posure to moisture. While wood or (NAPSA)—For homeowners wanting wood-based siding mayrot, curl, warp or split, fiber cement resists the harsh a fresh look, there's one project that can give their home a whole new appearance while adding value at the same time: re-siding. Re-siding is one of the most elements so you're notleft to deal with the expansion and contraction that can lead to unsightly corners and cracking, chipping paint. And it’s not just the outside of your homethat suffers from warping and splitting—this can cause important maintenance tasks Minneap- olis homeowners can take on during the spring and summer. ‘Theproject provides a chance to replace worn, damagedsiding with new siding that refreshes the exterior and improves curb appeal. Afterall, nothing decreases curb appealfaster than rotting, peeling siding. As with any home remodeling project, there are important questions to consider. In this case, homeowners often ask themselves “What's the best siding for my home?” Selecting the right siding can be a balancing act—it needsto beaffordable, yet durable andattractive. It may be second nature for homeowners to immediately turn to a wood or wood composite siding for its natural and rustic appearance, but what they may not know is that there are other options available that can still provide the aesthetic they’re looking for without the frequent maintenance cycles. The solution? Fiber cement siding. Here are five reasons why fiber cementis one of the most popular siding options among homeowners: Offers the Traditional Look of Wood Woodis popular for its natural texture andrustic aesthetic, but appearance isn't the only factor to consider when selecting siding for your home. Fiber cementgives the best of both worlds— homeowners can still achieve the authentic woodlike aesthetic, but without the frequent upkeep associated with woodor wood-basedsiding. James Hardie fiber cement siding, for instance, embodies the warmth and character of wood through various textures, shapes, sizes and colors to give homeownersthe look they want. ‘The versatility of fiber cement’s colors and textures makesit easy for homeownersto select a color andstyle that re- moisture to infiltrate, creating interior For a new homeat the old address, try re-siding. flect their personal tastes, whether they prefer a classic vintage home or a more contemporary appearance. Not only will re-siding with fiber cement boost curb appeal and improvethe overall value of the home, it will help keep the exterior looking fresh despite day-to-day exposure to weather, water, time and pests. Requires Less Maintenance If homeowners knew up front how much maintenance was involved in maintaining their wood siding year after year, they might reconsider wood in the first place. The frequent repainting of wood requires more time and money spent on upkeep. Like wood, fiber cement can be painted any color to give your homea fresh look, butfiber cement requires less maintenance. James Har- die’s ColorPlus” Technology bakes on multiple coats of color in a controlled environmentfor a strong bondthatresists fading, peeling and cracking. Its durability and staying power provide an exceptionally beautiful, authentic exteri- or with less upkeep. Resists Harsh Weather Conditions Your homewas a big investment, and one you want to protect. Unfortunately, you can’t control what type of weather comes your way, so it’s critical to make sure your home is prepared for even the harshest weather conditions. Fiber cement siding provides the durability needed to withstand inclement weather. Fiber cement and wood or woodbased siding react differently to ex- water damage. Combats Common Hazards ‘There are a lot of home maintenance issues homeowners have to worry about, but pests destroying their exterior siding shouldn't be one of them. Wood can attract problems like termites and other pests that can eventually severely damagethe lookof siding and may even call for a complete re-side. When pests find their way into a home, it may end up costing homeowners thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Fiber cement, however, naturally resists damage from pests because it’s not composed of materials appealing to termites and other bugs. Of course, termites aren’t the only thing that pose a threat to woodsiding. Woodis extremely susceptibleto fire as well. Fiber cement siding, however, is not combustible, won’t melt and resists the spread of flame, providing greater security from fire than wood andplastic-based siding products. Helps Save Money Over the Long Term ‘The potential for chipping, warping and rotting, and the frequent need to re-paint can turn wood or wood-based siding into more of a project than any homeownerhasthe time or expenses to maintain. Fiber cement’s extreme durability and lower maintenance makeit an investmentthat paysforitself over time. Withless upkeep, homeownerscan allocate that money and timeto other home updates. Learn More For more information on smart siding, visit www.jameshardie.com.
