Vinyl and
Fiber-Cement Siding
Siding for Your Home
Overview:
Most homeowners want a low
maintenance home. Choosing the right siding will last a lifetime and
at the same time dramatically enhance the appearance of your home.
Many home builders use a composite siding or fiber-cement siding
over the more traditional vinyl siding for new homes.
The primary reason builders are using fiber-cement siding is that it
can be painted any color the homeowner desires without having to
re-side the house. It is more economical and versatile than having
wood siding because of its color retention and it doesn't have the
long-term maintenance issues of sanding, scraping and priming.
The color of vinyl siding can't be changed and is susceptible to
fading over time. Whatever color the builder installs is the color
of the house for life, unless you can afford the cost of replacing
it. You can't paint vinyl
because it was designed to expand and contract over time which will
cause the paint to peel and crack. If repairs are needed for vinyl
siding, it is difficult to find a perfect color match because of
aging and fading.
The fiber-cement siding is ideal for capturing the beauty of wood
without the added work and cost of wood siding. It offers a
beautiful, natural texture and realistic wood grains you would see
on cedar siding. Fiber-cement siding comes in many different colors
and shapes which gives you the ability to create your own unique and
striking design.
Fiber-cement siding is durable and guaranteed to last for up to 50
years. It can sustain the harsh climates found in the snowy northern
states and the sweltering heat and humidity of the southern states.
It's long-term durability, due to a higher quality bond strength, is
one reason why most fiber-cement siding manufacturers offer it with
a transferable 50-year warranty. Vinyl siding becomes brittle when
exposed to cold temperatures and can be damaged by hail, tree limbs
or other flying debris. The strength and thickness of fiber-cement
siding protects your home from damage. It is also coated with a
sealer for protection against impacts and moisture. Vinyl siding is
thin and provides little resistance to airborne hazards.
Fiber-cement exterior siding is non-combustible, enabling it to burn
easily and it is approved for fire-rated construction. Vinyl siding
will melt or burn when exposed to a high source of heat or flame,
and will also release toxic vapors when burned.
When fiber-cement siding is painted, it is indistinguishable from
the natural look of wood siding. It is extremely mildew resistant
which makes it a wise choice for high-humidity areas. It comes
pre-primed from the manufacturer, so all the homeowner or contractor
has to do is decide on what color it should be painted. It can be
easily repainted with little prep-work. It locks out moisture and is
impervious to termite damage. It is a fantastic product and is the
best economical choice for your house siding.
Related articles:
Vinyl Siding
Wood Siding
Composite Wood Decking
Composite Doorway Sills
