Fiber Cement Siding Products and Options

When it comes to siding choices for your home, it should come as no surprise that fiber cement siding is becoming an increasingly popular option for home owners and remodelers. More and more builders and weekend warriors are choosing fiber cement siding for its unprecedented durability, minimal maintenance, and great, lasting look.

So, where do you get started? Fiber cement siding is available at most major home remodeling retailers like Home Depot, Lowes and Sears. Because locating a retailer for fiber cement siding is fairly easy, you may want to think about the next steps before you head to the store.

Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of styles, colors, textures, and brands, each with their own appeal. You can choose from the following options:

• Lap siding
• Scalloped or shaped siding
• Vertical siding

When determining which style of fiber cement siding is right for your home, consider your home's current style of siding, and compare it to the styles of fiber cement siding that are available.

Fiber cement siding also comes in the following:

• Wood grain textures
• Ready to paint
• Pre-colored options

Many brands of siding, including James Hardie and CertainTeed, provide styles that can be stained just like traditional siding, adding to its appeal and versatility. If you decide to paint fiber cement siding, it is important to note that most siding comes pre-primed and ready, however you need to use a latex-based paint for the best result.

Once fiber cement siding is installed, James Hardie, GAF and CertainTeed products come with manufacturer warranties of up to 30 years. Warranties often vary by product and style, and some siding from Nichiha comes with a lifetime limited warranty on some of their panel and board products. Because there is such variation in coverage between fiber siding products, make sure to ask your retailer about the warranty and its details before you make any final decisions.