Fiber Cement Siding | James Hardie Siding
Fiber cement siding is often referred to by the name of its most well-known manufacturer, the James Hardie Company. This material was first introduced into the construction market in the 1970s, invented by the now-famous James Hardie. Mr. Hardie created the product by combining, as the name suggests, wood fibers and cement. The material was an instant success, coming to dominate its corner of the market in a short period of time. Homeowners, contractors, and commercial builders all sang the praises of fiber cement’s pleasing appearance and remarkable durability. Fiber cement hit a sweet spot in its product area, combining the low-maintenance ease of vinyl paneling with the beautiful aesthetic of natural wood planks.
HISTORY AND MANUFACTURING OF FIBER CEMENT SIDING
As can be inferred from its name, fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood fibers and cement. Combined with sand, adhesive, and water, these products are then rolled out and pressed into shape. The most common form is panels, though fiber cement can also be shaped into bricks, faux stone, shingles, and a variety of others. The shaped material is then baked in a high-heat oven, removing the moisture from the product. The entire manufacturing process takes between twenty-four and forty-eight hours, resulting in a highly durable exterior material. thanks to this durability, most manufacturers offer a guarantee or warranty for their products, with the average length set around twenty-five years.
Soon after James Hardie introduced his remarkable new product to the siding market in the 1970s, his company took off. Growing rapidly, they expanded in the market and took first place as the most popular siding producer in the United States. This is a position that the company holds to this day, though a number of competitors have since appeared, offering a similar product to the original. James Hardie Company engineers have had years to improve upon the original formula, and they have. Today’s James Hardie Siding is lighter, more durable, and easier to work with. The company also offers a number of different formulations, each suited to a particular climate, giving James Hardie buildings the best protection from the elements.
ADVANTAGES OF FIBER CEMENT SIDING (HARDIE SIDING)
Fiber cement siding is a very popular material, with homeowners, commercial builders, and contractors all singing its praises. Offering a unique combination of traits, the material is an amalgamation of the best aspects of various other siding materials.
Below are listed a few of the benefits of Hardie siding:
Beautiful, Versatile Aesthetic:
Fiber cement is an enormously adaptable material, taking on nearly any shape. These shapes are always pleasing to the eye and can be obtained in a large number of colors. Common models are faux stone, faux wood, and faux brick.
High Durability
When properly installed, James Hardie siding is all but invulnerable to the issues that plague other exterior materials. Based in cement, James Hardie products are unaffected by precipitation and are highly resistant to dents and breakage.
Insect and Rot Resistant
The most commonly cited competitor for fiber cement is natural wood siding, likely because fiber cement is often made to resemble the material. Wood does have a remarkably appealing appearance, but is quite susceptible to various issues such as rot and termites. Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, is not vulnerable to these issues.
Structural Stability
Formulated with concrete, fiber cement is not vulnerable to any changes in structure that wet weather brings to other materials. Thanks to this stability, fiber cement is also an easily painted material. There is no cracking or chipping to worry about, as the surface of the boards never shifts. When the product is repainted, it does not have to be sanded or scraped before the next coat is applied–new paint can simply cover the old coat.
Resistant to Fire Damage
Another advantage of fiber cement’s concrete formulation is its non-flammable nature. This peace of mind in knowing that your exterior cannot catch flame is a gift to home and business owners. Additionally, fiber-cement is such an impressive safety feature, some insurance companies offer a discount on fire insurance policies to those with fiber cement siding.
Available with Primer and/or Paint
James Hardie, along with other fiber cement manufacturers, offers fiber cement panels, stones, shingles, and bricks in a variety of primed and pre-painted options. Buyers who select this option will, most often, receive a guarantee or warranty on the color from the manufacturer. These guarantees are typically about fifteen years. While the pre-colored versions are more expensive upfront, the investment is a wise move over time. Factory paint and primer are high-quality and durable, lasting far longer than aftermarket options.
James Hardie Colors available:
Arctic White | |
Woodstock Brown | |
Navajo Beige | |
Cobble Stone | |
Traditional Red | |
Autumn Tan | |
Monterey Taupe | |
Heathered Moss | |
Boothbay Blue | |
Countrylane Red | |
Sandstone Beige | |
Khaki Brown | |
Timber Bark | |
Mountain Sage | |
Evening Blue | |
Iron Gray | |
Chestnut Brown | |
Aged Pewter | |
Sail Cloth | |
Gray Slate | |
Rich Espresso | |
Light Mist | |
Night Gray | |
Pearl Gray |
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Producers’ guarantees are typically offered for thirty to fifty years, depending on the specific manufacturer. These warranties provide protection for a number of factory flaws, making fiber cement a reliable financial investment.
FIBER CEMENT SIDING INSTALLATION
Fiber cement materials require little to no upkeep and still provide enormous benefits in terms of appearance and home safety and stability. If you are in the market for a top-of-the-line, low-maintenance, low-cost exterior that will improve the appearance and value of your building, James Hardie siding is the product you have been looking for. Exterior experts recommend that all home and business owners looking to install fiber cement seek out an experienced, fully licensed professional to do the work. James Hardie siding can be quite difficult to install and, in terms of longevity and aesthetic appeal, the quality of installation is just as important as the quality of the product itself. In fact, some insurance companies will not honor policies covering buildings which have had non-professional siding installation.
The team here at Kansas City Siding would love to work with you on your home or business. Give us a ring and we can show you how we can improve your home’s value, safety, and appearance.
Give us a ring for a free estimate on your home or building: +1 (816) 281-0705
Or E-mail: info@SidingInKansasCity.com