Cement Fiber Siding

The first thing to understand about cement-fiber siding (also known as Hardi board siding or Hardi plank) is the fact that it isn't made of concrete. While it is made of a mixture that is very similar to concrete, it isn't the same thing. Cement fiber siding is a mixture of Portland cement, perlite, glass fibers, wood pulp, slaked lime, sand or ash, and water.

Standard concrete contains some of these ingredients, but cement-fiber siding is basically a new invention. Naturally, the mixtures will vary from one manufacturer to another, but all of them are roughly the same in terms of performance. On that subject, this type of siding will provide the best insulation. As such, it can be a good way to lower your utility bills.

So, why was this new invention necessary? Because standard concrete could never have been used in this way. That stuff is normally poured in thick slabs because thin slabs would be too brittle. Of course, you need thin slabs for siding, so a new mixture was needed. The end result is a substance that is a little less durable than concrete, but a lot more versatile. When you need Hardi plank contractors Greensboro can provide the very best.

Extremely Long Lifespan
Like any new technology, cement-fiber siding tends to be a little more expensive. However, there is more to the story than that. Hardi plank might cost more initially, but it will normally pay for itself over time. This kind of siding will last up to fifty years, which is a lot more than you could reasonably expect from any other type of siding. The only other material that comes close is aluminum siding, which has an approximate shelf life of roughly forty years.

Extreme Versatility
There are some other benefits that come with this kind of siding. Because this stuff is made with an extrusion process, it can easily be made with whatever type of surface you might want. The most popular option is to make it look and feel like wooden siding, but you can also go with a "stucco" look. As for color, the cement fibers are normally impregnated with some kind of dye. Thus, like vinyl, the cement-fiber siding will never need to be repainted.

Safe Against Fire
From a safety perspective, this kind of siding is superior in many ways. Even if a direct flame is applied to it for an extended period, it will not catch fire. Because it is basically a form of artificial stone, it doesn't really burn at all. With a high enough temperature, the siding could be destroyed, but it will never be flammable. Most companies that make cement-fiber siding will add various fire-retardant chemicals to make it even safer.

Doesn't Warp, Bend, Or Rot
It is also likely that this type of siding will add value to your home. Vinyl may look nice from a distance, but people can always tell when they get close. Most of the time, they will be able to tell because of the distinctive warping that vinyl will often develop. Upon close inspection, it will always be visible unless your vinyl is brand new. However, cement siding will never warp or bend in any way, keeping all its boards straight and uniform. That can be a serious advantage when it's time to sell your home.

Because cement is an inert material, it will not be vulnerable to rotting, insects, mold, or mildew. There is simply nothing there on which they can feed. Because of this, cement siding requires little maintenance. A quick spray with the garden hose from time to time should be enough. For the same reasons, cement siding is also fairly eco-friendly. All of its materials are inert, and very few chemicals are involved in its production.

The Disadvantages
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to this type of siding. For one thing, it can be a little bit sensitive to impact. Despite being a lot more flexible than standard concrete, it can still be shattered with a sharp hit. As such, hailstones and other forms of severe weather could present a danger. Of course, if you do lose a single board, it shouldn't be difficult or expensive to replace.

Some contractors also complain that this stuff is harder to cut and hang, making the task of siding installation more difficult. Finally, we might mention the dust that is generated when cutting Hardi board siding. It isn't toxic, but it can definitely be a problem if you breathe it too deeply. That dust can act as a severe lung irritant, so make sure you always wear a mask when cutting this material.