Tag Archive for: Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding for Your Home

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Concrete siding is a great choice as a replacement for the siding on a home. This product is superior to vinyl and will hold up well in all weather conditions. If new siding is needed for a home, then look for a fiber cement siding installation contractor to complete the work. Contact us today to receive a personal consultation. We will discuss the advantages of fiber cement siding and provide an answer to any of questions about the installation process.

Advantages

Fiber cement siding is made to look like wood without any of the drawbacks. The material is offered in a variety of colors and textures. One advantage of installing fiber cement siding on a home is that it has resistance to fire and salt. The product is also not affected by the cold and does not fade, warp, or buckle.

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A customer has the option to choose a product that has been sealed and primed at the factory. Choosing a product that has not been pre-finished means that it needs to be prepared before it is installed. This is a preferable option if the homeowner desires a special color on their siding. On the other hand, priming and sealing of the product prevents penetration of moisture after installation. In such cases, homeowners are advised to ask about color choices available for the product.

Cost

The cost of fiber cement siding is comparable to vinyl siding and is cheaper than other siding options available for the home. This product is cheaper than natural stone, cedar siding, and other wood siding installed on typical homes. Homeowners can ask experts to compare the cost of fiber cement siding with other siding options to learn about the cost savings involved with this particular type.

Maintenance

Fiber cement siding is easy for homeowners to maintain. Dirt and debris that accumulate over time are easily cleaned with the use of a power washer. Caulking used on joints and around the windows may harden and need to be replaced and, as such, should be inspected each year for any deterioration. Repainting may be necessary within 7 to 15 years of installation.

Installation

Special tools are used for fiber cement siding installation. All cutting is done outdoors away from other people and pets, as this process will create a lot of dust. All workers wear face masks when the product is being cut.

Additional Information

We at United Home Experts have many years of experience installing fiber cement siding in the New England area and are the most experienced. Contact us by phone or through the email form on our website or for more information about our siding services, visit our main siding page!

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The Durability Of Fiber Cement Vs Everlast Composite Siding

It can be hard for a homeowner to decide which siding material to have installed on their home. There are so FiberCement-BlogPhoto34many exterior siding options available these days. Two popular choices are fiber cement and Everlast’s composite siding. One of the most important things to consider when researching siding options is the durability of materials in various environments.

Some homeowners choose fiber-cement siding for their homes because it has an appearance that imitates wood and it costs much less than the real thing. This type of siding is made of cellulose fibers, sand and cement. The thickness and density of this material can vary. When lower-density products are cut, the edge is rough. Higher-density products have a much cleaner edge. Everlast composite siding is also a blend of materials. It is made up of PVC resins, crushed stone, and polymers. It does not contain any cellulose fibers, unlike fiber cement.

The installation of fiber-cement siding sometimes causes problems with moisture due to the fact that it is made up of wood particles. When used in areas that can receive exposure to moisture, it can peel. This looks very unsightly and most homeowners choose to have affected areas repaired. Since Everlast does not contain cellulose fibers, it does not cause moisture problems.macluresiding

Everlast composite siding is colored through the product. There is never a need for painting the siding since it has a lifetime warranty against fading (see warranty for details and limitations). It can be painted if a homeowner decides they would like to change the siding to a different color in the future. Fiber-cement siding has to be painted every 7 to 15 years on average.

The cost of painting a home can be an added expense that homeowners may not want to incur that often. This expense is something that is not incurred routinely with those who chose the siding produced by Everlast.

There are other differences between fiber cement concrete siding and Everlast siding that homeowners should know about. Everlast siding is not as heavy, so there is less of a chance of chipping during installation. Fiber cement is very heavy and may become scratched or chipped during the installation process. Fiber cement siding needs to be inspected often so that any developing issues can be caught and corrected early. Cracked caulking may need to be replaced to prevent moisture damage. If mildew occurs, the siding may have to be wiped down with a bleach solution. Since the siding manufactured by Everlast does not cause moisture problems, recurrent inspections are not needed.

Fiber cement siding and Everlast composite siding are both popular siding choices. Everlast siding may be best for homeowners who desire siding that is both durable and requires the least amount of maintenance possible. Some people do not mind having to have their homes painted every 7 to 15 years. However, some people do not want to have to go through that experience so often. Homeowners who are not up to routinely inspecting their siding after installation, and do not want to have a professional do so, should consider Everlast siding.

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Algae Stains on Fiber Cement (Concrete) Siding

Though concrete siding is very durable and requires less maintenance than other home siding options, it mayfibercement-blogphoto33-resized-600 grow algae over time, particularly in rainy climates.  Effectively removing algae from concrete siding may require the use of a pressure washer.  United Home Experts has the experience with pressure washing to remove algae from concrete siding to leave one’s home looking renewed.

