Most new homeowners have a hard time deciding whether to use fiber cement siding or cedar siding for their new residential homes. Both of these options are great for giving your house a traditional American look. But how do you decide which one is the right one for you?
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of cement, sand and cellulose fibers which are pressed together to form shingles. They are usually primed and painted but you also have an option of painting after you install them.
Fiber cement comes in various finishes and can be used to achieve many styles. Whether you are looking for a rustic rough-hewn look or a modern smooth finish, fiber cement has the ability to mimic wood grain and they can be used to achieve various styles like clapboard and board-and-batten.
Cedar Siding
Cedar siding is made from white cedar or the Western red cedar. It can be treated with oil or stain and you can also choose to leave it untreated. It can be painted on meaning you can choose a color that suits your house exterior décor. There are various styles that one can choose from and these include bevel, lap siding and traditional cedar shingles. Cedar sidings have the ability to achieve a rural look and a modern seamless look.
Pros And Cons Of Cedar Siding and Fiber Cement Siding
Cost
Note that both of these home siding options are expensive to install compared to other materials. While cedar sidings are able to give your home a customized finish, you need to keep in to factor in overall maintenance cost over the years. You need to periodically replace or repair panels or shingles after every three to five years for cedar sidings. On the other hand, fiber cement sidings have low maintenance costs enabling you to save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Fire Safety
It is important to ensure that the home siding you choose is fire-retardant. The fiber cement siding has been highly rated for fire resistance and it does not ignite when directly exposed to flames. This means that in case of a fire event, there is minimal damage to your home. Cedar siding on the other hand is very flammable and in case of fire the panels can add fuel which can result to a lot of damage to your home. However, you have an option of getting cedar siding that has been specially treated to resist fire.
Eco-Friendliness
Both fiber cement and cedar materials are considered to be eco-friendly. Cedar is biodegradable and requires less production energy compared to synthetic materials. However you need to select cedar from old-growth timber and one that has been FSC certified. Fiber cement siding is made from cement, sand, cellulose fiberswhich are sustainable materials and they don’t release toxins in the environment.
Bottom Line
Both these home siding options offers unique aesthetic appeal to your home. Fiber cement siding is very cost effective and durable at the same time. The cedar siding gives you a wide range of styles and finishes to ensure you customize your home’s exterior according to your taste.