The Pros and Cons of Fiber Cement Board Siding

Fiber cement board siding is a type of prefabricated siding that protects the exterior of a home.  Fiber cement is a mixture of materials that includes sand and fibers made from cardboard.  There are both benefits and consequences to investing in fiber cement siding.

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New Englanders will especially appreciate the fact that this type of siding stands up well to sea salt air.  It is very durable and withstands harsh weather for many, many years.  The siding protects the home from wind and rain damage as well as hail, and can withstand hurricane-level storms “facts that every New Englander can appreciate.

The material is not flammable.  Among the many worries of homeowners, fire is usually somewhere at the top of the list.  Fiber cement is made up of more than 90 percent of inflammable material.  In one reported incident, a fire destroyed fire trucks almost 100 feet away from the flames, but the home constructed with fiber cement was completely protected.

The appearance of fiber cement siding is perhaps the most surprising aspect of the material.  Fiber cement can resemble wood planks or wood shingles.  A homeowner does not have to sacrifice the traditional look of a home to gain the many benefits of fiber cement siding.  The siding is also available in a variety of colors; or, if a color is not suitable, the siding can be painted.

Fiber board cement siding offers complete protection from insects and rotting.  The siding has no seams that overlap, which prevents mold or mildew from growing between the outside and interior walls.  This feature lessens allergens within the home, further protecting a homeowner’s family.  Fiber cement board has all the benefits of other sidings with few disadvantages.

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Installation of fiber cement board siding is costly.  Labor costs are higher because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install.  Cost can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding.  If a homeowner is planning to sell within the next five years, investing in fiber cement siding might not be ideal.

Unlike aluminum or vinyl siding, fiber cement siding has to be re-painted.  While the paint job lasts longer than usual, normally about fifteen years, the siding does require painting after some time. Initially, the siding can be installed painted. However, the task of painting fiber cement should be considered when choosing this type of siding.

UNITED HOME EXPERTS

When deciding what type of siding is right, contact United Home Experts. We are the leaders in construction in New England.  We know and understand the unique needs of New England homeowners and offer warranties on all contracted work.  Estimates are provided at no charge, along with a recommendation for the type of siding that is right for the homeowner.  Siding is an investment, no matter the type of siding that is chosen, so it is important for homeowners to make sure the choice is the right one for home and family.

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Sherwin Williams Paint vs Valspar Paint

An internal comparison paint survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, PaintBucketroofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination. Sherwin Williams and Valspar paint products were rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest score that could be attained. Sherwin Williams received a score of 92 and Valspar received a score of 86. Characteristics rated included application, price, and warranty or guarantee satisfaction.

Painters and homeowners desire to use paint that is easy to apply. The best paint is neither too thick nor too thin. Paint that is too thin has the tendency to create drips. Paint that is too thick can dry before the painter is done covering an area. The application characteristic also considers the adequacy of coverage and the amount of fumes emitted from the paint. Sherwin Williams received a five out of five for application while Valspar received a three out of five. Valspar received a lower score because the paint dried too quickly which caused brush strokes to show.

Another characteristic that was rated for Sherwin Williams Paint and Valspar Paint was price. This was based on how satisfied people were in relation to the price paid. Sherwin Williams and Valspar both received a three out of five rating.  Sherwin Williams can range from $25 to $50 per gallon, depending on the type of paint. Valspar offers paint in a similar price range, from $25 to $40 per gallon. Valspar may be a better buy based on price if it can be purchased inexpensively.

Paint warranties can be very important in case something happens after application that causes a homeowner to become unsatisfied. Painting an interior room can require several gallons of paint which can add up quickly. When it came to satisfaction with the guarantee or warranty offered, Sherwin Williams received a rating of 5 out of 5 while Valspar received a 3.

Sherwin Williams received the better overall rating because more customers were happy with the ease of application of their paint as well as the warranty offered.  Valspar still received a respectable rating that was only six points lower. Valspar is sold at home improvement stores while Sherwin Williams paint is available through their stand-alone stores.

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Marvin Windows vs. Simonton Windows

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Sherwin Williams vs Olympic Paint

An internal comparison paint survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, GreenPaintCanroofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products.

Two paint brands that offer paint products with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content are Sherwin Williams Paint and Olympic Paint. Although VOC is not immediately toxic, it may result in health problems over time. This makes paint that contains fewer grams of it per liter desirable. Between these two paint brands, Sherwin Williams scores higher with 92 compared to Olympic with 82. This is based on a 0 to 100 scale with 100 being the highest score possible.

