3 Advantages of Hardie Fiber Cement Siding over Brick

Siding is the protective barrier that shields your home from extreme weather and drastic temperature changes. It also adds value to your home.

You may be ready to swap out your home’s original siding to give it a fresh new look. Choosing your siding is a decision that will last for years, so it’s important to give it some careful consideration.

The siding you choose can be beautiful, adding color and visual interest to improve the curb appeal of your home. There are several different material options for house siding: wood, metal, stone, vinyl, brick, fiber cement, stucco, and more.  Of all these materials, there are two that are more durable and insulating than the others. Fiber cement siding and brick share some of the same benefits.

Brick and fiber cement are both durable materials. Besides strength, both offer good insulation against sound and the elements when compared to lighter sidings like aluminum and vinyl.

Brick is known to be an attractive exterior option for homes, whether they be historic homes or new construction. However, fiber cement siding also provides a durable exterior with more options to improve curb appeal. It is also more affordable to install than brick. There are other reasons homeowners are choosing fiber cement siding over brick.

Comparing Siding Materials

When it comes to your home, nothing makes a lasting first impression like a striking exterior. While decorations and landscaping help to improve the appearance and curb appeal of your house, the siding you choose to complete your home’s design style is paramount.

Brick Siding

Brick is a traditional material composed of clay, cement, and gravel. It fits into areas where Colonial and Tudor style homes are located for a timeless design.  Although there are a variety of colors of brick to choose from, brick can be expensive and time-consuming to install. The proper installation of brick is not a DIY project. You’ll have to include the cost of a contractor with masonry expertise to handle the job.

Some pros and cons of brick siding include:

Fiber Cement Siding

This material is unique because it can mimic the look of wood, brick, or stucco and cost less overall. Fiber cement siding is created from a mixture of sand, cement, wood fibers, and clay. It is very strong and can last up to 50 years. 

The makeup of fiber cement siding allows it to expand and contract, making it the siding of choice in regions with high humidity or extreme fluctuations in temperatures.

Just like brick, installing fiber cement siding is not a project homeowners can handle themselves. It is a heavy material and requires specialized skills to install. It’s important to find a contractor who specializes in the installation of fiber cement siding.

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding has many advantages over brick. Here are a few:

1. Color and Style Options

Fiber cement is far more versatile when it comes to style. Fiber cement can be made in virtually any color, giving the homeowner many possibilities to choose from. 

Brick may have some variability in color, but the majority of brick siding comes in red or earthy tones. Brick can be painted, but it then becomes part of ongoing maintenance as the paint will likely fade, chip, or crack long before the material needs replacing.

Fiber cement siding also offers different textures and shapes that are meant to mimic various types of wood siding which you cannot achieve with brick.

2. Less Expensive Repairs

While brick does last a long time, the mortar between the bricks does not last nearly as long. The mortar joints can crumble from age or weather exposure. This will require upkeep over the years and can very quickly become an expensive process to repair.

For homeowners who prefer a more weatherproof material, fiber cement siding is the best choice. You get a non-decaying surface that can tolerate significant rises and drops in heat and cold.

3. Efficient Installation

Fiber cement siding installed properly is key to its longevity. A trained and certified contractor installing this siding material follows an efficient and streamlined process. The cost-savings in manual labor are passed down to the homeowner without losing any quality or benefits of fiber cement siding.

Bricks are heavy building materials and make installation time-consuming. It can take some time to put up a wall brick-by-brick.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

As the original company to offer this type of fiber cement plank board, James Hardie is the worldwide leader when it comes to fiber cement siding. Their name is synonymous with the material. They continually test, improve, and provide innovative solutions and products for homeowners.

Because of their efforts, James Hardie fiber cement siding provides homeowners with numerous benefits.

• Durability. James Hardie tests its products to ensure they can withstand different weather elements. Hurricane type winds, heavy rains, snow, ice, or extreme heat are no match for James Hardie siding. It is designed to hold up against moisture and prevent rotting. It is even fire-resistant and will not ignite when exposed to a flame. 
  
  Fiber cement siding will last for years, saving resources, time, and money for every homeowner that chooses to have it installed. All James Hardie siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty. The durable composition of fiber cement reduces the need to re-side homes often, thus reducing the consumption of replacement materials.
• Aesthetics. There are many colors available to coordinate with your home’s exterior color palette. Fiber cement siding gives the appearance of wood and comes in a variety of styles. It comes pre-painted and can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home.
  
  Fiber cement planks can also be made with no texture, providing a smooth modern look. Some of the style options available include:
  • Shake and Curved Shake
  • Vertical Plank
  • Brick
  • Stone
  • Lap
  • Wood shingle
  • Geometrics
• Maintenance. Fiber-cement siding is designed to last a long time, even when exposed to high heat, moisture, UV radiation, and snowstorms. The factory paint is baked on, resisting chipping and flaking. No harsh chemicals are needed to keep fiber cement siding clean. This low maintenance siding material just needs to be sprayed with a garden hose every 6 to 12 months.
• Energy Efficiency. With an increasing demand for energy-efficient homes, houses are valued higher when built with sustainable resources. Fiber cement siding will help seal your home due to its ability to resist warping and other external damage.  You can keep cool air in during the summer, and warm air in during the winter.
  
  You can also supplement James Hardie fiber cement siding with insulation. The gap between the fiber cement siding and the walls can be filled with foam insulation to help keep your energy costs down.
• Pest-Resistant. Termites and insects will not find a home in fiber cement siding. You don’t have to worry about the exterior of your home weakening due to annoying pests. Since the seams do not overlap, another level of protection is added.

Get the Style You Want

James Hardie siding gives homeowners the freedom to create the look and style for their home with timeless siding solutions.  Fiber cement siding is widely known for horizontal boards that imitate other finishes such as wood or brick.

There are other styles and ways construction companies use this versatile product. Some of the many styles and texture options include:

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