Every time you look for a home improvement idea on the Internet, there are always plenty of websites trying to sell you on this building material or that brand of window. Rarely does one find an honest commentary about a popular product, but as a Colorado springs siding contractor I hear a lot of questions about concrete board siding. As a result, I decided it was time to give homeowners the facts about fiber cement board.
Choose a contractor wisely
Concrete board siding is one of the most attractive siding products that money can buy, but not every contractor is qualified to install it. If you plan to remodel this in the coming year, do your research before hiring a siding contractor. The James Hardie Company is very selective about which contractors it chooses in a given market, and in Colorado Springs they have chosen Heart House Creations.
Buy it for the long-term
When you start a major remodeling project and plan to replace old vinyl siding, you should look for products that will last a lifetime. One of the “pros” about concrete board siding is its long-term value. In Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value report, fiber cement board siding has one of the highest ratings for improving the resale value of a home.
The look of concrete board siding is another “pro”. It has the ability to give your home an Americana look, rich with texture and character. Unlike wood siding, it requires very little maintenance painting and it never warps because it is impervious to water. It has a more distinctive look than vinyl siding and it makes a home feel sturdier.
What are the “cons of concrete siding?
On the “con” side, concrete board is a bit more brittle than vinyl and it is heavier than wood, but this will only be an issue if you are installing it yourself. Professional contractors know how to handle this product well.
Because of its thickness and inflexibility, if you plan to use a hammer, it is necessary to pre-drill holes before installing the siding. However, using a nail gun usually solves this problem and it is much easier to use.
In my personal opinion, the “pros” of concrete board siding easily outweigh the “cons,” but that’s not surprising. James Hardie fiber cement products are considered one of the best options for attractive, weather-resistant siding.
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