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content

Sherwin Williams and Olympic offer several paint products that have either very little or no VOC content. Between the two, however, Sherwin Williams offers more product lines with zero or very low VOC. Excellent examples of this are the Emerald, Harmony, and the newer HGTV paint lines. These lines have both interior and exterior varieties for those aiming for a greener, safer home inside and out. Sherwin Williams thus provides the health conscious among their customers with a wider array of this type of paint. This allows the customer to select the best paint color and variety to fit their needs. Only select Olympic products have zero VOC. These are their premium interior paints. For exterior paint, they offer the low VOC variety.

Self–Priming

Generally, before applying paint over a surface, it has to be primed. The primer helps the paint adhere better to the surface and helps bring out its color. It unfortunately adds to the cost of painting a house. Sherwin Williams offer several paint lines that are self priming. These may be more expensive than comparable Olympic products. But because a primer is no longer needed, the overall cost of the paint job may be significantly reduced.

Moisture Resistance

It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast when painting a house. When one expects rain or a decrease in temperature below what is indicated for applying the paint, the job has to be postponed or hurriedly completed. Sherwin Williams has developed its Resilience paint with this specifically in mind. This paint product resists moisture up to 50% and dries within two hours of touch application. There is as yet no Olympic Paint product with comparable ability.

Warranty

Both paint brands have products with lifetime warranties. What sets Sherwin Williams apart is the one-coat lifetime warranty it offers for certain products such as the Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex paint. It is at least 50% to 70% thicker than comparable Olympic products, so one coat may be all that is needed, or in certain cases, at least fewer coatings.

In Summary

Sherwin Williams Paint provides a wider, more comprehensive selection of low and zero VOC paint products than Olympic Paint. They also have products with superlative moisture resistance suited for places with shorter dry periods. Those on a limited budget will like their self-priming paints and their one-coat lifetime warranty covered products. These may cost more per gallon compared to paint offered by Olympic. This, however, is offset by being able to forgo the use of a separate primer and the need for several coats in order to finish project.

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Sherwin Williams Paint vs California Paint

An internal comparison paint survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, ujwkmam6roofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products.

We rate paint products on a scale of 0 to 100. The rating scale can go up to 50 points for two of the most important qualities in an exterior paint: weather resistance and longevity. Sherwin Williams merited a total score of 93 points, but California exterior paint earned a slightly less impressive 84 points based on actual experience of the staff at United Home Experts.

Sherwin Williams’ Exceptional Weather Resistance

New England homeowners must account for the harsh winter freeze-and-thaw cycle, as precipitation constantly freezes and melts, only to freeze again. This cycle places a large amount of environmental stress on exterior paint. Mildew growth also occurs as the result of moisture.

Over time, Sherwin Williams paint has proven to be the better product when accounting for moisture wear and tear and mildew growth. California Paint, on the other hand, did not stand up to harsh winter weather over time as well as Sherwin Williams products did. The composition of Sherwin Williams products created an exceptional barrier of protection that the basic acrylic latex paint available from California painting products did not provide as well.

Sherwin Williams’ Superior Longevity

Choosing a paint with a long lifespan is critical for homeowners in the New England region, and Sherwin Williams paint maintained the integrity of its original coat longer than its competitors products.

California Paint products fared well, but when combined with exposure to the elements, Sherwin Williams outlasted California products in the long run. The latters products, however, are notable for their easy of application and fast drying time.

At the end of the day, real-world experience shows that Sherwin Williams fares better than California products overall. The weather resistance and longevity of Sherwin Williams gives these products a higher value to New England homeowners. Again, analysis is based on the opinions of our workers not on scientific research.

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Choosing the Right Window Screens

Homeowners spend a lot of time purchasing the perfect windows for their homes, so why not go the extra mile and pick the right window screen too? Screens provide the finishing touch to a home’s window needs, but not all screens are the same. Choosing the right one takes time and a bit of research, but the finishing touch will make the outside and inside of the home look perfect.

How to Choose the Right Screen

Not all screens are alike. A homeowner needs to figure out what they are looking for in a window treatment and screens. Some people merely want decoration while others desire usability.  If a window is merely for embellishment, a decorative screen will suffice. For a homeowner who plans to let a lot of the outside in, an adjustable screen might be the best option. For homeowners in the New England area, winters are harsh and double screens might be preferred. Does the homeowner have a cat that spends a lot of time sunbathing by the window seal? Then a tough screen material might be needed. All of these issues add to the process of figuring out the best option for a home.

