When discussing our free quotation with customers, we find a surprising number of them are unsure of the differences between these two siding materials. Therefore, we decided it was time we lined up fiber-cement compared to engineered wood in an unbiased, informative fashion.
Two Types of Fiber Cement Products in Our Range
We install both James Hardie and Allura fiber-cement products according to customer requirements. There are subtle differences between the two, in terms of grain pattern and what’s available locally. We can coat either of these to achieve special finishes, although this adds to the cost.
The raw materials are the main difference between fiber-cement compared to engineered wood. The former are a compound of cement, cellulose fibers, pulped wood, sand, fly ash, and water. There are subtle differences between brands, although both are flexible and strong.
Prefabricated fiber-cement sections are available as panels, lap siding, shakes, and trims. Allura textures include smooth and stucco, while James Hardie adds the additional option of cedar mill. Although we should emphasize that this depends on what we can source locally.
Overall, both brands of fiber-cement are relatively heavy compared to engineered wood, and require special tools to right-size them. Once installed, they are easy to maintain with regular washing twice annually. Tap water and mild detergent should be all that’s necessary to keep them looking good.
Fiber-Cement Project By Valiant Exteriors©
Contrasting Engineered Wood Against Fiber-Cement
Engineered wood is a lighter, and a somewhat more environmentally-friendly product. LP Smartside pre-engineered products come in panel, shake and lap profiles. This product is a composite of wax-coated wood strands, blended with a resin binder.
The hot press method of finishing ensures a strong, solid product that resists dry and wet rot as well as insect intrusion. Overall, this is a resilient material that is more impact-resistant than its fiber-cement counterparts.
However, if the outer coating is damaged, then moisture could enter and damage the product, leading to swelling and warping. Maintenance should be a simple matter of washing with soap and water, while checking for any damage.
We Work With Fiber-Cement and Engineered Wood
We respect customer preferences at Valiant Exteriors, so it’s your choice between fiber-cement and engineered wood. However, we prefer to use engineered wood for inside corners, and trim around doors and windows in both cases. You won’t easily spot the difference, unless we use the opportunity to create a colourful contrast.
More Information
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Image: Engineered Wood Project By Valiant Exteriors©