The Best of Both Worlds

Superior Durability
25-50 year lifespan, longer than vinyl (15-25 years) and wood (15-30 years). Similar to metal but with wood appearance.

Wood Appearance with Durability
Fiber cement looks like real wood—wood grain, traditional profiles—but without wood's maintenance requirements or susceptibility to rot.

Minimal Maintenance
Unlike painted wood (every 5-7 years), fiber cement needs painting only every 10-15 years. Unlike vinyl, it won't crack in extreme cold.

Fire Resistance
Fiber cement is A-rated fire resistant. Won't ignite or burn. Important for homes near forested areas or fire-prone regions.

Weather Resistance

Won't rot like wood
Won't warp like vinyl
Won't dent like metal (though it can if hit very hard)
Stands up to Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles and temperature extremes

Aesthetic Appeal
Wood-like appearance adds curb appeal and value. Premium homebuyers recognize fiber cement's quality and durability.

Energy Efficiency
Solid fiber cement provides good thermal mass. When installed with proper air sealing, contributes to energy efficiency.

What It Is and How It Works

Composition
Fiber cement is made from Portland cement, cellulose fibers, and aggregates. It's a composite material combining the strength of concrete with the workability of wood.

Manufacturing Process

Raw materials mixed into slurry
Molded into board shapes
Cured to develop strength
Surface finished to replicate wood grain
Factory primed for additional protection

Key Characteristics

Solid, rigid boards (not hollow like vinyl)
Heavy weight (requires professional installation)
Won't shrink or expand like wood
Uniform appearance (no knots or grain variation like wood)
Factory-primed surface ready for field painting

Performance Properties

Compressive strength: Very high
Water resistance: Excellent (sealed surface)
Thermal resistance: Good (solid material)
Fire rating: A-rated, non-combustible
Impact resistance: Good (stronger than vinyl, but not unbreakable)

Design Options Available

Profile	Style	Appearance	Cost	Best For
Clapboard	Horizontal, overlapping boards	Traditional wood appearance	$$$	Classic homes, farmhouses
Shake	Wood shake profile	Cottage, rustic appearance	$$$	Cottage style, specialty applications
Board & Batten	Vertical boards with battens	Modern farmhouse, barn style	$$$	Contemporary designs
Smooth	Flat, smooth finish	Modern, clean lines	$$	Contemporary homes
Beadboard	Vertical boards with beads	Cottage, Victorian appearance	$$$	Historic, cottage style
Shingles	Individual shingles	Upper story, gable accents	$$$	Premium aesthetic

Color Options
Factory-painted colors available from most manufacturers. Can also be field-painted with proper prep. Manufacturer colors typically last 10-15 years before repainting needed.

Professional Installation Critical

Why Professional Installation Matters
Fiber cement is heavy and fragile before installation. Improper handling during installation causes costly damage. Fastening and sealing must be perfect for long-term performance.

1

Assessment & Preparation

Inspect existing condition, verify wall structure is adequate for fiber cement's weight, and plan installation.

2

Old Siding Removal

Carefully remove existing siding. Inspect substrate and address any rot or structural issues.

3

Water Barrier Installation

Felt paper or house wrap creates secondary moisture barrier.

4

Flashing Installation

Proper flashing around windows, doors, and corners prevents water intrusion.

5

Starter Strip

Starter strip at foundation establishes alignment and slope.

6

Fiber Cement Board Installation

Boards installed carefully with proper fastening (screws required, not nails). Heavy weight requires multiple fasteners and support points.

7

Cut & Fit Details

Boards are cut for windows, doors, and corners with proper gaps for caulking.

8

Caulking & Sealing

All joints, transitions, and seams sealed with flexible caulk to accommodate slight movement.

9

Trim & Molding

Fiber cement trim installed around corners, windows, and doors.

10

Touch-Up & Finish

Any factory primer exposed at cuts is touched up. Board ends sealed with appropriate sealant.

11

Inspection

We verify proper installation, sealing, and customer satisfaction.

12

Cleanup

All debris removed. Home left clean and ready.

Keeping It Beautiful for Decades

Painting Schedule

Factory-painted boards: Repaint every 10-15 years depending on finish quality and exposure
Field-painted boards: Paint every 10-15 years
Maintenance level between vinyl (minimal) and wood (high)

Annual Inspection

Check paint for peeling or deterioration
Look for cracks in caulking at seams
Verify no water stains or damage
Look for mold or mildew on shaded sides

Caulking Maintenance

Caulk lasts 10-15 years
Recaulk joints as needed
Cost: $300-800 for full recaulking

Cleaning

Gentle rinse with garden hose removes dirt and pollen
No pressure washing (high pressure can damage finish)
Occasional scrubbing for mold/mildew on shaded areas

Painting

When needed (every 10-15 years typically)
Cost: $5,000-12,000 for full home
Use quality exterior paint; improper paint leads to adhesion failure

When to Call for Repair or Maintenance

Cracking or Damage

Small cracks: Can be caulked and painted over. Large cracks: Board section may need replacement. Cause: Physical impact, settling, improper fastening. Prevention: Professional installation with proper fastening.

