When it comes to selecting a new siding for your house there are many options to choose from. Popular choices include wood, vinyl, aluminum, stucco and brick. However, despite their longevity in the housing manufacturing and remodeling markets, these options really can’t compare to the longevity, durability and customization of fiber-cement siding, also popularly known as Hardie Board, a name it acquired from James Hardie Inc., the company behind this versatile product. Since then, other manufacturers have begun manufacturing and selling fiber-cement board. Continue reading to learn more about this excellent product that is currently used in approxcimately 15% of new homes.
What is Fiber-Cement Board Siding?
Comprised of water, wood pulp, fly ash (or silica) and Portland cement, fiber-cement has become the go-to material when it comes to new homes, remodeling projects and other structures. Fiber-cement comes in many shapes and sizes from vertical and horizontal siding to shingles. Fiber-cement board is prized for it’s close appearance to wood but also comes in a variety of textures such as smooth, stucco and masonry. Known for being customizable, fiber-cement board and can be cut into specialized shapes and sizes depending on your architectural requirements. Fiber-cement board can come pre-painted or can be painted later and is known for holding paint longer than wood. Prices for fiber-cement board vary based on size and manufacturer.
What Advantages Does Fiber-Cement Board Have Over Other Siding?
In addition to what is listed above, fiber-cement offers many other advantages over other popularly selected materials:
- Fiber-cement board is affordable and competitively priced when compared alongside wood, vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco or masonry. When compared to materials like wood, vinyl or aluminum you actually save money because of it’s resistance to mother nature and because it requires minimal upkeep.
- Fiber-cement board has been described as indestructible and is virtually weather proof. Fiber-cement board is resistant to moisture, wind and freezing.
- Unlike wood, fiber-cement board does not warp or swell and is resistant to termites and other pests.
- Fire resistant
- Unlike aluminum siding, fiber-cement board does not dent.
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
What are some different fiber-cement board manufacturers?
For best results with fiber-cement board, professional installation is always recommended. Some manufacturers of this versatile product include:
- James Hardie Inc.
- American Fiber Cement
- Nichiha
- CertainTeed
How Can Stone Veneer and Fiber-Cement Board Be Combined?
At North Star Stone, it is our passion to help create beautiful home exteriors using our highly customizable and versatile stone veneer product which continues to be one of today’s top choices for exterior and interior home beautification. In our experience, we have learned that in addition to other building materials, fiber-cement board pairs beautifully and seamlessly with stone veneer, which is due in part to stone veneer’s durability, weather resistance and ease of installation. Moreover, because our stone veneer is custom made to your specifications, it naturally coordinates with fiber-cement board to create an elegant and sophisticated look that any homeowner can be proud of. If you would like to discuss adding stone veneer to your home, please call us at 847.996.6850 or contact us at info@northstarstone.biz.