How to Pick a Fiber Cement Siding Contractor

• January 19th, 2011
• In: Fiber Cement, Vinyl Siding
• By: Rob Sabo
• (No Ratings Yet)
  
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Fiber cement siding is approaching vinyl siding in popularity. Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of Portland cement, wood fiber, and water. The resulting mixture is steam heated and formed into planks.

While fiber cement is attractive, durable, and low maintenance, it does have a downside. Fiber cement siding is more difficult to install than vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding requires specialized tools to cut and the heavier weight of fiber cement siding requires more people for the installation job. The exact installation techniques differ between vinyl siding and fiber cement siding as well.

Here are some tips for picking the best fiber cement siding contractor for your job:

Check their license and certification – A professional fiber cement siding contractor should be bonded, licensed, and certified. To make sure, don’t go by their ads, but ask to see the paperwork yourself.

Ask about their experience with fiber cement – Installing fiber cement siding is different than working with vinyl siding. Ask the potential fiber cement contractor long they have been working with fiber cement siding. If possible try to get the address of one of their recent jobs to see how well they did the work.

Ask how they handle the fiber cement siding – Fiber cement siding must be handled with care on the job site. While fiber cement is a durable material once installed, it can be damaged before installation if it is handled carelessly. If the fiber cement panels are dropped, dragged, or improperly stacked the factory primer and paint can be damaged. The panels should also be kept dry before installation. If the panels get wet they can shrink and this can affect the final fit of the panels on the house. For this reason fiber cement panels should be covered overnight or when rain is expected.