With so many choices of siding available to homeowners, it can be a tedious process deciding which option to pursue. Oftentimes many people dwell over which color to choose; and while this is an important decision to make, there are so many other factors to consider. Fiber cement siding and composite siding are currently popular choices amongst builders and homeowners alike. Before making a decision on which siding to choose, homeowners considering either of these options should weigh the pros and cons of each.
Pros:
Both fiber cement and composite siding will give any home great curb appeal. Both types of siding will give the look of freshly painted wood siding, and come in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors. Both of these sidings will complement any style of home
Both offer lower maintenance compared to wood sidings. Cedar needs to be stained every 5 to 10 years, and other wood sidings need to be painted regularly as well. This is a time-consuming task and can be costly depending on the size of the home. Fiber cement and composite sidings do not require the same upkeep.
Both are pest resistant. Homeowners will not need to worry about ants, termites, bees, and even woodpeckers with either type of siding. Wood siding attracts a plethora of pests and may need to be sprayed with repellants to keep bugs and birds from burrowing.
Cons:
One negative aspect fiber cement siding is that there can be moisture problems. Because this type of siding still contains wood particles, it does not completely repel water. Everlast composite siding is made completely from polymeric resin and granular stone. With no wood particles used, Everlast brand composite siding is a better choice, as it can be used in high moisture areas like decks, walkways, or against roofs.
Another con of fiber cement siding is that while it requires less maintenance than cedar and wood siding, it still requires painting every 10 to 15 years. However, Everlast composite siding never needs to be painted.
Owning a home is a major investment, and homeowners should take as much careful consideration as to what is on the outside as they do for what they put inside their homes. Siding is a home’s protection against weather elements and damaging insects; as such, it should offer the best possible protection available. When deciding between fiber cement or composite siding, a homeowner should carefully consider the pros and cons mentioned above before reaching any final decision.
Author: Emilio Bonilla
