Fiberglass and Fiber Cement Siding – The Differences Are Here

It is important to understand the difference between the glass and the fiber cement siding when evaluating which side is best in the long-term. While they sound very similar, they are very different. Many factors have to be assessed in order to decide on the best home renovation option; amongst the main considerations are material properties, installations and costs. Research reveals how the cost of these two products is disappointing in the long-term.

Difference in Materials

Fiberglasses sidings are a lightweight material made of a sand and resin combination and are bonded to the material in the process of production. That means, even if possible, no painting is needed. Fiberglass siding is available in lengths that fit easily and can be delivered in different widths.

Fiber cement siding is made of cellulose, cement and sand. The Washington Post points out that it is a highly durable and fire-resistant material but that it can have major problems if exposed to moisture continuously. It comes in cuts similar to traditional timber facing, but is considerably denser and consequently heavier. Fiber cement is different from the fiberglass because it must first and again every fifteen years or so (before or after the installation).

Difference in Installation

Siding with fiberglass is tailor-made for your home and does not need to be painted. The pieces have the ability to easily lock and fit; air circulation and water drainage are necessary in the design of the product. Due to the specialized knowledge involved in this product, it is most often necessary to hire a professional installer.

Fiber cement often requires a lot of manpower to install efficiently; it weighs about three times the cost for installation. Caulking and painting are also labor costs that fiber cement requires to increase prices. During installation, as fiber concrete is more likely to crack, chipping and break than fiber-glass siding, the durability of these different faces also comes to be seen. Due to worksite damage, both work and material costs are affected.

Fiberglass Siding Pros

Fiberglass siding, only released to the market in the past 10 years, is one of the latest siding material types available.

Fiberglass panels are lightweight and long as compared with fiber cement sidings. This reduces the weight of the structure of your house. Fiber glass is also harder and stronger, and damage on site is much less likely to occur during installation. Perhaps best of all, fiber glass fabric is made of washable materials and does not require caulk, which removes two of the most frequent water-related issues in most facilities.

Fiber Cement Siding Benefits

Cement siding is long recognized for its style and its low maintenance as one of the most popular options for the home exterior.

Due to the long history of fiber cement siding, you will have a broad range of styles compared to fiber glass, including color, structure, and broad shape and length variations. Given the popularity of fiber cement, finding an experienced local company to install it will probably be easier as well. Fiber cement siding might not be as tough as newer fiberglass, but for many home applications it still offers sufficient durability. Contact us at Salute Exteriors for fiber cement siding in Oklahoma City. We are specialized in installing James Hardie siding.