It’s normal to feel skeptical about different siding materials when sorting through the options for a siding replacement. After all, new siding is a huge investment!
We want to help you make a well-informed choice about your siding selection, but to do that—it’s crucial to get the facts straight. With so much information floating around online, it’s never been more challenging to sort out “fact” from “fiction” about certain siding products, especially those newer to the market, like fiber cement siding.
Myth Busting (Fiber Cement Siding Edition!)
Do you have questions about fiber cement siding? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’re debunking all the common myths about fiber cement siding so you can confidently determine if this siding material is right for you.
Myth #1: Fiber cement siding is too expensive.
While fiber cement siding may be more expensive upfront than some materials, its longevity is worth the added cost.
Although certain siding materials might initially cost less, they require extensive maintenance and upkeep and will need to be replaced sooner, so they will cost more in the long run. Fiber cement is also less expensive than other premium siding options, like stone, making it a good “middle-of-the-road” investment.
Myth #2: Fiber cement siding doesn’t require any maintenance.
Fiber cement siding is an incredibly low-maintenance material compared to high-maintenance alternatives like wood. However, while it requires minimal upkeep, it still needs some TLC to stay in excellent condition.
Usually, washing your fiber cement siding with mild soap and water once a year is enough to keep it in tip-top shape. This is still much less maintenance than the frequent painting or staining other siding materials require, making fiber cement an ideal low-maintenance siding choice.
Myth #3: Fiber cement siding is less versatile than other siding materials.
Many homeowners assume fiber cement siding is only available in limited colors and styles. This couldn’t be further from the truth! In actuality, fiber cement siding is one of the most versatile, customizable siding materials on the market and can perfectly match nearly any architectural style.
Homeowners can choose from horizontal lap, vertical, or shingle fiber cement siding (or a combination of all three!) in a wide range of textures, from sleek, contemporary panels to authentic wood-grain boards. Fiber cement siding can also be primed for paint, so when it comes to color options—the sky is truly the limit!
Myth #4: Fiber cement siding contains hazardous materials.
Some early versions of fiber cement siding were made with asbestos—a toxic, carcinogenic silicate mineral. However, modern fiber cement siding—made with cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers—is considered safe and completely non-toxic. Overall, fiber cement siding is much better for the environment and your health than plastic siding products.
It’s important to note that cutting or sanding fiber cement siding creates a fine dust that can damage the respiratory system. Leaving installation to professionals with knowledge of best installation practices and access to the proper gear, like dust masks, is the best choice for a safe, healthy installation.
Myth #5: Fiber cement siding can’t be mixed with other exterior materials.
Many people shy away from fiber cement siding because they are nervous it won’t play well with other exterior features, like elegant stonework, metal accents, or natural wood detailing.
However, since fiber cement siding is so durable and customizable, it is actually one of the best materials to mix and match with other building materials. Think about it—fiber cement siding can provide reliable, lasting durability, while other materials provide a stylistic touch for eye-popping curb appeal. It’s a great combination!
Myth #6: Fiber cement can only be used for siding.
Think fiber cement is only an exterior siding product? Think again!
Though siding products are by far the most popular use of fiber cement, this durable material is also used to create beautiful trim, sturdy soffit panels, and even high-performance backer boards for superior indoor tile adhesion in kitchens and bathrooms.
Myth #7: Fiber cement siding is only necessary for homeowners living in climates with extreme weather.
Because of its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, homeowners living in climates that experience extreme weather like hurricanes, flooding, and severe cold prefer fiber cement siding to other less-durable siding options. However, that doesn’t mean homeowners in the Midwest, like Indianapolis, can’t benefit from its durability!
Fiber cement siding is noncombustible and, compared to other siding products, is less likely to experience warping, cracking, rotting, and moisture damage. Even if your home is unlikely to suffer damage from extreme weather, knowing it is protected with fiber cement siding is an invaluable investment.
Myth #8: Fiber cement siding is too heavy for my home.
If you’ve ever heard that fiber cement siding is too heavy for your home’s exterior and will damage your foundation—that’s a false claim!
While fiber cement siding is heavier than some siding products, like aluminum or vinyl, it is still lighter than others, like brick or stone. It’s highly unlikely that fiber cement siding will damage your home’s solid foundation.
Trust Our Professional Team at JD Hostetter & Associates to Install Fiber Cement Siding
Another common myth we forgot to mention is that fiber cement siding is easy to install. As siding installation professionals, trust us when we say—it’s not!
Aside from the specialized tools and techniques needed to install fiber cement siding, installing new siding yourself could be costly. Improper installation can lead to irreversible damage down the road and will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Even if you’re as handy as they come, it’s still worthwhile to leave fiber cement siding installation in the capable hands of a local siding installer, like our team at JD Hostetter & Associates!
Still trying to decide whether fiber cement siding is the right material for you? Keep reading about fiber cement siding to learn more about its unique benefits, our preferred brands, and our siding replacement services.
