Tangled between fiber cement siding and stucco? You are not alone. A majority of house owners find it troubling to choose between cement siding and stucco. Both of them have specific benefits and downsides. In this blog, we will juxtapose two popular siding options to help you choose the most suitable one for your home.
Fiber Cement Siding vs Stucco will remain a forever debate, let’s briefly discuss their attributes one by one.
Fiber Cement Siding:
As the name represents, it is cement mixed with wood fiber. Essentially, the ingredients included in fiber cement include cement, water, sand, and cellulose fiber. While the composition can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, there is at least 8-10% of wood fiber in fiber cement siding that increases its durability and strength. Fiber cement siding shows great character against all harsh conditions and termites. The best thing is that it requires negligible upkeep and maintenance (You can save some bucks on that!). It does not rot, warp, and resist termites. Its rustic and high-end appeal makes it the best choice from the aesthetics point of view.
If you are thinking about fiber cement board vs stucco, you must not confuse yourself. A fiber cement board is a lightweight board that is made of cement, silica, and natural fibers. It is commonly used for the exterior and interiors of buildings as it is water-resistant and does not rot, warp or shrink. The best thing is that it can be coated and painted.
Advantage of Fiber Cement Siding:
- Longevity:
Fiber cement is a contemporary siding option that is manufactured scrupulously to enhance its durability and longevity. It is a very strong material that firmly resists all outside elements for a long time. It is impermeable to moisture therefore it does not rot. As a result, its strength remains unbeaten for a long time.
- Fire Resistant:
A great 90% of the composition of the fiber cement siding includes cement and sand. These elements absorb heat and prevent it from passing through. It means that your house will remain safe during an outdoor fire outbreak and will keep your home cool during the scorching summers.
- Storm Resistant:
This material is also storm-resistant; it will stand firm against all harsh weathers and storms keeping you and your home safe and sound.
- Low maintenance:
Fiber cement requires very little maintenance. It is important to clean it once or twice a year, but it does not require you to upkeep it every other month like other sidings. With low maintenance required, you can save much.
- Appearance:
Fiber Cement siding is not a great option in terms of durability and resistance to moisture and termites. It mimics the appeal of wood and provides an organic and ethereal appeal. With fiber cement siding, you cannot only secure your home but make it a head-turner in the neighborhood.
Stucco:
Stucco, another popular option of siding, is cement-based siding. Its composition includes cement, sand, water, and lime and it adds a textured finish to the walls. You can find a variety of stucco that comes in different colors and textures and two main types of stucco systems, known as the 3-coat system and the 1-coat system.
Advantages of Stucco:
- Durability:
Stucco, like fiber cement siding, is a highly valuable option that is durable and shows great character against all outside elements. It can last longer than other building materials.
- Low maintenance:
As long as the stucco is mixed and installed well, it will remain undamaged for years, with very minimal maintenance required.
- Fire and Insect Resistant:
Sand and cement, both absorb heat and fire and do not let them pass through the walls. Also, stucco barriers the termites and other insects.
- Noise Resistant:
The stucco is noise impermeable and cuts the outside noise keeping your house calm and polite.
- Gives Insulation Value:
Cement, sand, water, and lime are all dense substances. They combine to produce some heavy-duty material that gives good insulation.
Fiber Cement Siding vs Stucco Cost
While Fiber cement siding costs $5.00- $13.50 per square foot on average, the stucco costs between $6 and $9 per square foot.
Which Fiber Cement Siding Is The Best?
If you are wondering about the best fiber cement manufacturer, it is important to go through the composition and style of manufacturing of each popular brand. Go through their rates and choose one that rightly fits your needs.
Is Fiber Cement Siding Worth It?
Given the extensive benefits, fiber cement siding is absolutely worth it. It can last longer than any other material while it voids you from the stress of frequent upkeeps and maintenance.
Is Siding Better Than Stucco?
This is a question that we leave on you. Both siding and stucco options are durable, water-resistant, fire-resistant, and require low maintenance. Their costs can vary, so can their longevity. Also, they differ in terms of visual appeal. So, it now depends on what your needs are and what you want your house to look like.
And with that! Good luck with your home renovation, home remodeling, or new home construction project!
