What Is Fiber Cement Siding? Options

Fiber cement siding is a material used as cladding on the walls. It can be used on walls as a protective or decorative feature. It is made of fiber cement boards.

What is fiber cement board?

A fiber cement board is a material made of cement and fibers. Typically, it is made of Portland cement and cellulose fibers. In some instances, sand is also added to give it extra strength and durability.

Fiber cement boards come in different shapes and sizes, including square and rectangular shapes. They can also be cut into various designs and shapes. However, they are predominantly rectangular with 3ft by 5 ft. and 4ft by 8ft.

Most people have trouble differentiating between these boards and wood because they can be made to mimic natural wood, including adding warm colors.

How to cut fiber cement panels?

Before you begin cutting fiber cement panels, you first need to know what to avoid. Generally, you want to keep dust to the minimum, ensure you get smooth straight edges, and stay safe.

To do that, you need the right tools. You can buy a blade specifically designed for cutting fiber cement boards. Typically, they are circular saws with 4-6 teeth blades, scoring tools, or special siding shears. You can also look specifically for fiber cement board cutting tools.

You also need to wear the right protective gear, such as dust masks. Sometimes you may need to reverse the blade to minimize dust.

Remember, the board’s thickness will determine the tool you will need to use. Thin cement boards can be cut using shears or using the old-fashioned way of scoring and snapping along the created weakness. Thick pieces may require diamond or carbide blade saws.

Since this is a dangerous job to try, especially when using wood-cutting blades, it is good to leave it to the experts.

Durability

Cement structures can last for a century when well cured. Fiber cement boards have a combination of cement, sand, and holding cellulose threads. This makes them some of the handiest siding materials you will find in the market.

Barring any catastrophe, they should last for 50 uninterrupted years before they need replacement. What makes them extremely durable is the fact that they resist most of the elements that have the potential to undermine their structural integrity.

They keep water away. If painted regularly, they can remain in tip-top conditions without the combination of cement, sand, and fiber being exposed to the environment keeping them in perfect conditions throughout.

They cannot be affected by extreme heat even when a building is under fire. The color might change but the boards remain in good condition.

That is why the manufacturer’s warranties typically range from 25-50 years. Remember, different fiber cement boards will have different endurance levels. You cannot expect thin boards to last as long as the standard siding boards for outdoor installations. For that reason, it is good to know that good-quality boards will give you the best results.

For all your siding board installations, consider using fiber cement boards for their versatility, authenticity, and durability. Give us a call for all your upcoming projects.