Composite material is defined as anything made up of at least two materials with dramatically different chemical or physical properties that, when combined, result in a material with different (and usually better) characteristics. There are a number of composite materials around you and one of them is fiber cement, which is a combination of cellulose fiber, Portland cement, sand, and water.

FIBER CEMENT BENEFITS

Here are some of fiber cement’s more outstanding qualities:

It is fire-resistant

Fiber cement is listed as a class 1A fire resistant material, and resists fire and heat well enough that it is ideal in areas prone to wildfires.

It is durable

Fiber cement shares the durability of cement, sharing the ability to withstand impact well. It is also unaffected by mold or fungi and isn’t at risk of termite or insect damage so it definitely lasts.

PART 1: WHAT’S FIBER CEMENT ALL ABOUT?

It is impervious to environmental effects.

Fiber cement does not deteriorate due to the effects of bright sunlight, ultraviolet light, salt air, or humidity, and will not freeze in cold weather. It will not also not crack, warp or blister due to temperature changes that gives rise to repeated freezing and thawing cycles.

It requires almost no maintenance

Fiber cement is easy to care for. As it is durable, the material generally needs nothing more than the usual regular cleaning to stay in shape. And even when you have to clean it, the cleaning process is simple. Just hose it down with water every every 6 to 12 months and you’re good to go. Stubborn dirt in certain areas can be removed with some soapy water and a brush. Don’t forget to check caulked joints every year as well to ensure everything is sealed as it should be.

It is long-lasting

It’s not unusual for warranty coverage to last for decades, going anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer.

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With all these benefits, it’s truly hard not to like fiber cement siding. But did you know it also saves you money while letting you do your bit for the environment? More on that in Part 2.

PART 1: WHAT’S FIBER CEMENT ALL ABOUT?

At first glance, fiber cement siding would seem to be no more energy-efficient or cost-saving than other siding materials. For one, it costs almost as much as wooden siding and provides a similar amount of insulation as wood or vinyl. How exactly, then, is it an energy-efficient, or even cost-efficient choice of siding material? The answer to that lies in fiber cement’s durability and ability to withstand the elements.

Durability as Cost Savings

Unlike wood and vinyl, fiber cement siding will stay the same exact shape and size for however long they last. They will not expand due to moisture intrusion, will not melt because you set your grill too close to the wall, and will not dent or crack due to impacts from hail or stones. Unless fiber cement siding has deteriorated due to age, you’re unlikely to find a need to replace a single board.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Because you are unlikelier to need a replacement, you get to avoid costs associated with replacing siding. Fiber cement’s durability also means that warping and cracking will not be a problem and neither will rot or water intrusion. Caulking is unaffected as well, ensuring that your siding installation remains weather-proof. With fiber cement siding able to withstand a slew of threats, it can perform its best, insulating a home well to keep heating and cooling costs down.

PART 2: FIBER CEMENT - SAVINGS FOR YOU, SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmentally Friendly

The materials needed to create fiber cement don’t have to fresh or new so overall processes involved are simplified, reducing the carbon footprint of the material. It also doesn’t need old-growth wood, helping protect forests from being harvested. Not to mention that the cellulose fiber it needs can come from recycled wood.

Since fiber cement is also both durable and recyclable, not only does it help save precious trees, it also aids in conserving existing material and can be reused, wasting less of what we already have.

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We’ve shown how fiber cement is a good choice for a durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective siding, but will it look good on your home? Stay tuned for Part 3.

PART 2: FIBER CEMENT - SAVINGS FOR YOU, SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

It’s hard not to like fiber cement siding. Durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting are all attributes anyone will want in a siding material, after all. It should hardly come as a surprise then that, as reported in Remodeling magazine’s yearly Cost vs Value assessments, installing fiber cement siding has ranked #1 in terms of return on investment for the past 10 years. The view from the curb, in particular, is undoubtedly one of the factors that affect not only the profitability, but also the popularity of using fiber cement siding.

SIMULATING WOOD AND STONE

For homes with a more traditional look, matching and maintaining that original appearance can be a costly and time-consuming job. Fiber cement siding’s ability to mimic the look and feel not just of wood, but also of stone, goes a long way towards reducing or even eliminating the difficulty of maintaining older homes. And because fiber cement siding can be painted, it makes it easier to match both the texture and color of your home’s exterior.

PART 3: FIBER CEMENT - THE CURB’S EYE VIEW

Though vinyl also boasts the ability to similarly mimic wood’s look and texture, there is no guarantee that a company will carry the exact color of your home’s original siding. With fiber cement siding, as long as you can match or simulate the home’s original paint color, your ability to maintain your home’s original look is virtually assured.

Styling Modern Homes

One of the best things about fiber cement siding is that its versatility allows it to be used on both traditional and modern home styles. More modern homes usually veer away from wood and stone designs but that’s no problem with fiber cement siding as the material can be made to accommodate various textures and finishes.

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Fiber cement siding has a lot to offer but you can only really truly make the most out of it if you work with a reputable contractor. This will ensuring your siding is installed properly, which will help guarantee that it performs as it should.

PART 3: FIBER CEMENT - THE CURB’S EYE VIEW

Colonial Remodeling

11350 Random Hills Rd Fairfax,VA 22030

703-534-0800

ColonialRemodeling.com