It is often challenging for homeowners to decide on the type of siding they want for their house.  Sometimes they have beautiful clapboard wood siding that they are not really eager to change.  On the other hand, there are times when the current siding is so awful that there is no other choice but to change to a new siding product.  If making a change is the right thing to do, homeowners often feel like they are caught between two choices:  install the more inexpensive and often unappealing vinyl siding or spend a large chunk of cash renovating their current siding.  HardiePlank® Siding represents a sound middle ground between those two choices.

As a homeowner, the sturdiness and durability of your house is one of your main concerns.  Of course, you want a home that is strong enough to withstand the weather conditions where you live, and at the same time, you want your home to have great curb appeal.  There is no need to worry because HardiePlank® Siding is a great solution!   HardiePlank® makes fiber cement boards that are not only highly durable, they are also an extremely attractive material for siding your house.

So, what exactly is fiber cement board siding?  The idea of fiber cement boards was actually patented in the early 1900s, and it has been a rather common building material over much of the last century.  For a great deal of the 20th century, this product was made with asbestos fibers, but of course, due to the hazards now associated with asbestos, that practice was terminated. Fiber cement sheets are currently made with non-harmful organic fibers.  This type of siding board consists of cement, cellulose (plant-based) fibers, and sand.

Fiber cement boards are produced in long horizontal strips to copy the look of traditional wooden siding.  Because it is very flame resistant, it is often substituted for actual wood siding in areas with a high fire risk.  When considering which type of siding to use, it is important to note that vinyl siding is NOT flame resistant; it burns like a match, providing minimal protection for your home.

Fiber cement, when used as covering on a building or home, is definitely an excellent choice when compared to traditional wooden siding.  It is not vulnerable to rot or termites and is non-absorbent and non-flammable.  Thicker sheets of fiber cement are impact-resistant as well. Another positive aspect of this highly durable material is that it needs minimal maintenance. Because of its great durability, this product is well-liked in areas with harsh weather conditions, including the hurricane-prone coasts of the South and the dry deserts of the Southwest.  Fiber cement siding, such as HardiePlank® Siding,  is much longer-lasting and has a better look and feel than other competing materials such as vinyl siding.

While it may not be the deciding factor when choosing a siding product for your home, it is good to know that this product is also “greener” than most other building materials.  The cellulose fibers used in HardiePlank® Siding do not come from endangered species of wood and no toxic materials are used in the production process.  It causes less damage to the planet, protecting our environment by using more sustainable raw materials.

The installation of fiber cement boards is very similar to the installation of other siding materials.  The siding planks are made and cut by the manufacturer to be ready for installation. Planks can be cut to size, as needed, using a mechanical saw.  The siding planks, especially the large sheets, are very heavy, therefore installation always requires a minimum of two people.

Once the siding has been installed, the planks can be painted just like wood, using a weatherproof exterior paint.  While the siding will require a new coat of paint over the course of time, it is great to know that it is otherwise maintenance-free.  Be sure to check out HardiePlank® fiber cement siding; it is a great solution for any homeowner considering the look and feel of real wood siding, without any of the extra maintenance associated with wood.

Allied Siding and Windows understands that your home is your special place and that you want to protect it with the highest quality products.  If you are building a new home or if you need to replace your existing siding, then HardiePlank® Siding is an excellent choice.  HardiePlank® Siding offers a number of benefits that you frankly will not get with any other siding material on the market today.  For more information, call the expert team at Allied Siding and Windows today.