The Advantages of Fiber-Cement Siding

By Dan Chiras
Published on May 7, 2009
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You’ll need to install vertical wood furring strips to which the siding will be attached before installing the siding over concrete or concrete block walls.
You’ll need to install vertical wood furring strips to which the siding will be attached before installing the siding over concrete or concrete block walls.
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Safety first! When sawing fiber-cement siding, be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection. And protecting your ears from the noise produced by power tools is always a good idea.
Safety first! When sawing fiber-cement siding, be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection. And protecting your ears from the noise produced by power tools is always a good idea.
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Fiber-cement siding is a great option for new construction. Made of cement, sand, and wood fibers, it resists fire, wind, insects, (including termites) and moisture. 
Fiber-cement siding is a great option for new construction. Made of cement, sand, and wood fibers, it resists fire, wind, insects, (including termites) and moisture. 
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Fiber-cement siding is manufactured to resemble cedar shingles and wood clapboards (either wood-grain or smooth). You also can purchase fiber-cement siding that looks like stucco.
Fiber-cement siding is manufactured to resemble cedar shingles and wood clapboards (either wood-grain or smooth). You also can purchase fiber-cement siding that looks like stucco.
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Fiber-cement siding is manufactured to resemble cedar shingles and wood clapboards (either wood-grain or smooth).
Fiber-cement siding is manufactured to resemble cedar shingles and wood clapboards (either wood-grain or smooth).

If you’re building a new home, garage, addition, workshop or barn?—?or if it’s time to replace the ancient, weather-beaten siding on your house?—?consider fiber-cement siding.

What is fiber-cement siding, and what are your options? Like conventional siding, fiber-cement siding is applied to the exterior of buildings to protect them from the elements. This product comes in a wide range of colors and styles that resemble conventional siding materials, notably stucco, cedar shingles, and wood clapboards. It’s made primarily from cement, sand, and wood fiber (often a recycled wood-fiber waste product), a combination that results in an extremely durable material.

Fiber-cement siding typically costs a bit more than vinyl siding, but less than stucco. It also outlasts its competitors?—?often by decades?—?because it resists many common hazards, including fire, wind, insects, and rain. Fiber-cement siding is recommended in all climates, but is ideal for hot, humid regions. No matter how wet it gets, it won’t rot. And because of the cement and sand content, it’s termite-resistant.

Because of its durability, fiber-cement siding reduces maintenance costs, and it’s less likely than conventional siding to end up in landfills. Unfortunately, there are currently no recycling programs in place for fiber-cement siding. However, it is an inert material that, if ultimately sent to a landfill, should not endanger the environment.

Although many builders and homeowners are just discovering its benefits, this material has been around for quite some time?—?nearly 100 years?—?so you won’t be experimenting with a new product.

Fiber-cement planks made with a wood-grained or a smooth finish are popular. These come in widths of 4 to 12 inches, so you can match existing siding if you’re building an addition or garage. Wall panels with vertical grooves and soffit panels for the underside of overhangs are also available.

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