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Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement, and either cellulose fibers or fly ash to increase its strength and dimensional stability.
In our opinion, fiber cement siding has become product of choice for re-siding in Colorado. Why? Structures here are constantly challenged by UV rays, freeze/thaw cycles, temperature swings, and high winds. After concrete, stone, and brick, fiber cement is the most durable product for exterior walls. Its primary benefits are: |
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- Distinctive beauty and the feel of natural wood
- Noncombustible – fire safe
- Resistant to insects, mold, rot, and woodpeckers
- Low maintenance and up to a lifetime paint warranty
- Transferrable warranties that range from
- 30-year (James Hardie) to lifetime (Nichiha)
- Insulation and finishing options
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For homeowners who want the look of wood but don’t want the hassles and costs associated with it, fiber-cement siding is an excellent alternative. The product is available from four manufacturers in a variety of profiles and textures to provide the appearance of wood.
Fiber cement siding, shapes, and panels are produced in the United States by Nichiha USA (rated #1 by Consumer Reports), CertainTeed Corporation, James Hardie, and Maxitile, Inc. All have more than fifteen years of production history in the U.S. and all are foreign-owned.
Fiber cement siding most often consists of overlapping horizontal boards, imitating wooden lap siding, clapboard, and imitation shingles. Fiber cement siding is also manufactured in shapes (octagon, shingles, half-round, etc.) and panel form. It is used not only as cladding, but is also commonly used as soffit and fascia replacement or overlay. |
"...the homeowner can realize an energy savings of 25% on the heating and cooling portion of their utility bill." -
The Dow Chemical Company |
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Thermal resistance and sound transmission vary greatly between fiber cement products. Overall, fiber cement products rate poorly in thermal resistance and sound transmission and separate wall insulation is highly recommended. Generally, the thicker and denser the product, the better resistance it will have to temperature and sound transmission. Prior to the installation of fiber cement is the perfect time to add ½” insulative foam sheathing from Dow Chemical. |
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Fiber cement is heavier than wood product and requires two people to carry the uncut boards or panels. Fiber cement is fragile before installation and must be handled carefully; it is prone to chipping and breakage if improperly handled.
Once the product is cut it may again require two people to install – one to hold the board flush against studwork and the other to nail the product in place. |
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Some caution must be exercised to properly ventilate areas where fiber cement siding is being cut. Long-term exposure to the silica dust (used in fiber cement siding produced by James Hardie and Maxitile) generated during the installation process can cause silicosis. The Nichiha and CertainTeed products use fly ash and minimal silica, but add “caution” to their application procedures. |
 Fiber cement can be semi-transparent stained (12-year warranty) or painted before or after installation. Although all manufacturers offer pre-painted boards, Sherwin Williams’ Super Paint offers: custom colors, a 25-year warranty, 20% more volume, no flashing, and costs the same compared to the 15-year warranty from manufacturers’ pre-painted boards.
Superior Products is the only fully integrated Colorado exterior remodeling contractor to have installed all four manufacturers’ products.
We understand the technical and aesthetic difference between each.
Simply put, we offer you:
- professionalism,
- quality craftsmanship,
- return on investment options, and
- design and finishing choices
Check out our award-winning projects by clicking on Projects. |
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