Composite material is defined as anything made up of at least two materials with dramatically different chemical or physical properties that, when combined, result in a material with different (and usually better) characteristics. There are a number of composite materials around you and one of them is fiber cement, which is a combination of cellulose fiber, Portland cement, sand, and water.
Fiber Cement Benefits
Here are some of fiber cement’s more outstanding qualities: *render as icons*
- It is fire–resistant. Fiber cement is listed as a class 1A fire resistant material, and resists fire and heat well enough that it is ideal in areas prone to wildfires.
- It is durable. Fiber cement shares the durability of cement, sharing the ability to withstand impact well. It is also unaffected by mold or fungi and isn’t at risk of termite or insect damage so it definitely lasts.
- It is impervious to environmental effects. Fiber cement does not deteriorate due to the effects of bright sunlight, ultraviolet light, salt air, or humidity, and will not freeze in cold weather. It will not also not crack, warp or blister due to temperature changes that gives rise to repeated freezing and thawing cycles.
- It requires almost no maintenance. Fiber cement is easy to care for. As it is durable, the material generally needs nothing more than the usual regular cleaning to stay in shape. And even when you have to clean it, the cleaning process is simple. Just hose it down with water every every 6 to 12 months and you’re good to go. Stubborn dirt in certain areas can be removed with some soapy water and a brush. Don’t forget to check caulked joints every year as well to ensure everything is sealed as it should be.
- It is long-lasting. It’s not unusual for warranty coverage to last for decades, going anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer.
With all these benefits, it’s truly hard not to like fiber cement siding. But did you know it also saves you money while letting you do your bit for the environment? More on that in Part 2.