Algae are self-feeding organisms that use the energy from the sun to fuel their growth, though they tend to thrive in shaded areas.  Algae are very common on homes in the Northeast due to frequent rain. They may leave parts of concrete siding with unattractive green or black splotches.

It is recommended that a homeowner hire professionals to pressure wash a home to avoid damaging it or suffering injuries due to inexperience with the machine.  Because power washers may deliver water at up to 2,000 psi (pounds per square inch), they can cause serious injury, and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In particular, children, who may treat the equipment as a toy, may be harmed if allowed access to it around the home.

Power washers have been known to cause blindness due to the force of the water when aimed toward the eyes, which is why it is recommended to wear protective glasses or goggles when using the machine.  The chemicals used with the pressure washer may also pose a hazard to those not accustomed to using the machine if the chemicals are to reach the eyes or the skin.

Many homeowners accidentally damage their siding by not adjusting the power properly or by using an incorrect angle for spraying.  Such mistakes may also allow the water to reach into the walls, which can damage them and leave them more easily penetrated by rain and moisture, causing rot and mold to develop.  The correct distance from the home when spraying and proper motion are also needed for effective removal of the algae.   FiberCement-BlogPhoto21-resized-600

Removing algae, mold, and other foreign particles from the concrete siding is essential for homeowners who prefer stained concrete siding, which appears more like real wood.  The grains of the siding are more visible when the foreign particles are removed, giving the stained concrete siding a more professional, finished look.

Whether to remove unsightly algae from concrete or other siding, or to stain concrete siding that has just been thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer, United Home Experts will do the job in a safe, professional, and cost-effective manner.

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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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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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What is Cement Board Siding?

Homeowners want the best for their houses, including the perfect siding option. The right siding adds to a home’s market value and helps in keeping upkeep to a minimum. A great choice but often-overlooked siding material is cement board.

What is Cement Siding?

This type of siding is made of cement, sand, fly ash and cellulose fibers. The fibers, made of wood, help to hold the siding materials together. This is the only type of house siding that contains cement material.

Types of Cement Siding

Cement boards are sold in mostly horizontal boards, however cement board sheets can be purchased for a varying siding look. Board sheets are often used for commercial purposes. Another option is shingles, however they are more difficult to apply.  Lap siding proves to be the most popular type, with boards measuring from 5 to 12 inches, creating an overlapping effect. If looking for the most highly recommended siding, fiber cement is the best option due to the pressure process used in making it. Cement sidings are sold in varying thicknesses, with the thinner having a rougher edge, but being easier to apply due to less weight. Most manufacturers sell the boards in as many as 22 various colors.

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With different types and varying colors, cement siding provides variety for a homeowner. Due to its cement content, fire tests prove this type of siding to be the most fire-resistant. Although any material will burn, this type of siding is slow burning and allows a home’s residents time to put the fire out to get out safely. Cement siding also offers some of the best bug resistance, thus reducing the cost for expensive home exterminators for outside pests. This type of siding resembles wood, so those wanting a wood finish might prefer cement siding. Another benefit of this type of siding option is the fact that it can be painted. If 22 colors are not enough, homeowners have the option of painting the siding. Due to its thickness, cement is long-lasting and sturdy.

Cons

Many people find this type of siding difficult to apply. It is heavier than most, often requiring 2 people to place the siding. If not handled properly, pieces of the cement siding may break off. This siding costs more than most siding to apply, so may not be a wise option for those on a budget. If the siding is applied professionally, homeowners might find it to cost more due to the difficulty of application.

To see how much siding costs to install on your home, check out SidingMagazine.com’s Siding Calculator to get rough estimates online.

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Which Siding is the Better Choice: Cedar, Fiber Cement or Composites?

United Home Experts are the professionals of choice in deciding on the type of siding that will fit a homeowner’s budget and needs. Experts are especially helpful when protecting a New England home against East Coast sudden storms and drastic climate changes. United Home Experts are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureaus in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire. As well, the staff at United Home Experts is always prepared to provide a personal home visit in order to advise on the needs to protecting a home’s exterior.

There are several choices available when deciding to protect a home with siding. Siding offers a low maintenance alternative to stucco or brick. Stucco is labor-intensive, requiring several layers before completion, which raises the cost when choosing stucco. Extreme weather tends to degrade a brick structure, and again raises cost when brick must be replaced. Durable siding designed to withstand harsh weather experienced by homeowners in the East fulfill a need for New England homeowners.The three options explored in this article are fiber cement, cedar siding, and Everlast composite siding. Wood-BlogPhoto3

Siding made of cedar cut in planks or shinglesadd a warm, lovely touch to the home. Cedar plank siding painted white replicates the traditional Cape Cod clapboard beautifully. Cedar can be installed stained, painted, or without stain or paint. Cedar ages well, and the natural color of cedar will change over time. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of cedar means that the wood will not warp, rot, or crack soon after being maintained, but that is only if the cedar is maintained on a yearly basis depending on the weather conditions. With time, the cost of cedar maintenance adds up and can put a burden on homeowners.