Paint Peeling or Deterioration

Cause: Poor surface prep, low-quality paint, water intrusion. Prevention: Quality paint on properly prepped surface. Solution: Strip and repaint with quality products. Cost: $5,000-12,000+ depending on extent

Caulk Separation

Cause: Caulk reaches end of lifespan. Solution: Remove old caulk and recaulk. Cost: $300-800

Water Damage or Staining

Cause: Water getting behind boards (flashing failure or improper caulking). Solution: Identify source, reseal, potentially remove/replace affected boards. Cost: $1,000-5,000 depending on extent

Mold or Mildew

Cause: Moisture, shade, humidity. Solution: Clean with appropriate cleaner, address ventilation issues. Cost: $300-500 if cleaning only

Fastener Issues

Cause: Corrosion of fasteners, improper installation. Solution: Replace corroded fasteners with stainless steel or galvanized alternatives. Cost: $300-800 depending on extent

Knowing Your Options

Spot Repair

Cost: $400-1,000
When: 1-2 damaged boards, rest of siding is good
Example: Damaged board from impact, others fine
Timeline: 4-8 hours

Section Replacement

Cost: $2,000-5,000
When: 25-50% of siding needs replacing
Example: One side of home is damaged, others are fine
Timeline: 1-3 days

Full Replacement

Cost: $12,000-25,000+
When: Most/all siding is 40+ years old or extensively damaged
Example: Entire home needs new siding
Timeline: 5-10 days

Partial Updates
Can repaint or recaulk without replacing boards, extending lifespan significantly.

How Fiber Cement Compares

Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl

Cost: Fiber cement higher upfront, lower lifetime cost
Durability: Fiber cement 25-50 years vs. Vinyl 15-25 years
Maintenance: Fiber cement moderate vs. Vinyl minimal
Appearance: Both available; fiber cement more wood-like
Climate Performance: Fiber cement superior for Ottawa
Verdict: Choose fiber cement for long-term durability and appearance

Fiber Cement vs. Metal

Cost: Similar; fiber cement slightly less
Durability: Both excellent (25-50 years)
Maintenance: Metal slightly less; fiber cement moderate
Appearance: Fiber cement wood-like; metal contemporary
Climate Performance: Both excellent in Ottawa
Verdict: Choose based on desired aesthetic

Fiber Cement vs. Wood

Cost: Fiber cement higher upfront; wood lower due to maintenance costs
Durability: Fiber cement 25-50 years vs. Wood 15-30 years
Maintenance: Fiber cement moderate vs. Wood high
Appearance: Both similar; fiber cement more uniform
Climate Performance: Fiber cement better; wood requires more attention
Verdict: Choose fiber cement for wood look without wood maintenance

Why It Excels in Our Climate

Freeze-Thaw Resistance

Won't crack from temperature extremes like vinyl
Won't warp or rot like wood
Solid material resists freeze-thaw stress
Superior performance in Ottawa winters

Snow Load Resistance

Heavy material provides strength for snow-laden conditions
Won't dent or deform from snow weight
Maintains appearance through heavy snow seasons

Ice Dam Protection

Smooth surface sheds water when ice dams form
Solid material doesn't absorb water that reaches it
Properly installed, prevents water damage behind board

Wind Resistance

Heavy material and proper fastening resist high winds
More resistant than vinyl; comparable to metal
Handles spring storms and fall gales well

UV and Moisture

Doesn't fade like vinyl (or fades more uniformly)
Won't weather and deteriorate like wood
Maintained appearance over 20-30 years

Longevity in Our Climate
Fiber cement is engineered for performance in cold, wet climates. It's ideal for Ottawa conditions.

Design for Success

Material Selection
Fiber cement is the right choice for Ottawa's harsh climate if you want wood appearance without wood's maintenance requirements.

Painting Schedule
Plan for repainting every 10-15 years. This is more frequent than metal but less than wood. Budget accordingly.

Caulking Schedule
Caulk joints every 10-15 years as needed. This prevents water intrusion during freeze-thaw cycles.

Ventilation Integration
Fiber cement works well with soffit vents and roof ventilation systems for proper attic ventilation.

Water Management
Proper flashing, gutters, and downspouts are essential. Fiber cement is resistant but not immune to water damage behind boards.

Foundation Drainage
Ensure water from eavestroughs drains away from foundation. Proper drainage prevents water from reaching low-point of siding.

Expert Fiber Cement Siding Services

★

35 Years of Experience

We've installed fiber cement siding on hundreds of Ottawa homes. We understand proper installation and long-term performance.

★

Professional Installation

Fiber cement is heavy and requires careful handling. Our installers are trained in proper techniques to prevent damage.

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Proper Water Management

We integrate fiber cement with proper water barriers, flashing, and sealing for optimal performance.

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Painting Services

We offer professional painting services when repainting is needed, using quality products appropriate for fiber cement.

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Aesthetic Guidance

We help you select profiles and colors that enhance your home's beauty.

★

Long-Term Partnership

We're here for repainting, recaulking, and maintenance over the years.

Licensed & Insured
Full insurance coverage and proper licensing protect you and your home.

Premium Fiber Cement Siding for Long-Lasting Beauty