Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an older one, it’s important to choose siding that combines protection for the exterior with a tasteful appearance. For this purpose, siding contractors have seen a rise in popularity from fiber cement siding. This durable, semi-rigid material is composed of a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose. To determine if this is the right siding for your home, learn more about its pros and cons in the following guide.

Pros

Durability

Fiber cement siding is known among siding contractors as the least vulnerable material to common siding issues like rotting, warping, and cracking and can hold up to UV rays and inclement weather. Insects, which can be a frequent problem for other types of siding, are no bother to fiber cement thanks to the toughness of its components. This type of siding also typically carries a Class A fire rating, which means there’s a reduced risk of fires spreading along the exterior of your home.

Extensive Redecorating Options

Fiber cement siding is available in a wide range of textures, shapes, and sizes, with popular configurations engineered to resemble wood, stucco, or masonry. Furthermore, this style of siding must be repainted every few years, offering plenty of opportunities to change your home’s appearance to suit your desires while protecting your investment.

Cons

Moisture Absorption

Although fiber cement siding won’t rot, it does tend to absorb ambient moisture, particularly if installed improperly. Mounting fiber cement siding with improper gap clearances may put it in constant contact with sources of moisture. If the caulking or sealing is insufficient, water may easily penetrate the exterior and become trapped beneath the surface cladding.

Difficult Installation

The word “cement” gives a hint of how difficult this material is to manipulate. Weighing about 300 pounds per 100 square feet, fiber cement siding is the heaviest siding available. Installation requires a team of experienced and qualified technicians with specialized tools, meaning the expense of installation will have to include labor costs for these specialists.

To discuss the advantages of fiber cement siding with an experienced siding contractor, contact Coulee Region Roofing & Siding in Onalaska, WI. These roofing and siding specialists have provided roofing and siding services to area residents for over 30 years, combining experience with the latest techniques and materials for exceptional results. To request a free estimate, call (608) 780-5582, or visit them online for further information.