Fiber cement siding is a mixture of concrete, sand and cardboard. The result is a long-lasting, weather-resistant material for siding a home and is designed to look like wood, but looks unnatural. A wide assortment of siding colors is available. However, if a color choice is unavailable, unpainted fiber cement can be installed, and the homeowner can choose any color. Fiber cement also is very heat resistant more so than many other products on the market.

Cedar shingles or planks offer a traditional look to a home, whether cedar is painted or allowed to age naturally. Fiber cement siding is pest-resistant and can be made to resemble wood siding. Both options provide a long-lasting, weather-resistant and beautiful exterior to a home. Both are each decent choices for the harsh elements of a New England winter or summer, as well as for both seasons in between on the Eastern seaboard’s extreme climates.

Another alternative to cedar and fiber cement is Everlast Composite Siding, which is highly recommended by United Home Experts. Everlast has the exact looks of cedar and a far superior durability than cedar and fiber cement siding, but offers more with its versatility of being essentially maintenance free and having the capability to paint without any drawbacks. Everlast also costs less than cedar siding, putting an ease to homeowners’ cost budget.

Free evaluations are available through United Home Experts. 

An after photo with Everlast composite siding. Color: Seaside Gray

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Cement Siding Steps 1-3: Contractor, Removal, Prep

This is part 1 of 2 on the topic of Cement Board Siding installation.  We give this guide to our customers to help them understand important aspects of a cement board siding project.

1. Selecting a Cement Board Contractor:

  • Select an experienced cement board siding contractor you have complete confidence in
  • Check that your contractor is properly insured and request to see documentation of Workers Compensation and liability insurance
  • Know the best way to contact your Project Manager and verify how they should contact you.
  • Confirm a couple references.  A good contractor should be able supply several without hesitation.
  • Check for appropriate contractors license, such as Mass HIC License.

Beware of:

  1. A contractor that competes based on price alone.  This is a project you only want to do once.  Make sure it’s done right the first time.  On dozens of occassions, we’ve been called to fix a problem from poor installation.
  2. Someone who doesn’t use contracts or is very vague in their scope of work. (time may pass from when your project is estimated and when it is actually performed. A written contract helps both the contractor and the customer get what they expect)

Removal of old siding2. Siding Removal:

  • Timely contracting for delivery of trash container (dumpster or trailer)
  • Removing nails and old siding down to sheathing, exposing any potential problems present on the surface of walls
  • Legal and sanitary disposal of all materials removed from the home
  • General area clean-up before new siding installation

3. Preparation and inspection

  • Preparation and inspectionReplacement of any rotting wood
  • Inspection of visible insulation
  • Inspection of plywood sheathing or barn board sheathing
  • Repairs to wooden sheathing or other carpentry not being replaced
  • Full siding areas are covered with permeable vapor barrier

Beware of:

  1. Contractors trying to save money by doing partial or improper prep work. Professionals will agree that necessary prep is the single most important aspect of any home improvement project. Conversely, poor preparation will result in deterioration of siding and any paint or stain application.
  2. Poor or ineffective flashing must be replaced. Controlling water flow will add years to the life of any siding or trim installed.
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How Much Does Siding Cost?

Everlast-siding-photoA question we receive frequently from homeowners in the beginning stages of purchasing new siding for their home is, “How Much Does Siding Cost?”

Of course the quick answer is “it’s not that simple, there are many factors involved but we’d be happy to send someone out to measure your home, discuss all the options, and write up a free siding estimate,” and that really is the only accurate way to find out how much new siding will cost for your home.  However, this article should shed some light on the question and help you gain a general understanding of the factors that go into estimating the cost of new siding. If you’re in the very beginning stages of considering new siding for your home, this is a good place to start.

Cost of Siding By House Type and Project Complexity

The table below shows average and approximate siding installation costs for various size houses and various types of siding and levels of installation complexity.  These approximations can vary based on the items listed above in the section “Factors Influencing the Cost of New Siding.”

Type of Siding / Complexity of Installation

Low-Cost / Basic Install

Mid-Cost / Average Install

High-Cost / Complex Install

Small
House

$9,000 – $14,000$12,000 – $18,000$16,000 – $22,000+*

Medium
House

$14,000 – $20,000$16,000 – $24,000$22,000 – $32,000+*

Large
House

$24,000 – $33,000$29,000 – $39,000$32,000 -$47,000+*

Extra Large
House

$36,000 – $48,000$44,000 – $56,000$50,000 – $79-000+*

Factors Influencing the Cost of New Siding

To start, here are just some of the factors that any reputable and experienced siding contractor will work out with you while preparing an estimate for new siding.

