Sidings or claddings come in different materials and design styles but in all cases, infiltration of wind and rain through the joints met by overlapping should be prevented by sealing or covering the joints. Building materials expand and contract depending on the weather, therefore, it is not wise to make the joints between the siding elements rigid. Vinyl, wood, composite materials etcetera are some of the materials used in making sidings.
Why Vinyl siding is
less preferred?
Vinyl siding is the most inexpensive and commonly used siding alternative but it causes problems to the owner. For example, as vinyl siding is not tightly secured to the walls, insects can infiltrate and cause problems through the gaps created.
Vinyl siding is flammable and when is in the proximity of fire, it can melt or catch fire. Also, due to long time exposure to sun, vinyl siding will fade eventually. If you paint the siding to make it look brand new, the paint will probably not stick to the plastic and most likely will peel and crack.
Vinyl siding is thin,
which leads to structural inadequacies. So it is more prone to be
damaged due to temperature changes and when hit by objects. Thus
vinyl sliding can crack, split or be deformed.
What is Fibre Cement
Siding?
The latest and preferred exterior siding is fibre cement siding. Fibre cement is made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibres. It is blended with water, resins, and waxes and then autoclaved. Autoclave is a process in which a composite mixture is exposed to high pressure steam and pressed to desired form. This makes the final product strong and durable.
Advantages of Cement
siding
Cement siding has the ability to withstand natural elements such as rain, wind, fire and hail for a long time and are hence preferred. Cement siding such as hardie board is easy to maintain, and lasts long and are thus is chosen widely. Hardie siding is also impervious thus increasing its demand. Pre-fabricated, read to paint hardie siding is available and some of them are available pre-coloured.
Installation
After the product is
cut, it can be installed by two people where one person holds the
sheet and the other nails the product in place. Hot dipped galvanized
nails can be used to hang them. Fibre cement siding requires metal
hand shears or mechanical saw to be cut in different ways, thinner or
thicker with different end-joints. To ventilate areas where the Fibre
Cement siding is cut, proper methods must be used. When exposed to
silica dust generated during installation for a long time, silicosis
can be caused.
Fibre cement siding is used not only as exterior siding but also in the interiors. They can be used over the existing foundation. It allows tiles to stick onto the walls. Though costlier than vinyl siding, Fibre Cement siding is not very costly and can be installed by yourself. Moreover, it lasts long and has less maintenance cost. Depending on your needs, choose appropriate siding to make your home look beautiful for a long time.