Most homeowners have a desire to upgrade their homes periodically. Reasons might be to get the house ready to sell or simply for the aesthetic appeal of something new. Home renovations should bring value to your home and be worth the investment.

Some upgrades are wiser investments than others. Replacing the siding of your home is one of those investments that produce a good ROI. Choosing the right type of siding for your home is not a decision that should be rushed. Many factors must be decided before a conclusion is reached. Cost, material, durability, color, finish, and appearance are just a few considerations.

There are many different types of siding to choose from, and a variety of styles to consider. Fiber-cement siding is one of the most popular forms of siding.  Its aesthetic appeal, high durability, and low maintenance are all reasons to choose it. Fiber cement siding provides great results that other materials don’t deliver, giving you a strong return on your investment for years to come.

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What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

fiber cement siding

Fiber cement is made of water, sand, Portland cement, and wood pulp or fiber. When mixed, a durable material is created that can be molded into different textures.  The water is used to dissolve the wood fibers, activate the cement, and help it harden.

Wood pulp keeps the fiber cement siding planks flexible. Sand is mixed in to give the cement a thicker texture. The cement binds all the ingredients together. Once a slurry has formed, the mixture is put into molds that form planks.  The molds are dried and durable boards are created.

Why You Should Consider Fiber Cement Siding

The curb appeal of a home helps sells it faster and at a higher value. The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice and will likely judge your property by. 

More specifically, the choice of siding you put on your home has a significant effect on the overall value of your house. Increasing value by choosing specific siding materials is the smartest way to go, and when it comes to smart siding choices, fiber cement comes out on top.

1. The ROI Factor. Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report shows that installing fiber cement siding is one of the top remodeling projects for the best return on investment. Compared to several different home remodeling projects, replacing your siding to fiber cement siding can yield up to an 87% return. This is based on how much the project costs versus the resale value.

New siding for your home is worth the investment because it has proven to yield a solid return for many years. You’ll see the money spent on fiber cement siding come back when it’s time to sell your home. Buyers will be thrilled to see this type of upgrade on a home. Fiber cement siding has proven to be a reliable product.

2. Maintenance. Fiber-cement siding doesn’t require any ongoing maintenance or repainting. It is possible to repaint if you choose so at a later time if you wish to change your color scheme.

Vinyl siding, on the other hand, requires touch-up paint jobs and occasional fixes from time to time. No harsh chemicals are needed to keep fiber cement siding clean either. Over many years, fiber-cement siding is the choice requiring the least maintenance in the long-term.

fire retardant

3. Damage Prevention. Your home is protected from the elements by its siding. Fiber-cement siding is useful when it comes to preventing damage to your home. It resists damage from termites that are known to wreak havoc on homes.

Unlike wood, fiber cement is not susceptible to pest infestations and rotting.  Since there are no seams that overlap, you receive a layer of protection from the growth of mold and mildew. Nothing will find habitation in this product.

The composition of fiber cement siding is mostly inflammable. It won’t be affected by direct flames or extreme heat.  Its non-combustible properties make it a favorite choice for insurance companies who offer discounts to homeowners whose home is protected with fiber cement siding.

Fiber cement is highly weather-resistant, helping your home stand up to harsh weather conditions like wind and hail, which could rip apart other types of siding. No matter the climate you live in, fiber cement siding can withstand most weather conditions. If you live in areas that experience harsh winters, fiber cement siding can handle the snow and cold temperatures. Compared to other siding materials such as wood, aluminum, or vinyl, fiber cement siding outperforms them all.

4. Durability. You also need to consider the durability of fiber-cement siding. Due to its composite nature and tough strength, it has one of the longest lifespans of any type of siding, with some brands like James Hardie siding committing to lengthy warranties.

In all likelihood, your fiber-cement siding will be the last siding replacement your home will ever need. That means paying a bit extra upfront will help you avoid paying for another form of siding replacement within the next several years.

Fiber cement siding will help seal your home due to its ability to resist warping and other external damage.  The fiber cement siding pre-paint option has a greater resistance to fading from UV rays and chipping. The color is baked on and resists fading. It can withstand very hot and sub-freezing temperatures. This means an even coverage and vibrant color that will last for years.

5. Insulation. Fiber-cement siding is thicker and denser than most other types of siding, making it an all-around better insulator. It prevents more air from escaping the home and is better at maximizing the potential efficiency of your heating and cooling units. You can keep cool air in during the summer, and warm air from escaping during the winter.

6. Aesthetics. Fiber cement siding gives the appearance of wood and comes in a variety of styles. There are many colors available to coordinate with your home’s exterior color palette.  It comes pre-painted and can significantly improve the curb appeal of your home.

Fiber cement planks is available in different textured finishes. It can also be made with no texture providing a smooth modern look. Some of the style options include:

  • Shake and Curved Shake
  • Vertical Plank
  • Brick
  • Stone
  • Lap
  • Wood shingle
  • Geometrics

James Hardie for the Best Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie siding may require a larger initial investment, but when considering the advantages of choosing fiber cement siding over vinyl or wood, homeowners often decide the investment is well worth it in the long-term. Here’s why:

  • It’s climate-friendly—With James Hardie fiber cement siding, you get the benefit of HardieZone® technology, which has been engineered to perform well in any climate.
  • It’s easy to maintain—James Hardie siding is a wonderfully low-maintenance option for your home exterior. Simply rinse it gently with a garden hose once a year to remove dirt and dust.
  • It’s durable—James Hardie siding resists damage from moisture, rotting, and various pests.
  • It’s respected. Homeowners love James Hardie fiber cement siding because it’s beautiful and long-lasting. It has even earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Professional Installation Matters

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Fiber cement siding is weighty enough that it takes professionals who’ve been trained to properly set the boards into place. It’s a two-man job to lift each board. This means you will be investing not just in the material but in the knowledge and experience of a company that knows how to correctly install James Hardie fiber cement siding, like Banner Construction.

Having the distinction of a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor means a lot.

It shows that a contractor is committed to excellence. They've also completed training offered by James Hardie about general installation requirements of fiber cement siding. A preferred contractor ensures quality work and implements best practices.

Of course, professional installation affects the overall cost of your siding, but it has its benefits. When you call on a James Hardie fiber cement siding contractor, you get their many years of experience in properly installing fiber cement siding. It’s better to have pros do the installation because:

  • Fiber cement is heavy. You can’t install it on your own.
  • If not handled correctly, it can crack.
  • Special tools and materials are required to properly cut and secure it in place.
  • Professional installation helps ensure you get the full benefits of the James Hardie warranty—one of the best in the industry.
Installing JH siding

Invest in Siding That’s Worth It

Your home is your refuge. Ensuring that it looks and functions at its best is a great way to guarantee you fully enjoy the home lifestyle you desire. So, don’t live with a home exterior that is lackluster, dull, or low performing. Invest in beautiful fiber cement siding that gives you the look, feel, and performance you deserve to enjoy.

At Banner Construction, our team of James Hardie siding installation experts serves with exceptional service and care. You will have peace of mind knowing you chose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor who is trained and certified in the installation of fiber cement siding. The process is simple, and it’s easy to get started.