If you are thinking about new siding for your home for the first time in a while, you might not be aware of all of today’s options, or that so many of them are made of what’s called cement fiber. If you’ve done a little research already, you’ve probably heard of vinyl siding, wood siding, and Hardie board, as these are three of the most well-known siding options today. But Hardie board is not actually an entire category of siding by itself, like vinyl or wood siding; instead, it is a name brand, one of many available options for cement fiber house siding in today’s market.
If you didn’t know that, don’t feel bad, because one of the key characteristics of this siding is its ability to look like just about anything except cement. It’s available in a wide range of colors and finishes, or you can get it primed so you can paint it. Either way, it won’t need repainting as often as wood siding. If you like the look of wood siding but want more durability, you can even get fiber cement siding with a finish designed to look like wood grain.
It’s made by combining wood pulp with Portland cement, the basic building block of concrete, so it offers a combination of flexibility and durability that makes it a great choice for homeowners in nearly any climate. In dry areas that are at risk for wildfires, fiber cement is a popular choice because it won’t ignite or melt. It stands up well to UV rays and ocean air, it can withstand strong winds, and it won’t crack in freezing weather. Since the wood pulp content is combined with cement, termites aren’t interested in it.
Whether you want the clapboard look, like the style of shingles, want tiles in half rounds, or want a finish that resembles stone or stucco, there are many available options for cement fiber house siding. Your local siding expert can help you find something that fits into both your budget and your style with this versatile, durable material.