- Jon Hickox
- August 14, 2015
Why It’s Not Hard Deciding to Go with Hardie Siding – Part 2: Fiber Cement – Savings for You, Saving the Environment
At first glance, fiber cement siding would seem to be no more energy-efficient or cost-saving than other siding materials. For one, it costs almost as much as wooden siding and provides a similar amount of insulation as wood or vinyl. How exactly, then, is it an energy-efficient, or even cost-efficient choice of siding material? The answer to that lies in fiber cement’s durability and ability to withstand the elements.
Durability as Cost Savings
Unlike wood and vinyl, fiber cement siding will stay the same exact shape and size for however long they last. They will not expand due to moisture intrusion, will not melt because you set your grill too close to the wall, and will not dent or crack due to impacts from hail or stones. Unless fiber cement siding has deteriorated due to age, you’re unlikely to find a need to replace a single board.
What does this mean for you?
Because you are unlikelier to need a replacement, you get to avoid costs associated with replacing siding. Fiber cement’s durability also means that warping and cracking will not be a problem and neither will rot or water intrusion. Caulking is unaffected as well, ensuring that your siding installation remains weather-proof. With fiber cement siding able to withstand a slew of threats, it can perform its best, insulating a home well to keep heating and cooling costs down.
Environmentally Friendly
The materials needed to create fiber cement don’t have to fresh or new so overall processes involved are simplified, reducing the carbon footprint of the material. It also doesn’t need old-growth wood, helping protect forests from being harvested. Not to mention that the cellulose fiber it needs can come from recycled wood.
Since fiber cement is also both durable and recyclable, not only does it help save precious trees, it also aids in conserving existing material and can be reused, wasting less of what we already have.
We’ve shown how fiber cement is a good choice for a durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective siding, but will it look good on your home? Stay tuned for Part 3.
