Real wood can be expensive and it can require a great deal of maintenance, which is why many homeowners choose fiber cement siding over wood. They want the look without the cost and the time it takes to care for it. It is also one of the most durable siding products available.
The exact composition of fiber cement siding can vary from company-to-company, but the basic materials within its composition includes Portland cement, cellulose, and sand. The curing process used within fiber cement ensures that it has low moisture content and it does not crack. It has the durability of cement, the fire rating is class 1A, and is resistant to the wood-boring insects that Minnesota is known for. UV rays also don’t make it deteriorate.
Different Designs Are Available
There are different designs that you can choose from based on the architecture of your home, your preferences, and your budget. Fiber cement is a siding product that the industry has taken many years to perfect just so homeowners can have the options that they want. You can choose siding that has been left smooth or embossed with wood grain. You may also choose any color that you want.
There are also different finishes. You can choose from painted, stained, prefinished, or unfinished faces. Some brands of fiber cement siding come with warranties on the finishes, which shows that the consumer can save money by not having to re-paint the siding any time soon.
Fast Installation
Fiber cement siding is heavier than engineered wood or vinyl siding, but it is lighter than stone or real wood. This means that the installation can occur rather quickly. The Minneapolis siding installers will follow the installation guidelines very closely, especially when it comes to keeping the siding dry. Cutting it is actually harder than with real wood because it requires handheld or pneumatic shears, a diamond-tip miter saw, or a dust-reducing circular saw. If you are in the vicinity of where fiber cement is being cut, you will want to wear a face mask because it releases silica out into the air.
The professionals will ensure that the handling and storage recommendations are closely complied with. It is important to keep it dry because moist fiber cement siding can shrink at the butt ends and this can cause an issue if it is installed before it dries. Many types of fiber cement siding have warnings on them to not install them wet. Unfortunately, there have been tales of installers spraying the fiber cement down before they install it. Experienced installers will ensure that the product is stored properly before it is installed so that the installation is fast, clean, and so the siding performs the way it should.
Be Environmentally Friendly
Fiber cement is becoming even more popular among individuals who want to engage in greener building. As a wood alternative, this type of siding saves forests and is environmentally friendly in that it is sustainable. This is one way to reduce your carbon footprint.