Types of Screens

Most homeowners are not aware that window screens come in several different varieties. Standard screens are found on most homes and are made of aluminum, copper, or some other lightweight metal. These screens allow for easy installation and often cost less. A pet screen will fit the needs of Fido or Fluffy, being built of sturdy vinyl-coated polyester, ensuring that the pet doesn’t suddenly end up outside rather than on the window seal. Fiberglass screens are sold in several varieties and are flexible and lightweight, and are often used in mobile homes or modular homes due to their inexpensive cost. However, fiberglass is also sold in a sturdier type for regular home use. Adjustable window screens are built for various size windows and adjust vertically or sideways. They are perfect for double-paned windows, designed to insulate homes in cold areas such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire.  Often these screens rise from the bottom, but the upper screen remains stationary.

Whichever design a homeowner chooses, the homeowner should be sure to call United Home Experts. The company serves the areas of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire, and its contractors will be happy to discuss screen options and to give a cost estimate.

Author: Emilio Bonilla

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Siding: Hail Damage Susceptibility And Repair Considerations

Storms occur every now and then in various forms such as hail, wind, and snow.  These can damage siding and depositphotos_3449007_original-resized-600roofing and weaken the integrity of the exterior of the house.  It makes the wall covered by the siding susceptible to moisture, rot, and insect infestation.  Identifying these potential problem areas will help the owner fix it while it affects only a small area of the wall, preventing the problem from escalating, and saving money.

Type of Siding and Susceptibility

Among the more common siding types, wood is the most susceptible to moisture damage.  If the storm brings with it a large amount of snow or water, the lamination around wood siding may be removed.  This exposes the wood to moisture, which in turn will lead to wood rot if the siding is not removed and replaced.

Fiber cement siding, although FCr, is also susceptible to moisture damage. However, the cement that encloses its wood or cellulose fibers allows it to resist moisture better.  It only becomes susceptible if this outer covering is compromised.

Extreme cold makes vinyl siding brittle.  Many of these vinyl products are said to be able to withstand winds above 120 miles per hour or impacts amounting to 20 pounds of force.  Exposure to extreme cold, however, will take away its ability to do so.

Invisible Damage

Damage caused by hail, such as dents in the siding and roof, is not easy to pinpoint.  Even severe siding damage cannot easily be identified because lighting and the viewing angle obscures the damage.  United Home Experts has extensive experience in identifying hail damage and have assisted their customers in assessing what repairs need to be done to the house’s exterior.

Many siding and roof products have hail damage warranty coverage.  The manufacturer can provide an expert assessor to evaluate such damage.  It is important to note that even minute damage needs to be repaired.  Leaving it alone will in time compromise other parts of the wall and lead to further damage.

After a storm, it is not just the siding that might be damaged but also the wall it covers.  Such damage is often difficult to identify because the siding over it may appear untouched.  This will also increase the cost of repairs.  It should thus be considered when making an estimate.

In Summary

If a house is located where storms occur often, choosing the right siding is very important.  In the event there is siding damage caused by hail, wind or moisture, these should be attended to immediately.  The aid of an expert like the people at United Home Experts will help with identifying problems not easily seen so they may be repaired accordingly.

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The Benefits of Installing Energy Efficient Windows

There is no doubt that owning a home has several benefits; however, it can also become quite costly, especially if copy of pictures09 028the homeowner is not utilizing the newest and most efficient technological advancements readily available on the market today. With the recent consumer trend towards making the home more energy efficient, many homeowners might not know that one of the best ways to accomplish this is simply by installing energy efficient windows throughout the home. This simple fix can easily save a homeowner hundreds of dollars a year on utility bills.

Keeping the Home Cool During Summer and Warm in Winter

Many older homes come standard with single-pane, non-energy efficient windows. These types of windows allow heat to escape and cold to penetrate, making a home unbearable during the summer and uncomfortable during winter. By installing windows that are energy efficient, it takes less to keep the home warm because no heat is escaping, and these windows also work to keep the cold weather from penetrating the interior. This effectively lowers the possibility of the homeowner falling victim to unnecessarily high heating and cooling bills. This is especially true of homeowners living in the Eastern New England area, where it is fairly typical to experience more pronounced changes in temperature throughout the year.

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Though at first glance it might seem like a high out-of-pocket expense, the benefits of installing energy-efficient windows far outweigh the initial cost of installation. In addition to reducing the burden of utility bills each month, installing these windows will also raise the effective value of the home itself “an increase that will grow exponentially over the years. This makes installing windows that are energy efficient the smart choice no matter how a savvy homeowner looks at it.

