If you are replacing siding on your home, there are a number of factors to consider. You will want to balance durability, functionality and practicality with cost for this project. Fiber cement siding is a viable option. It is made from sand, cement, and cellulose fiber.

Pros

Fiber cement siding is available in many different textures and sizes to imitate other types of home exterior materials. It can come in planks or sheets that look similar to wood or stucco. It is more fire resistant than most other siding products. It requires very little maintenance, and it will not rot or corrode.

Many manufacturers offer a 50 year warranty on fiber cement siding (with proper installation). Usually, only one coat of acrylic paint is required for full coverage over this surface. You can expect the paint to last at least 10-15 years.

Cons

Although the manufacturers provide installation and handling instructions, working with this material requires intermediate to advanced skill level. The pieces can be difficult to maneuver because of their extreme weight. Special saw blades are needed to cut the siding sections to the correct size.

The dust created by cutting through the siding can be hazardous if inhaled. Air filtration devices may be required for optimal safety and health. Dust collecting power tools are recommended. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of working with this material yourself, hire a qualified contractor.

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5. How to Make Wood Siding Last Longer

Tags: Siding

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 7:24 pm and is filed under Siding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.