What are the Major Differences between Fiber Cement Siding & Composite Wood Siding?
Whether you are building a new house or are thinking about updating the house you already own, the question of siding is an important one. There are many different choices and things to consider. We are here to answer some questions you may have.
One of the biggest choices is whether you want composite wood siding or fiber cement siding. There are advantages and disadvantages to consider with both options. To make it easier for you to decide which siding you want to go with, we have put a list together with some of the major differences.
1. Look
For some people wood siding still has the classic style they prefer. It looks more traditional and wood is beautiful. However, keep in mind that fiber cement siding comes in many different styles and can even imitate the appearance of wood. In addition, you have many more color and style choices with fiber cement than you do with wood. Many think that fiber cement siding looks more modern and neater as well.
Check out this mid-century modern home with vertical wood siding. We love how it turned out!
2. Durability
Durability is a major factor for many home owners when they decide which siding to get. Unless you are only planning on staying in your home for a couple of years, you want something that can last for as many years as possible.
Wood siding can last for decades but only when it is well maintained and taken care of. Fiber cement siding holds up very well over time without nearly as much maintenance. Cement is the more durable material of the two.
The durability is reflected in the warranties the manufacturers give on their products. Wood often has a limited 10-year warranty for decay and water absorption. On the other hand, fiber cement siding like James Hardie’s cement siding comes with a 30-year product and 15-year finish warranty. That means significant savings over time because of the much higher lifespan of the product.
Take a look at this home’s cedar siding to fiber cement siding transformation. We think it is stunning!
3. Maintenance
The biggest difference between these two siding options is the amount of maintenance they require. Wood siding cannot just age on its own, it has to be well maintained or you will face problems like rot and deterioration. The wood requires regular painting and preservative treatments to withstand time and weather.
Fiber cement on the other hand needs very little maintenance. It only needs to be cleaned with a power washer every so often. If you want a different color, it is easy to paint, but it is not necessary to do so to maintain it. James Hardie’s ColorPlus technology provides a factory paint finish that will blow your mind.
We installed James Hardie Color Plus to this home in Golden, Colorado and have been pleased with the outcome, check it out!
4. Cost
The cost of a product is always important and you have to make a choice with your budget in mind. Between these two siding choices, fiber cement is definitely more cost effective. Some wood siding is inexpensive, but the better grade siding can be quite expensive. In addition, the initial installation of wood is often more expensive than the installation of other siding. Of course, fiber cement has an upfront cost for the installation as well. However, with the necessary maintenance and durability in mind, fiber cement siding is the much more cost-effective option overall.
This Boulder Area home got a major facelift with James Hardie Color Plus andSherwin Williams Duration paint on the brick.
5. Customization
Wood siding can easily be customized to take on a variety of shapes of forms. It is a rather pliable material. So is cement, which can be molded easily and take on different shapes, including that of classic wood siding. You are more flexible with cement than with wood when it comes to customization.
This Colorado Mountain Home had James Hardie WoodTone Rustic series to replace its damaged cedar. The home is picture perfect!
6. Weather Resistance
Living in Colorado means dealing with huge variances in weather, including harsh winters and hot summers. Hail and wind are also big issues homeowners have to bear in mind in Colorado. Your siding needs to be able to withstand all of it. Wood siding needs to be maintained regularly or it will not withstand the weather and will start to rot or crack over time. Cement siding does not have that problem. It is much more weather resistant and durable, which cannot be overlooked in the local climate. Fiber cement will not swell, warp or crack from moisture and extreme weather conditions like wood will.
This home in Aurora replaced its old vinyl siding with James Hardie ColorPlus and James Hardie WoodTone series. We are so pleased with the outcome!
7. Other Resistances
Living in Colorado means dealing with huge variances in weather, including harsh winters and hot summers. Hail and wind are also big issues homeowners have to bear in mind in Colorado. Your siding needs to be able to withstand all of it. Wood siding needs to be maintained regularly or it will not withstand the weather and will start to rot or crack over time. Cement siding does not have that problem. It is much more weather resistant and durable, which cannot be overlooked in the local climate. Fiber cement will not swell, warp or crack from moisture and extreme weather conditions like wood will.
There are more advantages to fiber cement siding than to composite wood siding. The durability, ease of maintenance, cost and resistances of fiber cement siding will surely convince you too.
We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred company. That means we have many years of experience with the installation of the James Hardie fiber cement siding. It is the top-of-the-line product that offers you many choices when it comes to texture, color and style and is extremely durable. James Hardie fiber cement siding is the premier product for the Denver region and all of Colorado. We are the experts to install it for you.
If you have any questions about which siding you should choose or want to discuss a new project, please do not hesitate to contact us. Colorado Siding Repair is here for you, so call us today!
