Fiber cement siding is becoming more popular on many homes throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul area as well as the rest of the country. But its popularity doesn’t come without rumors generated by those who might not know much about it. However, when it comes to those many things said about James Hardie fiber cement siding, we have taken the time to find out what is true and what is just a myth about this siding that is becoming a popular choice for homeowners not just here in Minnesota but everywhere.
Myth: Fiber Cement Never Needs to Be Repainted – FALSE!
This is one we sometimes hear from other remodeling professionals. While we would love to say this is true, it is not. There is no siding or anything else out there that doesn’t need to be repainted once it has been painted. Due to this, fiber cement siding will need to be repainted. However, compared to other siding materials, fiber cement can retain its color for much longer. This is especially true if you choose James Hardie siding with ColorPlus® baked-on finish. It’s warranteed to last 15 years, much longer than any standard paint job would.
Myth: It is Made From Asbestos – FALSE!
In the past, this was true. Many of the fiber cement siding options on the market were once made with asbestos because it was the common practice. Asbestos is flame resistant, which made it an ideal choice to go with for many building products. However, now that we know more about asbestos, it is no longer an acceptable material to be used in any sort of materials being manufactured. It hasn’t been used in building materials for decades. But fiber cement siding is still flame resistant! In fact, it resists combustion better than any other siding product except steel.
Myth: Fiber Cement is a Better Choice Than Brick – MAYBE…
This is a “depends” type of statement. The lifespan of brick is definitely much longer than that of fiber cement siding, just out of general makeup. The cost and maintenance of brick, however, must be taken into consideration. Brick also requires a stone mason for installation, and it needs to be sealed to prevent erosion from the weather. Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycle of weather means brick can crack or pop out if moisture seeps in, which is common. Fiber cement siding isn’t susceptible to that.
As for longevity, fiber cement when installed by a reputable James Hardie siding installation contractor can last 50 years or more. Plus, the siding also comes with a 50-year warranty. When you take care of the siding it can last an extremely long time, which can make it much more cost-effective than brick.
If you’re considering fiber cement as your siding option, speak with us here at Window Outfitters. We are a preferred James Hardie fiber cement siding contractor for the Twin Cities. We can help you get the most out of the fiber cement siding on your home.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
