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by Thomas Kral
Cedar and Fibercement (Cement) siding are both high end materials. Either
Cedar or Cement sidings require a slightly greater upfront investment over vinyl
or aluminum; however the result is products that will last much longer.
Cedar siding is wood, from the Cedar tree. Cedar is one of the most durable
of woods. Cement siding is made of a mixture of cement and cellulose. Cellulose
is the fiber in Fiber cement. Cellulose is basically wood fibers. Either Cedar
or Cement will be very strong and durable. Both are resistant to impact damage
from hail or tree damage. In an unfinished state cedar siding will last longer
than cement siding.
It is highly recommended to stain either cedar or cement siding for the
longest lasting installation. In it's painted or stained state, Cement siding is
rated to last much longer than cedar siding. Both Cedar and Cement siding are
available pre-finished. Cedar siding can be bought with a 15-year color warranty
while Cement siding can be bought with a 15-year or 25-year color warranty.
Usually these sidings can be stained by the factory with major manufacturers of
stain like Cabot and Olympic.
Cement is more difficult to work with from an installation point of view.
Special tools are required to cut cement siding and cement siding is very tough
to hand nail. Cement kicks up an extreme amount of dust when cutting so special
respirators are sometimes required when cutting cement siding. Cedar is an
attractive material to bees and other insects while cement is very insect
resistant. Cedar can warp after years of prolonged UV exposure from the sun.
This is due to heat and is most common on the south and west sides of the
building. Cedar typically has a more attractive and unique grain pattern. Cement
siding usually is more uniform and the lengths of the boards are usually of
equal length. Cedar lengths usually vary in length.
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