Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding offers the appearance of traditional wood-based siding materials with much lower maintenance requirements, while maintaining its shape and color much better than vinyl siding. About 12 % to 15 % of all new homes are now clad with fiber cement siding.
What is fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is produced from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulosic fibers. Manufacturing of fiber cement siding utilizes autoclaving, a high temperature steam curing process, to increase strength and dimensional stability. The cellulosic fibers are added to the mixture to prevent cracking. Fiber cement siding is manufactured in layers forming a sheet of the desired thickness. A wood grain is imprinted onto the surface at the time the uncured product is lifted by an accumulator roll and cut into individual sections, or in a separate high pressure molding process immediately after the product is cut.
Several design options, and a full palette of colors, are available with fiber cement siding. One option is horizontal lap siding, which includes profiles such as: Dutch, beaded, and traditional. You may want to incorporate architectural elements adding personality to your home. Shaped fiber cement siding is available as shingles, half rounds, octagons, and random squares (with either a straight or staggered edge).
Vertical siding options include a traditional stucco appearance, smooth or cedar (either without vertical grooves or with regular interval grooves.) Fiber cement soffits are also available in smooth and cedar textures, both of which can be vented. Matching low maintenance composite trim materials can complete the architectural design.
What are the advantages of fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding provides a traditional wood grain appearance without the drawbacks associated with wood. It’s available in a variety of textures, profiles, and colors matching your design requirements.
Fiber cement manufacturers offer complete systems for siding, decorative shapes, soffit and trim applications. This remarkable product is manufactured under rigorous factory specifications and guidelines, providing consistent quality and excellent dimensional stability. It doesn’t warp, buckle, or fade—traits associated with vinyl siding products—and holds a Class 1 (A) Fire Rating.
Fiber cement siding will not rot, is capable of withstanding damaging effects of salt spray and ultraviolet rays, and cannot be penetrated by birds or insects. Once installed, the product stands up to bumps and direct impacts, unlike aluminum siding, and doesn’t become brittle in freezing conditions or melt in the presence of heat sources, like barbeque grills, as does vinyl siding.
Fiber cement products can be used in historic preservation areas where other cladding materials are forbidden. Fiber cement siding holds paint well, with some products warranted to hold paint for up to twenty-five years. Transferable product warranties can last as long as fifty years depending on the degree of “pre-finish” applied in the factory.
To learn more about Cement Siding Call Timberline at: 248-627-6470