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Minnesota Siding Options Fiber Cement Pros & Cons

Minnesota Siding Options Fiber Cement Pros & Cons

Are you seeking information about fiber cement siding for siding maintenance services, siding repair, or replacement siding? Restoration Geeks is here to help!

We’ve been a siding contractor in the Twin Cities area for over 20 years, so you can trust our knowledgeable experts to answer your questions and concerns. After testing many siding brands, our installers prefer to use top-quality James Hardie siding.

The James Hardie brand makes fiber cement siding. Other types of siding include vinyl, steel, and even natural wood. While we recommend and specialize in fiber cement siding, what’s important above all else is making the right decision for you and your home or building’s unique needs.

Our team is happy to break down the benefits and potential disadvantages of fiber cement siding for the exterior of your home or commercial building. Let’s dive in!

The Pros of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding appears like masonry or wood but performs with the strength of concrete when it comes to handling the elements. Minnesota houses and buildings with fiber cement siding are built to survive the harshest of winters.

There are many reasons to love fiber cement siding for your Twin Cities home or commercial business – here are just a few!

1. Survives Any Weather Condition

The material makeup of fiber cement makes it ideal for extreme weather environments because it's designed to be dimensionally stable, keeping it protected in any conditions. From hail to wind, it’s resistant to moisture, which helps prevent water damage due to rain or snow.

2. Built to Last

Fiber cement siding does not crack easily because it is engineered to last for up to 50 years or more! James Hardie siding can survive for decades while continuing to offer top performance. This means it offers a substantial return on investment for your siding repair or replacement siding.

3. Friendly for the Environment

Fiber cement siding is made of cement, wood pulp, sand, and water, which makes its disposal less harmful to the environment. The materials are more sustainable than vinyl, especially James Hardie siding, so you never have to worry about them ending up in a landfill.

4. Visual Appeal

Many homeowners love the design elements of fiber cement siding. The planks mimic the look of cedar. Fiber cement siding also offers numerous design options for homeowners to pick their own unique look. James Hardie siding has been noted for looking great for years due to its superior quality and beautiful aesthetics.

5. No Warping and Rotting

While fiber cement resembles wood, it in no way behaves like it, which is good, especially if you live in climates with high moisture levels. It will never rot, warp, or swell, leaving you with a durable solution you can count on.

6. Maintenance

Fiber cement is advertised as a low-maintenance option, which is mostly correct. Because of what it's made of and how it's made, James Hardie only requires periodic repainting and cleaning to help keep mold and mildew at bay, giving you a durable and low-maintenance choice.

The Cons of Fiber Cement Siding

If fiber cement siding was the perfect choice for every home or building, it would be on every home and building. But of course, there are other types of siding, from vinyl to wood to steel.

So let’s go over some of the potential cons of fiber cement siding that may or may not matter to you.

1. Difficult Installation

Fiber cement is difficult to install and requires much manpower and labor. In comparison to vinyl, fiber cement takes more time and requires more skilled workers.

Despite the difficult installation, it is a great option for a professional siding contractor, who has the skills and training to implement siding installation efficiently.

2. Expensive

Fiber cement costs more to install than other materials due to the above. Although the installation is more expensive, it lasts for decades, which can offset the upfront cost.

3. Cannot Do It Yourself

Again, fiber cement installation requires special skills and tools to install correctly. The process needs to be performed by professionals, so homeowners should expect a DIY method to be successful. Avoiding DIY and hiring a professional for the installation means you get an expert finish and maintain the manufacturer's warranty.

4. Could Require Repainting

Over time, your fiber cement siding may experience fading, chips, or scratches due to damage from the elements. It is recommended to repaint every 10 to 15 years, on average, the same time frame typically recommended for most other siding products.

Book a Consultation With Minnesota Siding Experts

Ready to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of fiber cement siding for the exterior of your home? Let Restoration Geeks evaluate your siding project including a siding contractor, siding services, and siding repair. Call us today at 952-500-9546 or contact us online.