When it comes to exterior home remodeling, there’s an incredible array of choices for materials, and fiber cement siding has become one of the most popular material choices for homeowners in recent years. We’re going to look at both the benefits and potential drawbacks of fiber cement siding, and what it may mean for your home.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
Durability
One of the biggest advantages of fiber cement is its durability. It’s renowned for its longevity, and the siding material is highly resistant to rot, insects, UV damage, fire, and weather extremes. Unlike wood, it won’t warp or crack when the temperatures reach extremes, which brings superior durability to your Chicago home.
Aesthetic Appeal
The visual appeal is another reason that so many people choose fiber cement. Since it’s a manufactured substance, it can be created to mimic the look of many other materials, like wood, stone, and more, to provide a versatile and attractive finish. This means you can have the look you want without compromising on durability.
Fire Resistance
Fiber cement siding also has substantial fire resistance. The material itself is non-combustible, meaning it cannot catch fire. This gives your home an additional layer of protection against disaster.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency improvements that a fiber cement siding installation can create are incredible. Fiber cement as a material creates a highly insulative layer, which helps keep your home cool in the summer, and warmer in the winter. This means lower utility bills and less wear and tear on your HVAC system and components.
Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding
Installation
Installation of fiber cement siding is often seen as much more labor-intensive than installation of other materials. This is generally due to its weight, and the challenges of working with the material. Fiber cement will often require experienced professional installation, which will be more costly than any DIY installation.
Cost
Fiber cement tends to be more expensive to install than other materials. However, this cost is driven down not only by the lifespan of the material but in the savings and protection that it affords the homeowner in the years to come. Fiber cement costs more upfront but costs less when you zoom out.
Maintenance
Fiber cement is low maintenance, but not zero maintenance. There is some upkeep needed, like periodic cleanings, and about halfway through its life expectancy it will probably need to be painted. Though this is generally about 20 years down the line.
Weight
A major component of this siding is cement, which makes it a heavier choice than other materials. This Heavy weight can become a challenge, and it requires a sturdy wall for installation. The heavier material may also increase transportation costs for the material delivery.
Trust All-Star With Your Fiber Cement Siding Installation
Fiber cement is a robust and versatile choice, and it offers homeowners a long-lasting solution that has the perfect balance of both functionality and visual appeal. However, just as any material does, fiber cement has its drawbacks. Despite these drawbacks, the numerous benefits offered by fiber cement generally make it a worthwhile investment in the eyes of the average homeowner.
If you’re considering having fiber cement siding installed in your home, All-Star Products has the expertise and experience to make sure your most important investment is protected. Reach out to All-Star today for more information or to get started.
