TREND SPOTLIGHT: FIBER CEMENT VS. THE WORLD

Fiber cement siding is primarily comprised of Portland cement, sand and cellulose fiber. This winning formulation makes the finished product resistant to weather, insects, fire, warping and cracking. James Hardie® is the leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding and trim, and HardiePlank® lap siding happens to be the most popular brand of siding in America – let’s see how it compares to the competition.



THE CONTESTANTS

VERSUS VINYL

Fiber cement siding is thicker than vinyl, HardiePlank® lap siding is over five times as thick, making it sturdier and more durable. The thickness of the product also allows for deeper and more creative grooves delivering a stunning and authentic wood grain appearance. Besides durability and beauty, fiber cement is non-combustible and endorsed by fire marshals nationwide. In addition, unlike vinyl siding it will not melt when exposed to high temperatures or the sun's reflection off of low-E glass windows.

VERSUS WOOD

Wood siding and trim are susceptible to insect and water damage. They can be prone to splitting, cracking and rotting over time. Fiber cement is more resistant to all of these elements, yet less expensive. While wood siding burns in a fire, James Hardie® siding will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame. Another huge benefit of fiber cement is that it is lower maintenance than wood siding and trim. For those that can’t afford to invest much time and effort in preserving the exterior appearance of their homes, fiber cement is a great choice.

VERSUS WOOD COMPOSITE

Wood composite, also known as engineered wood is made of wood strands or fibers that are bonded together under heat and pressure with a resin. It possesses the drawbacks of wood siding and can be more likely to split at the bottom edges when exposed to frequent wetting and drying conditions. James Hardie® fiber cement siding is Engineered for Climate®. In fact James Hardie® siding outperforms wood-based products with better resistance to damage from moisture, humidity, pests and fire.

AND THE WINNER IS...


Fiber cement siding products combine beautiful design choices with high performance. It closely resembles the natural appearance of wood while being more durable and affordable. Fiber cement’s popularity grows each year because of its ability to withstand the elements and preserve its glamour with less maintenance.

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