When it’s time to replace your home’s exterior siding, two of the most popular options entering your mind are wood and fiber cement. Homeowners have used wood siding for centuries, but fiber cement siding is a newer alternative that outstanding advantages.
WOOD SIDING is so common and so popular in many parts of the country. Even though wood has a long history as a siding material, that doesn’t mean it looks outdated. Thanks to its numerous styles, homeowners can use wood siding to create both traditional and modern designs. Almost every type of siding on the market tries to imitate the look of real wood. Why? Because real wood has a timeless, classic look that simply makes humans feel secure and grounded.
While this is a clear advantage of this type of siding, it is also one of its primary cons. Wood must be regularly maintained; this means that it must be painted or stained every few years. Without regular maintenance wood can rot, warp or twist, allowing water to seep behind the siding, potentially causing untold damage to the home’s structure. Repairing such damage can be both costly as well as inconvenient..
Now, fiber cement siding is known as a newer alternative for wood siding with it's outstanding advantages.
FIBER CEMENT SIDING is made from a combination of substances such as wood fiber, sand, and cement. Fiber cement siding can take on a variety of appearances (including wood), making it a solid choice for either a historic home or a new build.
Fiber cement siding offers several advantages.
· Maintenance: fiber cement siding is resistant to insects, fungus, and UV damage. Simply clean on a regular basis with a power washer. When you’re ready for a refresh, this material is easy to paint.
· Durability: this type of siding holds up well over time and resists fire, making it one of the more durable siding materials on the market.
· Customization: as a cement product, this material can easily be molded into a variety of shapes, including classic wood siding styles.
· Sustainability: with its reliance on waste wood fibers and its low maintenance requirements, this is one of the most eco-friendly siding options.
Like wood, fiber cement siding also has some disadvantages.
· Installation: installing fiber cement siding is a highly skilled process, which means you can’t do it with everyday tools. You’ll need to invest in some specialized tools or hire a professional.
· Cost: the upfront cost of fiber cement siding makes it one of the more expensive siding materials on the market. Low maintenance costs over time, however, will likely offset this.
Replacing your home’s siding presents the opportunity to give your home a great new look, but choosing the right siding material for your project can be challenging. Consider your home’s design, your budget, your patience for maintenance, and your desire for a sustainable solution as you decide whether wood or cement fiber siding is best for your home