Pros and cons and DIY installation + Video

Fiber cement siding. Siding - this material has appeared quite recently, but has already gained immense popularity. There are many varieties, ranging from antique, wooden siding to modern acrylic siding.

This material has gained great popularity due to such qualities as, lightness, availability and easy installation. Anyone purchasing siding will be able to independently decorate their home.

He is able to make a visually beautiful, modern structure from an old, ugly house. Fiber cement siding in its composition has a huge difference compared to the rest.

It is made of fiber cement, it has a high level of heat resistance and is completely non-flammable.

General

It was first made from asbestos fabric. It had huge advantages - durability, fire safety, it was very difficult to break it.

This technology came from Austria. But later they began to make it using a new technology. Such fiber cement is not inferior in quality to what it was before. But it has a huge positive quality in that it is environmentally friendly and does not emit any harmful substances.

In fact, modern fiber cement is a material made of paper fibers, filling made of minerals and cement.

The paper is rammed using a special technology, covered with a special impregnation. It turns out that paper fibers add elasticity, prevent folds and breaks and act as a reinforcement for an already manufactured material, and the presence of cement in the composition adds qualities such as strength and a high level of resistance to heavy loads.

Fiber cement panels will be cut in the future either to standard measurements, or according to the buyer's order. Visually, they can differ significantly, since there are many colors - monochromatic, colored, wood imitation or fiber cement siding under a stone. They can also be smooth or ribbed in texture.

Specifications. Pros and cons

Pros

1. Absolutely harmless to humans and the environment. Due to its natural composition, it is environmentally friendly, non-toxic. It is allowed to be lined with almost any type of structure.
2. Low price.

   Fiber cement siding can be selected for almost any budget, its price will quickly pay off. For example, siding imitating wood or stone covering is much cheaper than natural material.

3. High level of thermal insulation. It perfectly keeps warm air in the room and, unlike other materials, does not need an additional heat insulator.
4. Fiber cement siding is resistant to direct sunlight, it will not change its original color, unlike vinyl siding, for example.

5. Noise isolation. The fiber cement siding also contains sound-absorbing elements. Therefore, no additional soundproofing layer is needed.

6. Strength.Siding has high resistance to shock, vibration and mechanical damage.

   The material is not afraid of shrinkage, it can be used for both old and newly built buildings.

7. Long service life. For at least thirty years, the material will remain in its original form. And if you purchase high-quality materials and install it correctly, it can serve twice as long without changing its characteristics.
8. Corrosion resistance.

   Resistant to rust, bacteria and fungi. But it is not recommended to use ferrous metal mounts, as there is a possibility of rusty marks.

9. Universal. Can be used for almost any building. They are used both outside and inside.

   Has a spectacular aesthetic appearance, will decorate any building.

10. Depreciation. Due to its durability, it will significantly reduce financial costs.

Cons

After the list of advantages, it becomes clear that fiber cement siding is one of the best options for finishing work, in comparison with others species. But this material has one huge drawback - it is heavy.

If vinyl siding can be attached to almost any surface due to its low weight, then fiber cement requires a strong foundation and special fasteners.

Also the disadvantage is that there are no locks on the panels. This will significantly complicate the work process, especially if the installation is performed by non-professionals. But still, there are some manufacturers who produce panels with locking joints, it's up to you to choose.

Textures and sizes

It often happens that people confuse fiber cement with vinyl siding, although these are completely different materials.

Fiber cement panels have a huge selection of smooth and textured siding in different colors. Particularly popular are siding imitating wood, stone, brick and the like. This is a great material that can make any of your design dreams come true.

When choosing siding, plan ahead of time the style you want your building to look like. It is necessary that the panels are in harmony with the objects located on the territory of the site.

This is not difficult at all as fiber cement siding will work great with many types of finishes. You don't need much here, just rely on your preferences and have a sense of proportion.

Installation of fiber cement siding

1. Removing the original finish. Cleaning walls from paint and plaster. Smooth walls for leveling fasteners.

   This does not apply to small irregularities and roughness.

2. If there is mold or mildew on the walls, an antifungal primer should be applied. This must be done both before and after sheathing. Since the walls will be deprived of air intake.

3. Installation of fiber cement siding.

   Installation of battens for fixing panels. Metal is recommended as it is more durable.

4. If it is necessary to install an additional layer of insulation, mineral wool is put into the frame base, and on top is a film with wind and moisture-proof properties.
5. Siding can be installed end-to-end or overlapped, depending on the manufacturer.

( 1 grade, average 5 of 5 )