The harsh Minnesota weather, with frequent snowfall from November through March, can take a toll on your home exterior—particularly if it’s wood. The 24/7 exposure to the elements can really be harsh on wood siding. Are you a homeowner looking for siding that looks like real wood without the hassle of wood’s high maintenance needs? Fiber cement siding offers the beauty of real wood, with the low maintenance you’re looking for. Fiber cement is so thick, it’s able to mimic the appearance and feel of real wood, creating the home exterior aesthetics homeowners love.
At MN Contractor Pros, we understand how frustrating high maintenance, failing home exteriors can be. That’s why we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Twin Cities Metro area transform the look of their home while gaining the long-term benefit of low maintenance siding. Our team of experts are dedicated to outstanding customer service and detailed product installation.
If you love the look of wood siding, but don’t want the high maintenance it requires, you have options! Here’s a look at other siding options:
Cedar
Wood siding is gorgeous, but it comes with a price…high maintenance. Unfortunately, cedar can incur water damage, and once moisture penetrates, the destruction can spread. High repair or replacement costs can follow. So, if you have wood siding, and it’s dotted with rot issues, water has probably penetrated behind some of the boards. If you are tired of painting or repairing your wood siding, it’s likely time to replace it with a different material.
Style
Cedar siding is made from Western Red Cedar or White Cedar. It comes in horizontal lap panels, beveled, or traditional shingles or shakes. Tongue and groove panels are available, as well as board and batten. It comes in a straight, staggered, or rounded edge. And it can be treated with stain or oil, or left untreated. Cedar can also be painted. If you want the look of weathered cedar shingles, cedar is the only siding material that can achieve that look. Fiber cement must be painted.
Maintenance
With proper maintenance, cedar siding is quite durable, resists rot, and resists pests better than other types of wood. The problem is, the maintenance requirements are quite high. You have to maintain a finish coat of paint or stain to seal cedar. And unfortunately, the paint needs to be scraped off and a fresh coat of paint must be applied every 5 years. Stain needs to be applied every 3 years.
Woodpecker damage
Cedar can suffer woodpecker damage, and that can lead to moisture damage and the need for repairs.
Fire safety
Cedar siding will fuel a fire unless it has been treated with fire retardant.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding requires less maintenance than wood, but it lacks the beauty of wood and the durability of fiber cement siding.
Engineered Wood Siding
In spite of the fact that it’s a better alternative than cedar, and homeowners enjoy its distinct textured look, engineered wood siding has significant drawbacks.
Moisture damage
Siding with a product that has some wood in it can look beautiful, but wood is susceptible to moisture damage including wood rot, mold and mildew.
Pests
The wood contained in engineered wood can make it susceptible to pest infestation such as termites.
Fires
The wood makeup of engineered wood siding can become like fuel to a house fire.
Warranty
Engineered wood siding usually doesn’t cover termite damage or hail damage.
Fiber cement siding
Fiber cement siding looks like wood without the hassle of high maintenance. Here are some of the other benefits of James Hardie siding, and why homeowners desiring the look and feel of real wood on their home (minus the hassle of upkeep) choose James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Historic districts approve
Fiber cement siding looks so much like wood that historic districts throughout the United States have approved it to replace wood siding. See for yourself how well fiber cement mimics wood by looking at LaGrange and the Village of Rhinebeck.
Woodgrain look
Fiber cement is thick and mimics the look of wood grain. From the curb, fiber cement siding looks so much like wood, it’s tough to tell it’s not. Up close, fiber cement siding may look more perfect than genuine wood, but not many people take the time to examine it that closely. It comes with a variety of finish options from a modern smooth finish to a rustic look.
Noncombustible
Fiber cement siding is heat and flame resistant, adding a measure of protection to you and your family.
Materials that withstand the elements
Fiber cement siding is made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Combined, this durable siding material doesn’t attract woodpeckers or pests like termites.
Baked-on color that lasts
James Hardie ColorPlus® Technology resists peeling, chipping, and cracking. And it’s warrantied for 15 years. Transform your home with new color by James Hardie.
High performance that endures
James Hardie siding is super strong. Its durability is one of the primary reasons it’s the most popular siding material in America.
Multiple style options
Match your home’s architectural style and your personal preferences with the perfect siding by James Hardie.
Low maintenance
Fiber cement only needs to be washed twice a year with a garden hose and a medium bristle nylon brush to keep it looking great.
Wood siding gives homes a beautiful look, but James Hardie fiber cement siding mimics the look of wood beautifully. Hardie Board saves you time and money on maintenance throughout its life. Replace your worn-out wood siding with durable, low maintenance fiber cement siding.
Read our Ultimate Guide to James Hardie Siding to discover even more benefits of fiber cement siding!