Fiber cement is a durable, low-maintenance and cost-effective type of siding, but there are a lot of misconceptions about it. To help you make an informed purchase, D-Wing Construction, a top roof installation contractor in the area, debunks some of the most common myths below.

It Contains Asbestos 

Up until the late 1980s, fiber cement siding contained traces of asbestos. However, manufacturers have since phased out the use of asbestos in their products. Now, fiber cement siding only contains a composite material made of cement, sand and cellulose fibers.

It Will Last Forever 

There are also a lot of exaggerations about fiber cement siding’s benefits, resulting in a lot of homeowners neglecting their exterior. Fiber cement doesn’t need a lot of upkeep because it’s resistant to fire, insects, rodents and moisture. However, no siding—no matter how durable—can last forever. The upside here is that  you only need to do minimal upkeep with fiber cement siding, meaningyou’ll have more time for the things you care about.

It Never Needs Repainting

Here’s another exaggeration: some salespeople claim you won’t have to repaint siding at all. Don’t be fooled; you’ll still have to but just not as frequently. A standard exterior paint job usually lasts five to seven years, but the coating on fiber cement siding can last up to 12 years or more. If you want the paint on your siding to last even longer, we recommend buying pre-painted fiber cement siding. The primer and paint is baked into the fiber cement panels during the manufacturing process, producing a color that will remain vibrant for a long time.

It’s Expensive 

Yes, fiber cement siding isn’t as cheap as vinyl, but it’s more cost-effective than more popular kinds of siding, like cedar. Given the aforementioned benefits, we’d say fiber cement siding is well worth the cost.

To make sure you’ll get to enjoy all of the aforementioned benefits, only hire an experienced contractor. Remember, always vet a contractor before hiring them.

D-Wing Construction is a highly experienced exterior improvement and roofing contractor, boasting nearly two decades’ worth of experience in the industry. To get a free estimate, call us at (630) 405-5843 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Naperville, IL, and the surrounding areas.