What are the disadvantages of fiber cement siding?

What are the pros and cons of fiber cement siding?

This feature lessens allergens within the home, further protecting a homeowner's family. Fiber cement board has all the benefits of other sidings with few disadvantages. Installation of fiber cement board siding is costly. Labor costs are higher because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install.

How long does fiber cement last?

Fiber cement siding comes with some of the most extended guarantees in the industry, typically around 50 years, so it's among the longest-lasting siding products. It will need occasional repainting, however, usually every 10 to 15 years or so, depending on the quality of the paint.

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 good is fiber cement siding?

Overall, fiber cement siding gives homeowners the best value long-term. Before you have any siding installed, always weigh the pros and cons. Brick and stone siding are resistant to rotting, fire, and insects just like fiber cement siding. The downside is that it's heavier and more costly than fiber cement siding.

Will it Burn? Fiber Cement vs. the Rest | Siding Comparison

Is fiber cement siding maintenance free?

Fiber Cement: A Low-Maintenance Material

And in general, they're right. Due to its special curing process, this siding absorbs less moisture than other materials, meaning that it's less prone to cracking or breaking. That makes it extremely durable.

How do you maintain fiber cement siding?

A low pressure water spray* and a soft medium bristle (non-metal) siding cleaning brush is most suitable for cleaning fiber cement products. NOTE: Acid and high pressure washing can damage the fiber cement surface and is not recommended. Clean James Hardie ColorPlus® products by using water and a soft brush or cloth.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Vinyl siding is a popular choice when it comes to your home's cladding and actually lasts much longer than expected. With no effort or cleaning, it's expected to last you about 60 years but with meticulous care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl siding to last up to 100 years.

Will cement board rot outside?

In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.

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.

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.

Is fiber cement siding more expensive than stucco?

Fiber cement often costs less to install than stucco. But its most impressive value is found in the much lower maintenance needs and longer-lasting nature of fiber cement. In these areas, Hardie siding gives you a greater return on investment.

Is Hardie board better than vinyl siding?

By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding. It easily stands up to the elements, resisting damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail, and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.

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.

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.

Is cement board siding better than wood?

Durability and Maintenance

Fiber cement siding is designed to be long-lasting and resists weather damage better than cedar. Cedar is subject to termites, woodpeckers and other pests that love natural wood. These pests don't eat fiber cement.

Can fiber cement siding touch the ground?

Ground Contact: While fiber cement siding is made to shed water, it's not designed to be buried in wet soil. Most manufacturers of fiber cement siding, and many building codes, recommend keeping the siding at least 6” off the ground.

What is the difference between Hardie board and cement board?

HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it. It allows for a smooth job with minimal mess. As a bonus, HardieBacker board has an EZ Grid pattern so you can cut perfect lines.

Does cement board need to be waterproofed?

Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water. But like a concrete walkway, it can soak up water. It can also dry out and be perfectly fine. The second coat of Hydroban (light green) is being applied to the top of the half-wall.

What is the strongest house siding?

What is the lowest maintenance house siding?

What is the best material for the outside of a house?

Considering the storm battering and potential for natural damage that Southern homes will incur in any given year, research shows that the best three exterior siding materials are stucco, fiber cement siding, and wood.

Will fiber cement siding rot?

Fiber Cement Absorbs Moisture

Absorptive claddings like fiber cement can hold moisture, leading to panel damage, rot, and even mold problems.

Why does fiber cement siding crack?

Fiber cement planks are floppy until secured on the wall and holding only in the middle or transporting over a shoulder will cause a dramatic sag at both ends. The stress can cause a crack at the center of a board.

How do you repair holes in fiber cement siding?

Use a plastic putty knife to apply the patching material to the damaged area, filling in the area and shaping the patch to match the original contours of the siding. Allow the patch to thoroughly dry and apply another thin layer of patching material if the first layer shrank during the drying process.