Fiber cement siding: stylish and strong
Fiber cement siding has gained a great deal of market share in the cladding industry over the past decade due to its excellent durability and neat, clean appearance -- not to mention its significant return on investment. As a homeowner, you can expect to recover about 78 percent of your investment during resale if you remodel with cement board siding.
There are basically three different types of fiber cement siding styles: lap, vertical and shaped. Here's a quick rundown on each to help you decide which style is right for your home.
Fiber cement siding styles
- Lap. Lap cladding is the most popular style of wall covering. The main difference in lap cladding is the detail where panels overlap, which creates varying shadow lines. A "standard" profile has no detail, while "Dutchlap" has a slight beveled edge at the top of the panel to create the appearance of deeper shadow lines. A "beaded" profile includes a line at overlap as well for an additional detail. Lap cladding is sold in smooth or textured finishes that imitate the look of natural wood siding.
- Vertical. Vertical panels also imitate the look of real wood, most commonly cedar. However, cement board panels also are made with smooth and stucco finishes. They are sold in 8-, 9- and 10-foot lengths. Due to their weight, it is recommended that vertical fiber cement cladding be installed by a professional siding contractor. You can find pre-screened, certified contractors through this site.
- Shaped. There are a variety of shaped panels on the market. The most popular styles mimic shingles or shakes and are often used for accents above lapped panels, such as on gable-end rafters, or for full-wall applications to create a distinct architectural style. Shaped shingle panels can have a straight edge, half-rounded, octagonal or staggered profile depending on your preference.
Always use a licensed, bonded and insured* contractor for your fiber cement siding installation. Licensed contractors know how to properly weatherproof and install your new cladding so the manufacturer's warranty remains in good standing on your purchase if there is ever a problem.
*See terms and conditions on http://www.streetcertified.com/about/Terms.jsp
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