You might not realize it, but your home’s siding or exterior cladding boosts not just aesthetics but also your overall defenses against the elements. A recent Imperial Valley News article discusses today’s top options for residential siding. The article favors fiber cement siding, and enumerates the following points as to why it beats vinyl, cedar, and composite siding materials in terms of safety and durability:
Consider this:
- Fire: Fiber cement siding is noncombustible, so it doesn’t contribute any “fuel” to a fire. Conversely, vinyl siding melts and burns and wood-based siding burns.
- Impact: Fiber cement siding resists impact from objects blown by a storm’s high winds much better than vinyl siding.
- Flood: Fiber cement siding is a Class 5 flood-resistant material according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This differs from wood-based siding, which is not moisture resistant and prone to rotting.
Certain types of fiber cement siding go even further to protect your home. For example, James Hardie siding is engineered for the home’s specific climate. That means for homes in cooler, wetter areas, proprietary additives are included in the formulation to decrease the water absorption rate and protect it from wet or freezing conditions. For those in hotter, dryer places, the formulation is tailored to protect the house from wind and dry heat.
To put it simply, fiber cement is a sturdy material that’s sure to give many years of good service, protection, and thermal comfort. Folks who are considering any form of replacement siding may want to consider this material for its sheer durability alone. When it comes to high-quality siding installation in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities Area, homeowners can count on reputable contractors like Twin Cities Siding and Roofing to deploy no less than expert builders.
Fiber cement is a composite of various materials like sand, fly ash, cement, and cellulose fibers. Most fiber cement siding looks very much like wood yet doesn’t need strict maintenance. Since it resists water damage, fiber cement isn’t prone to rotting or warping. Unlike delicate vinyl, fiber cement siding can be painted.
You can never go wrong with trusted brands like James Hardie, a name that is quite synonymous with fiber cement siding in general. In any case, homeowners are advised to choose climate-appropriate James Hardie siding in Minneapolis to ensure superior protection. With the right siding installed, your home can stay warm and comfortable in even the fiercest winter.
(From Consider Siding That Better Protects A Home From Weather, Imperial Valley News, October 13, 2013)
