Fiber cement siding or "fiber cement cladding" as called in United kingdom and Australia is an element used as building material which is used to cover the external surfaces of buildings and can be used in commercial and domestic constructions. Fiber cement is a combination material consists of sand, cement and cellulose fiber. It is then processes with pressurized steam to increase the sturdy level and stability. This process make fiber cement siding to be a shield against fire, winds and insects.
It was invented in France and was exported overseas, having America in the export league, where most of the housed can be seen with fiber cement sidings at the outside. When invented the formula had asbestos in it but later on when asbestos was found to be dangerous, it was replaced with celluloid.
All those who want an appearance of wooden siding, but refrain from all the hassle and cost attached with it, fiber cement siding can be considered as the best available option in the market. Market share for this is increasing at slow pace but this technology is old which is now available in wide range of textures and it is proved being more durable than the conventional wooden sidings.
If one is getting a building, new home, a garage, or a workshop or may be the time has approached to replace the old weather tarnished sidings of the building, fiber cement siding can be considered as one of the best options available.
Just like standard siding, fiber cement siding get applied on the externals of a buildings for protection. A fiber sliding comes in a vast range of different colors and styles and provides an option to an end user to choose as per his or her own convenience. . It is primarily a combination of cement, sand and usually a recycled wood fiber, which results in a significantly durable product. Fiber cement siding often costs more than other siding options, however it is sturdy, lasts more and withstand common risks including heavy rains, high wind, summer insects etc. It is ideal for hot or humid environment though it is recommended to be used in all the weathers. As fiber cement siding is durable and rarely peels hence it does not require more maintenance cost. There are many builders, constructers, and home owners who are enjoying user friendliness of fiber cement siding for some time now so one who thinks of buying it in near future has no need to be hesitated as it is not a new product to experiment with. All the fiber cement siding manufacturers are experienced and knowledgeable enough with all the technical aspects of it.
One can opt to change the color after some use of a fiber cement siding as it has the flexibility of this. The acrylic colors based on waters are suitable to this. As it does not shrink or expand as much as the wooden siding which ensure that the color will stay at its place.
Advantages and disadvantages of Fiber cement siding-
Like all the other products one can use in the building construction fiber cement also has some pros and cons. But at the same time advantages are more than disadvantages. Which are
Advantages-
Fiber cement sliding can handle light physical impacts. It does not have any effect of moisture like paint and polishing and lasts comparatively longer.
Unlike hardboard made sidings fiber siding board does not rot, especially near the foundation areas. Any adhesive or pests which harms the normal sidings do not affect fiber cement siding.
• The dimensions of this siding remain stable as it does not expand or contract with the change in the environment, hence it turns out to be a more favorable base to paint. And naturally when the paint is well adhered, one will not have to do it very frequently, hence the maintenance cost will come down.
• Fiber cement is a fireproof element with a class 1A fire and flame spread rating. Products which come under class 1 category have the top most level of protection from fire and it ranges till class 10 respective where the protection level from fire varies accordingly. This is again an innovative idea as the external places are more fire prone to wild fires etc.
• All fiber cement manufacturers also offer these products primed and painted. This paint is done under most favorable conditions and it is likely to last longer than the usual way of painting where a consumer buy the fiber cement siding and get it painted and get them installed. This is combined with several kinds of vinyl trim to shield the weather. Vinyl accessories which are able to ventilate the building may also be pained as owners wish.
• As these fiber cement sidings are manufactured with better ingredients and under most optimum favorable conditions, the manufacturer provide warranties against their products up to 40 years and more.
• All of these fiber cement siding are a better proved alternative to traditional wood sidings, and give more contemporary and classic appeal.
Disadvantages
• Economically fiber cement siding can be slightly more heavy on an individual pocket if gets compared to the traditional sidings. However the outcome one installed are totally different and worth the money spent.
i. Procuring a painted fiber cement siding sounds good and gives a better view to see but one has to pay more for the same. Depending on the particular siding you buy but one might end up paying double of the normal siding prices.
• The installation process of fiber cement siding can be termed as a bit challenging as it is comparatively heavy and fragile to handle while avoiding any breakages. The dust while the cutting process may poses some health threats too.