Getting Help from the Professionals

Interested in updating the windows but not sure where to start? The professionals at United Home Experts can help! Not only do we specialize in servicing customers throughout the Eastern New England region, but we also employ experienced and caring professionals who can come out to the house to explain the process and sit down with the homeowner to discuss costs. With the summer heat still going strong and the cold winter months quickly approaching, now is the time to make the choice to update the home and install windows that are energy efficient.

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The Durability of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is an exterior home option that offers homeowners a durable and attractive home siding. Homeowners looking to replace their existing siding or needing to add siding to their home for the first time should consider using this option.

Fiber cement is extremely durable and long-lasting. Fiber cement is formed through autoclaving, which bonds materials such as cement, sand and cellulose together using extreme steaming. Fiber cement is one of the most resistant and durable siding options for a home. This siding is insect resistant, fire resistant with a Class 1 (A) fire rating, and resistant to moisture. FiberCement-BlogPhoto03

Although fiber cement is very durable, part of its make up are wood fibers, which in fact absorb water leading to some of the same issues that wood siding has.

The issues that fiber cement has are typically swelling, crumbling,delamination between layers, and loss of paint adhesion. This is a situation where the positives of the product may outweigh the negatives depending on homeowners’ preference or needs.


Despite the problems, fiber cement siding is also a very attractive alternative to traditional home exterior options. The finish for this type of siding is applied by the manufacturer or factory, and does not require painting, staining or finishing by the homeowner. The finishing options are numerous including a wide range of color options. As well, this type of siding can come with other finishes to give it the appearance of stucco, conventional siding, shingles and wood grain. Homeowners have a vast selection of appearance and color options when selecting fiber cement.

Fiber cement is also an economical choice for a homeowner. Due to its durability, it requires very minimal FiberCement-BlogPhoto34maintenance. As well, due to the durability and longevity of the finish the time between the next paint job on fiber cement will be 10-15 years. This siding is ultraviolet resistant as well. It also adds additional insulation to a home over other exterior covering options. Fiber cement siding cost and maintenance costs remain low due to its ability to withstand nature and its limited required maintenance.

Fiber cement home exterior siding offers homeowners an option that is extremely durable and hearty. As well, this siding is flexible in that homeowners have numerous appearance options to allow them to select the appearance that works best for their aesthetic. Fiber cement is also easily maintainable and carries low maintenance costs and low requirement for repair and upkeep. Overall, fiber cement is an excellent siding option for homeowners.

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Identifying Asbestos in Siding

Asbestos was used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties for many decades, but since the late 1970s has been phased out as a material used in homes in the U.S. due to increased awareness of its dangers.  Though residential homes are no longer made with asbestos-containing materials, many homes built prior to the late 1970s, and in some cases homes built after 1980 due to unscrupulous contractors, are likely to contain asbestos.

Asbestos comes from fibrous minerals found in the earth’s crust, with strands of microscopic width, and which when breathed in may get lodged into the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to serious illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

If a homeowner suspects that his or her home siding contains asbestos,

the homeowner may contact certified professionals to test the siding to determine if that is the case.  Generally, if one is to discover that asbestos has been used in one’s home for siding, it should not be a cause for panic if the material is still in good shape.  It may even be best to leave the material alone rather than to tamper with or remove it depending on the condition.  The risks with asbestos-containing products arise when the material breaks apart or deteriorates, which may allow fibers to be released into the air and breathed in by occupants or visitors to the home.  Asbestos-GuyCut

If the asbestos siding is breaking or cracking apart, it is important that the siding be dealt with as quickly as possible to minimize potential health risks from exposure.  Regulations on asbestos abatement vary from state to state, though due to the risk of improperly handling asbestos from lack of training, it is highly recommended that one hire certified professionals such as ourselves, United Home Experts, for asbestos removal.  Certified professionals have specialized equipment which protects them from airborne fibers.

In asbestos abatement a water-sprayer is used, with the water mixed with detergent, to wet the asbestos in a manner such that fibers are less likely to go airborne during removal.  Special waste disposal bags are used to ensure that fibers do not escape into the air, and duct tape is used to seal these bags once they are filled.  Plastic strips are placed along the house to mark the hazardous workspace that others must avoid, and stickers may be used to indicate areas with asbestos.  Among the equipment worn by certified professionals to remove asbestos are goggles, a respirator, a disposable coverall, rubber gloves taped to sleeves, and rubber boots.  The coverall and gloves are disposed of in a safe manner once the asbestos is removed.  One must make sure, while work on asbestos removal is taking place, not to allow family, guests or pets to get in or near work areas or equipment which may contain asbestos or trace amounts of it.

We at United Home Experts will give you the best recommendation on how to deal with asbestos siding if you desire to paint your home or update the siding.

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