A few years ago, my husband and I made the decision to replace the siding on our home with fiber cement. When talking to friends and family about our decision, we often got asked a lot of questions about fiber cement siding. One of the most common questions was how can you tell the difference between fiber cement siding and wood siding?
The answer is simple: You can’t! Many people are surprised when I tell them that it’s hard to tell the difference between fiber cement and wood. They will often say that they could see differences in color or texture. But the truth is that many manufacturers will offer both types of products in many different colors, textures, and styles so it can be difficult to distinguish which is which.
I always recommend that homeowners look for a few key characteristics when selecting siding for their home. For example, if you live in an area prone to fires, you’ll want to look for a product that has fire resistance qualities like fiber cement siding does because it won’t catch on fire easily unlike wood which burns easily when exposed to high temperatures such as those found during a wildfire event.
Another characteristic to look for is durability since no one wants their expensive investment going up in flames after only
There’s a reason “faux” is all the rage in home design these days. Wood-look flooring, tile, and even wall panels have soared in popularity in recent years, with many homeowners choosing to invest in vinyl tile or other alternatives to keep up with current trends without having to pay the hefty price tag that often comes along with installing real wood.
Of course, it’s not always easy to tell whether you’re getting the real deal or not. Certain vinyl products look remarkably like wood once they’re installed, and even real wood products can vary widely in appearance. As a result, it can be tough for even seasoned homeowners to know what they’re getting into when they buy.
If you’ve been thinking about adding fiber cement siding to your home but aren’t sure how it compares to wood siding, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a quick guide on how you can tell the difference between fiber cement siding and wood siding.
Knowing how to tell the difference between fiber cement siding and wood siding is a great way to help distinguish one from another.
Fiber cement siding and wood siding both have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The main difference between the two is that wood is considered a natural material, while fiber cement is an artificial material. Wood is a natural product and can be used for everything from furniture to cabinets to building materials, such as siding. Fiber cement sidings are usually made from cellulose fibers and portland cement, which makes it an artificial material.
Here are some tips on how to tell the difference between fiber cement siding and wood siding:
The first thing you should consider when choosing between fiber cement siding or wood siding is the size of your house. A large home will likely require a larger amount of fiber cement than a smaller home.
If you have decided on using fiber cement as your primary material, you should also consider how much maintenance you want to do with it. There are many different types of fiber cement available on the market today, including faux finishes and real brick. A faux finish can give your house a much more realistic look without having to spend a lot of money on maintenance.
Fiber cement siding is becoming a popular choice for homeowners as it is can be made to look like wood and is durable. But how do you know if the siding on your home is fiber cement siding or wood siding? Here’s a look at some of the difference between the two types of siding material:
Fiber Cement Siding
This type of siding is usually a combination of Portland cement and cellulose fiber. It was first invented in 1901 by Austrian Ludwig Hatschek and was later improved by Swiss-born inventor, Frederic M. Becket. Fiber cement siding has become a popular choice for homeowners because it looks like real wood and can be painted any color. It also comes with warranties that last for up to fifty years.
Wood Siding
Siding made from wood is a popular choice for homeowners who want to give their home a natural look that blends in well with surroundings. Wood siding can also be easily customized to get the exact look you want for your home exterior. Wood siding usually lasts anywhere from ten to twenty years, which means it will need replacing more frequently than fiber cement siding. Wood siding can also be more expensive that fiber cement, especially when it comes time to replace it.
Fiber cement siding is a great alternative to wood siding and is made from a combination of cement, recycled materials, wood fiber, and special additives. Fiber cement has been around for decades but has become more popular recently due to its ability to mimic wood siding at a more affordable price point.
When you want to install wood siding on your home, you really need to think about using fiber cement instead of real wood because it is simply better in so many ways. If you are still not convinced that fiber cement siding is the best choice for your home, take a look at these telltale signs that fiber cement siding is the way to go.
Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. It is available in a variety of styles and textures, virtually indistinguishable from wood siding.
James Hardie Industries Ltd., the largest manufacturer of fiber cement siding, offers two styles; HardiePlank lap siding, the company’s signature product, and HardiePanel vertical siding. Both products offer the look of traditional wood siding without the maintenance. For example, unlike wood, fiber cement siding won’t rot or crack when exposed to moisture. It’s also fire resistant, which makes it attractive to homeowners in areas where forest fires are prevalent. Additionally, when properly installed with an air gap between the siding and the house’s sheathing, it helps improve a home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer through the walls.
Because fiber cement siding is heavier than wood — about 2 1/2 times as heavy as 5/8-inch plywood — you will need to install additional wall bracing prior to installing it on your home. This can be costly if you have an older home that was not originally built with fiber cement siding in mind. Other costs include specialized cutting blades for a circular saw or table saw; these products cause silica
There are many benefits to using fiber cement siding. It is an attractive option for a variety of reasons:
Easier to maintain than wood siding.
Provides a highly attractive look that mimics wood but does not have the same maintenance requirements.
Very durable and resistant to fire, rot, and termites.
Can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.