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Home & Garden Articles
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
Fri 26 Sep 2008 - 15:01
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver]Budda Oliver
Siding is a great way to improve both the value and appearance of your home. New siding can greatly improve your home's resale value. There are many options available, but one of the best types of siding available is fiber cement.
Fiber cement is made from a composite of materials including sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. These materials are then blended with a mix of water, waxes and resins and then autoclaved. This is a process in which the mixture is subjected to highly pressurized steam that presses the material into its final form. This autoclave procedure provides increased strength and durability to the final product.
There are many advantages to cladding the exterior of your home with this protective coating. Fiber cement cladding is extremely versatile, meaning it can be formed to mimic a wide range of other materials, such as wood or vinyl. The material is much stronger than its authentic counterparts, yet costs less.
Fiber cement is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and fungus. Wood cladding cannot claim this, and therefore requires constant maintenance in order to prevent these problems. This costs time and money. Others reasons why it is favored over wood siding include termites, and initial cost.
There are also many problems with vinyl cladding. Most vinyl sidings are not very durable, and tend to bend, bow, crack, and fall off over time. One of the main reasons for these problems is the vulnerability vinyl has to humidity and temperature change. As temperatures fluctuate, the vinyl will expand and contract, creating gaps, bending, and bowing. Sometimes this is enough to actually allow it to fall off. This bending and bowing also creates gaps in which insects and moisture can penetrate, leading to further issues.
Fiber cement stands up to temperature fluctuations and humidity much better. This is due to both the materials and the actual structure of the product. It is much thicker and much more durable than its vinyl counterpart.
Vinyl and wood siding are both highly flammable. When exposed to a flame or other heat source, the cladding can catch fire or melt. This most commonly occurs when a barbeque grill is placed too close to the house, ruining the siding, as well as posing a danger to people. Fiber cement is fire and flame resistant. It is non-combustible and approved for fire-rated construction.
Fiber cement siding is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, such as horizontal, vertical, and shingle-style. It can be found with different patterns as well, such as wood grain or stucco, and is offered as a soffit material as well.
Fiber cement siding can also be easily painted, should you feel the need for a change. This cannot be accomplished with vinyl, as the paint will peel and crack from sun and weather exposure in a relatively short period of time.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of American Self. The James Hardie Siding Contractor provides residential siding installation and maintenance throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their [http://www.blueridgeexteriors.com/]Exterior Siding Contractors please visit their website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver http://EzineArticles.com/?Advantages-of-Fiber-Cement-Siding&id=1525612
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