Fiber Cement Siding Styles Offer Versatility

Your Guide to Fiber Cement Siding Styles

If you're looking for both beauty and durability in your home siding, you simply can't go wrong with fiber cement. Sure, it's nearly a century old, but this track record is part of what makes it a great investment. It's rugged, resisting termites, fire, weather damage, and rot. It also requires minimal maintenance, especially when purchasing a factory primed and painted product. Still, functionality is only half of what makes fiber cement siding so appealing. Its versatility and attractiveness makes up the rest.

Fiber Cement Siding: It's Got Style

Fiber cement siding may not be new, but it's certainly not your grandmother's siding (unless, of course, that's what you're going for). It comes in a variety of styles and shapes, from common horizontal or vertical panels to unique cut shingles. It also comes in a plethora of finishes, making fiber cement not only a great way to protect and insulate your home, but also a means of self expression.

Lap Fiber Cement Siding

If you're going for a traditional horizontal lap siding, fiber cement has a lot to offer. Sure, lap siding is a common choice among homeowners, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. Fiber cement offers a variety of lap cuts and styles to choose from. Examples include:

• Dutchlap siding
• beaded lap siding
• cedar lap siding

Vertical Fiber Cement Siding

If you're looking for a vertical siding, fiber cement comes in virtually any length and width, though many manufacturers limit overall length to about 10 feet. Choose from smooth, embossed, or grooved styles.

Fiber Cement Shingles

If you really want to make a statement with your home siding, fiber cement shingles are the way to go. The versatility in cut and texture shingles offer range from traditional to dramatic, and can really emphasize your home's architectural personality. It's all a matter of shape.

Fiber cement shingles come in any number of shapes and sizes, though exposure usually ranges from about 4 to 11 inches. Some shapes to consider include:

• uniform rectangles
• random rectangles
• half rounds
• ripples
• octagons

Fiber cement shingles can also be installed straight and uniform or staggered.

Finishes Make the Product

One of the greatest features of any engineered siding is its ability to mimic a plethora of natural materials. Fiber cement siding is no exception. So while this material comes in a number of sizes and shapes, finish is really the standout feature.

Some of the most common finishes include:

• embossed wood grain
• smooth
• grooved
• stucco

You can also choose from an endless palette of stains and paint.