In a place with environmental conditions like those of Philadelphia, cement siding (also called fiber cement or cement board siding) is an excellent cladding choice. It performs well under many different conditions from the hot sun to freezing temperatures. It is also quite durable, and easy on the eyes, as well. If you're looking for a cladding material that's tougher than a 2 dollar cheese steak, but looks better than fall in Fairmount Park, cement siding might be your answer.
Physical Benefits of Philadelphia Cement Siding
To truly understand why it is such a good choice for Philadelphia, cement board siding's creation is a good place to start. Developed in Australia over 100 years ago, cement siding was designed to be a material that would withstand many of the conditions where others fell short. Resistant to moisture and fire, scratches and dents, and of course heat and cold (all of which can readily be found in Philadelphia) cement board siding is now one of the most durable and desirable cladding materials on the market today.
Another benefit of fiber cement siding in Philadelphia is its ability to accept paint and hold onto it. Unlike vinyl siding, cement siding must be painted for it to perform its best. However, if high quality paint is used, it is very likely that it will not peel or chip. If that's not enough, cement board siding is also resistant to insects and the damage they cause (a benefit if ever there was one), and it will never rot!
Other Philadelphia Cement Board Siding Benefits
Fiber cement siding is considered a "green" material. It receives this sought after title because its use has no negative affect on the environment. Additionally, during production, unused pieces of material can be immediately processed to be recycled into a new batch of material.
During January weather, Philadelphians will be happy to know that cement siding is an excellent insulator, especially when compared to vinyl or aluminum siding. For those who live in older neighborhoods, cement board siding is attractive enough to stand along side nearly any structure; it is also allowed in historic preservation areas where materials like vinyl aren?t.
To sum it up, cement siding will outperform wood in both longevity and moisture resistance. It will surpass vinyl and aluminum in durability and impact resistance, as well as in added value to the home. It will supplement your home's insulation, and it won't be adversely affected by high or low temperatures or by precipitation in any form.
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Install New Siding The Look of Cement Siding
Cement board siding is generally formed to look like wood shingles, but it can also be made to have a smooth finish or to look like stucco. In any event, once it is installed and painted, cement siding will take whatever color you choose and hold onto it, and if you get tired of that color, you'll have many years to decide what to repaint it!
Philadelphia Cement Siding Prices
The price of fiber cement siding is about the same as that of wood siding, somewhere in the $5,000-$8,000 range, though it will outlast wood by many years. This makes it more expensive than aluminum or vinyl, but significantly less expensive than natural stone or brick. It will most likely take 2 or 3 weeks to install.
