Is fiber cement siding the same as Hardie board?

The James Hardie brand produces high-quality fiber cement siding products, often called Hardie Board or HardiePlank. These terms are often interchanged with fiber cement. However, these brand name James Hardie products typically cost more than lower grade siding.

Is fiber cement and cement board the same?

Cement boards are mainly cement bonded particle boards and Fibre cement. Cement bonded particle boards have treated wood flakes as reinforcement, whereas in cement fibre boards have cellulose fibre, which is a plant extract as reinforcement. Cement acts as binder in both the cases.

Is hardiplank a fiber cement?

Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with Portland cement.

What are the disadvantages of fiber cement siding?

What is fiber cement siding called?

Fiber cement siding ("fibre cement cladding" in the United Kingdom and "fibro" in Australia) is a building material used to cover the exterior of a building in both commercial and domestic applications. Fiber cement is a composite material made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers.

Hardie Plank siding vs Other Fiber Cement Siding Products

How do I know if I have fiber cement siding?

The key to tell if you have fiber cement siding is to check for a wood-grain pressing. Older models of asbestos siding used a similar approach to make the siding look natural—which makes sense, because fiber cement siding was made to replace asbestos.

How good is fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement siding has the durability of cement, a class 1A fire rating, is impervious to wood-boring insects, does not rot, and is resistant to deterioration from salt and ultraviolet rays.

Does fiber cement siding last?

Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, offers high durability and can last as long as 50 years. Both siding materials require minimal maintenance, but fiber cement can often be repainted after a few years to enhance curb appeal.

How long does fiber cement last?

Fiber Cement Must Be Repainted

While a paint job on fiber cement siding lasts longer than wood—usually anywhere between five to fifteen years—it will eventually need to be redone.

Do you have to paint fiber cement siding?

As a low maintenance material, fiber cement siding doesn't require frequent painting. If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don't need to worry about painting it when it's time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation.

What is better than hardiplank?

Once the contractors believed in the product, the information was passed to the homeowners, including the following advantages: LP SmartSide has superior moisture protection and strength, longer lengths than Hardie (16′ over 12′), less weight than Hardie, and is less expensive to install (no special cutting tools ...

What is fiber cement board siding?

Fiber cement siding is a durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance material that's used on residential houses and some commercial projects. It's a semi-rigid material that provides substantial protection, while still maintaining some flexibility.

Is fiber cement siding expensive?

Fiber cement siding costs $5 to $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. The price for materials equals $1 and $15 per square foot. The labor cost ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot.

What is fiberboard siding made of?

Hardboard siding – also knows as pressboard, Masonite or hardboard siding – is a synthetic home siding product composed of a mixture of wood fibers, glues and resins, all bound together using heat and pressure.

Is fiber cement siding waterproof?

The HardiePlank siding is made with a human-made mix of strong materials and wood fiber for years of worry-free, maintenance-free service. Fiber cement siding is waterproof, fire-resistant, and insectproof.

Can cement board be used as siding?

Fiber cement board is almost the perfect exterior siding. Made of wood pulp and cement, it is durable, low maintenance, and resistant to fire, bugs, rodents, mold, and moisture. It can be made to look like wood clapboards or shingles, stucco, stone, and brick. It can even be painted or stained.

How do you seal fiber cement siding?

Cut ends of fiber cement siding should have been sealed using 100% acrylic latex primer or paint (Certainteed) or in some cases using an approved caulk wiped on the cut surface (see our notes on Hardieplank installation). And caulk is required at certain joints such as vertical trim at windows, doors, corners.

When should I replace fiber cement siding?

It can last 20-40 years based on how well it was installed and maintained over the years. In contrast, fiber cement siding may last 50 or more years and maintains its high performance throughout its life.

What is the life expectancy of Hardie board?

Hardie Board siding is a greater financial investment than vinyl siding, but it lasts longer too. So as you consider this aspect of your decision, realize you will enjoy this outstanding siding for up to 50 years.

How often does Hardie board need to be painted?

Hardie Plank is also called fiber cement siding. While it's far heavier than aluminum, vinyl or wood, it is extremely durable and typically only needs a new paint every ten to twenty years for maintenance. It is one of the best materials and long-term solutions for protecting your home.

Can you power wash Hardie board siding?

It's recommended to pull out the garden hose and douse your home siding every 6-12 months. Don't use a high-pressure power washer to get the job done, as it turns out a low-pressure hose and a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is the best way to remove dirt and debris from James Hardie® siding and trim.

How thick is fiber cement siding?

Sizes. Masonry-finish fiber cement comes in panels that are 5/6 or 5/8 inch thick and in varying sizes from 18 inches by 6 feet to 4 by 12 feet.

How long does Fibre cement cladding last?

Fibre-cement cladding costs (HardiePlank)

You can expect a typical lifespan of at least 40 years (Building Research Establishment tests show fibre-cement slates can last for 60+ years).

How can I tell if my siding is Hardie board?

Look for the Nail Line on some HardiePlank® products

This means you won't see this line on installed siding jobs unless you remove a section of the material. The imprint along the nail line (not present on all products).