Aluminum siding is no longer the option of choice for homeowners looking for siding replacement materials.  Today’s homeowners are making choices in favor of vinyl and other materials, including fiber cement.  If you have already started the process of looking at options for an exterior face-lift, you have probably seen that there are a variety of options to consider.  The question is this:  how do you choose the right material for your home? Comparing the various materials available is certainly a good place to begin.  Be sure to contact local siding contractors since they have plenty of information available that is designed to help make the process easier for homeowners.  Ask remodeling experts and contractors which material they would choose for their own home.  You will find that fiber cement siding is typically at the top the list.  Fiber cement siding is popular with those in the home improvement industry because it offers such an impressive range of advantages.

Don’t let the price of fiber cement siding scare you away at first glance.  While this type of siding does cost more than vinyl, you can be sure that you are getting great value for your money.  Most siding contractors will tell you upfront that the initial payout is definitely redeemed through lower repair-related costs over time, along with the long life of the product.  Before making quick decisions, take some time to look at the various costs you will face in the future. When you do a comparison over the life of the products, you will quickly see that vinyl is cheaper in the short term.  You will also find that vinyl siding is much more expensive when it comes to the cost and frequency of repairs, as well as the cost of regular basic maintenance.

Home remodeling experts agree that fiber cement is stronger and more durable than vinyl for a number of reasons.  Fiber cement siding is five times thicker and it is made from a combination of cement, sand and cellulose or wood fibers.  This combination of natural ingredients produces a material that’s both denser and stronger than the alternatives.  It is a fire resistant product, so it won’t smolder, ignite and burn like vinyl.  This type of siding keeps its true color longer and is less prone to fading over time; the color is literally baked onto the top layer of the product.  Fiber cement is a thicker, more rigid material, consequently there is far less buckling, cracking or warping over time.  This means that you will be less likely to need repairs due to damage from extreme heat or cracking due to cold temperatures.

Having to repair or replace your home’s exterior less often is one way that this material saves you money, but it certainly isn’t the only way.  The beauty of fiber cement is obvious to siding contractors, who regularly install it even on recently built luxury homes.  The textured surface and careful attention to detail during the manufacturing process gives it a rich beauty that simply can’t be replicated in vinyl.  The fiber cement looks like genuine wood and is striking on any architectural style; using this type of siding means you will enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value considerably.

Because fiber cement is so dense and much thicker than vinyl, it is considered to be a good insulator, keeping out the cold winter winds and shielding your home’s interior from the harsh rays of a summer sun.  This means that you will experience an added bonus of reduced heating and cooling costs.  You can further reduce expenses by having siding contractors layer extra insulation behind the siding.  The fiber cement material is moisture-resistant, therefore it also prevents underlying wood rot.  In addition, it can help ensure that annoying insects, including termites, are controlled.  You will certainly save money on regular maintenance and repairs without the need for exterminators and wood rot repairs.  Weather-related events, such as hail and high winds with flying debris can cause expensive dents and holes in vinyl.  Fiber cement siding can easily stand up to these weather scenarios and much more.

One of the most important reasons siding contractors prefer fiber cement to vinyl is the impressive life expectancy of fiber cement products. Some companies warranty their product for as much as fifty years, ensuring that it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime investment.  There simply aren’t any vinyl manufacturers who can give you that kind of protection.  If you still have questions, talk to siding contractors in your area about the benefits of this option. You will quickly be sold on its value and beauty.

Homeowners often feel like they are caught between just two choices: install cheaper and often unattractive vinyl siding or spend an exorbitant amount on renovating the current siding. HardiePlank siding, made with fiber cement materials, represents a solid middle ground between those two choices.

Your home is your castle and the professional team at Allied Siding and Windows understands that this means that you will want to provide your home with high quality, yet affordable, products.  If you need to replace your existing siding, then HardiePlank siding is an excellent choice. HardiePlank siding offers a number of benefits that you simply do not get with any other siding material on the market today. For more information, call the experts at Allied Siding and Windows today!