Cement Siding

Cement Siding

Who would believe that the siding on these houses is made of the cement?

Who would believe that the siding on these houses is made of the cement?

Well actually, it's called fiber-cement siding. Fiber-cement siding is durable and natural looking.

Whether you're building a new home or remodeling an existing home, fiber Cementitious citing combines the best of what homeowners and builders are looking for; dutiful high quality maintenance free siding.

Nichiha produces a range of fiber cement textures; shake, smooth, brick and stone, that create beautiful looking homes.

Photos Courtesy of Nichiha

Factory applied stain and paint from Duckback Products, Inc. are available on Premium Sierra Shake panels in five colors and are warranted 12-years on stain finish and 15-years on paint finish, making Nichiha fiber cement panels a virtually maintenance free product.

Fiber cement siding is considered to be masonry by many insurance companies, thereby lowering rates for homeowners insurance.
For more info on Nichica products: Nichiha U.S.A.

Here's what NAHB Research Center has to say about the fiber cement siding:

Summary



For homeowners that want the look of wood but don't want the hassles and costs associated with it, fiber-cement siding may be a satisfactory alternative. This product is available from several manufacturers in a variety of textures that are said to provide the appearance of wood. Fiber-cement siding should be more durable than wood -- it is termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible, and warranted to last 50 years.
Fiber-cement siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that has been autoclaved (cured with pressurized steam) to increase its strength and dimensional stability. The fiber is added as reinforcement to prevent cracking. The planks come in 5¼" to 12" widths and 5/16" and 7/16" thickness.

PATH Attributes:
The cost of fiber cement siding is more than vinyl and less than stucco and wood siding, making it an affordable and durable product.

Because it is not susceptible to rot and infestation, fiber cement siding offers a long lasting alternative to typical exterior wall cladding

Ease of Implementation:

Products are commercially available. Check your nearest building supply store.

The color can be surface-applied in the factory. Paint warranties of up to 25 years are available from some manufacturers.

There are restrictions on blind nailing products with greater widths due to wind uplift. Face nailing can be used with all products, but staples cannot be used.

Excessive dust creation while cutting may require additional control methods. Please consult manufacturer's recommended practices and installation instructions.

Initial Cost:
The installed costs of fiber-cement are reported to be less than traditional masonry or synthetic stucco, equal to or less than hardboard siding, and more than vinyl siding.

Operational Cost:
Unless top coat is applied in the factory, siding may need to be painted every four or five years.

Installation:

Like wood siding, fiber-cement siding is installed over studs or exterior wall sheathing with an appropriate weather-resistant barrier (WRB), using galvanized nails or screws that penetrate into wall studs. The fiber cement planks should be cut with a blade designed specifically for fiber-cement dust reduction, such as Hitachi's Hardiblade or Dewalt's PCD Fiber Cement Blade. Alternatively, snapper shears, or a guillotine-type cutter can be used. For finishing, fiber-cement products come either primed or unprimed. However, priming and painting in the factory are recommended. An alkaline-resistant primer is required, and manufacturers generally recommend using a 100% Acrylic topcoat.

Warranty:
Some manufacturers warrant the siding for up to 50 years.

Benefits/Costs:
Manufacturers emphasize that fiber-cement siding is appropriate for hot and humid climates because it is resistant to rot, fungus, and termite infestation. They also state that it has excellent weathering characteristics, strength, and impact resistance.

Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. The technical descriptions, details, requirements, and limitations expressed do not constitute an endorsement, approval, or acceptance of the subject matter by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD/FHA), The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), or any PATH-affiliated Federal agency or private company. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Full reproduction, without modification, is permissible.