  • Type of siding being installed
  • Square footage
  • Height of house
  • Amount of siding surfaces (complexity)
  • Condition of existing walls
  • Need for demolition of existing siding or not
  • Need for trim replacement or not
  • Type of trim desired
  • Type of accents desired (shutters, pediments, pilasters, etc.)
  • Ease of Access (It can be very difficult to replace siding on houses in densely populated areas)
  • Cost of dumpster
  • Fees for rubbish weight overages
  • Building Permitting
  • Street Permitting (if needed)
  • Dumpster Permitting (if needed)
  • Need for rot repair
  • Need or desire to add insulation
  • Type of insulation being added
  • Type of flashing needed
  • Removal and reinstallation of fixtures (storm windows, awnings, lights, etc.)
  • Type of staging required
  • Need for extra equipment such as a hydraulic lift
  • Applicable taxes
  • Regional Overhead (in some states the cost to run a business is much higher and will affect the cost of new siding)

Clearly, given the amount of influential factors listed above there’s no such thing as a “siding guesstimate” or “ballpark siding estimate”.  It’s impossible to get too specific; however, the siding pricing information listed below should help.

Also, check out SidingMagazine.com’s Siding Calculator for accurate prices for siding replacement costs on your home! Click here to access it!

 

Cost Scale for Different Types of Siding

When people ask how much a specific type of siding costs, what they really want to know is how much does it cost compared to other available options. As a company, we’ve installed every type of siding listed here, which is virtually every type of siding available (although there are other less common products not represented).

This scale shows a general idea of the price scale for siding options factoring in the cost materials and installation.  It also assumes all other factors listed above are equal and does not factor in the cost of additional trim, accents, or fixtures.

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Siding Product Comparison

Perhaps the next best step for you is to download our FREE Siding Guide “9 Essential Questions to Choosing Siding.” This informative siding guide explains the differences between our 4 most commonly installed siding products: Vinyl Siding, Fiber Cement Siding, Everlast Composite Siding, and Wood Siding. We only service Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire but our guide may be helpful with your project even if you’re looking to hire someone outside our region.

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9 Things to ask yourself when replacing your siding (1-3)

This is part 1 in a 3 part series about 9 questions to ask yourself when considering replacing your siding.  Customers have told us this resource has proven to be extremely helpful in their decision making process.

How long do I plan to live in this house?

A long time?

If you plan to be in your home for a long time, make a decision based on what you DO want not what a future owner MIGHT want. Choose the siding you and your family will enjoy for years to come. If you’d rather not be scraping and painting every 4-7 years, or hiring someone to do so, then wood siding is probably not the best choice and you should consider something that doesn’t require paint like Everlast Composite Siding or Vinyl. If you don’t want to make a permanent decision on color then you might want to avoid vinyl products which can’t be painted. Instead choose Fiber-cement siding or Everlast Composite Siding, which can both be painted.

Less than 5 years?

Those planning on moving within 5 years should consider what will help sell the house. A low-maintenance exterior is key. Most potential buyers understand and appreciate the initial cost of the property and the residual costs to come including future exterior maintenance.

Regardless of your decision, studies by Remodeler magazine show that your return on investment usually exceeds the initial cost, so consider this a value adding investment to your property.

How much maintenance am I willing to live with?

The real question here is what is important, ease-of-maintenance or traditional appeal?

Prefer traditional appeal over low-maintenance?

For some there is no substitute for real cedar clapboard or shingles, and the recurring maintenance and expense is worth the hassle. For that we recommend pre-primed CVG clapboard or Clear R&R Cedar shingles.  However, keep in mind these are the most expensive siding options especially when you factor in initial and future painting.

Would you like a good compromise: realistic looking, but also low maintenance?

In our experience, homeowners like the look and feel of wood, but are attracted to the ease of maintenance vinyl offers. The introduction and development of newer composite siding products such as Everlast Composite Siding, Cedar Style Vinyl Shingles, and Fiber Cement give homeowners the more traditional look they desire with much less maintenance down the road. PVC trim, such as Azek® or Trex®, are also a good compromise. Without close inspection most people cannot detect that these products aren’t wood.

Is my house in an area with high moisture?

peeling house paint

Moisture-laden properties and those where snow is in direct contact with siding for extended periods are more prone to have issues with wood rot and peeling paint. Consider the use of vinyl or Everlast Composite Siding over wood or fiber cement products which are both prone to damage in moist areas. Also, mildew can grow on all siding products, but vinyl and Everlast are easier to clean or power wash without damaging.

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