain in virtually any color you can imagine.
James Hardie: The Warranty Is Unbeatable
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, no other fiber cement siding company can compare when it comes to James Hardie’s warranty. When you choose Open Box Roofing and James Hardie siding for your project, you’ll get a standard 30-year non-prorated warranty that is transferable.
To make it even better, your project will also come with a 15-year warranty against peeling, chipping, and cracking, including labor and materials. It doesn’t get better than that.
Schedule Your James Hardie Siding Replacement Project Today!
Now that you know more about fiber cement siding and what makes James Hardie the best manufacturer, you can decide if it’s the best choice for your home.
When you’re ready to move forward with your project, the OpenBox Roofing team is here to get your siding job done right.
Contact us today to take the first step toward updating your home’s exterior.
