Fiber Cement Siding: A No-Nonsense Buyer's Guide
James Hardie owns the category for a reason — but the install matters more than the brand.
Fiber cement is the most durable mainstream siding on the market. It doesn't rot, doesn't burn, and holds paint for 12 to 15 years. The catch: it is heavy, brittle, and unforgiving to install.
Look for a contractor with manufacturer certification. Look at the gap they leave between butt joints — it should be tight, with sealed flashing behind. And look at the nailing pattern: blind-nailed every 16 inches, never face-nailed unless the spec sheet requires it.
Get those three things right and your siding will outlive your mortgage.
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