Concrete is a heavy ridged material with relatively low tensile strength. Over the last century, builders have lightened and strengthen concrete by adding steel and fiber to support it. Historically, there have been three versions of fiber cement siding.

History of Cement Siding

In 1901 an Austrian, Ludwig Hatschek patented “Eternit”. This concrete fabrication material, reinforced with asbestos fiber, later called “fibro”, continued to be manufactured until the dangers of asbestos became widely known in the 1980s.
The potential for using glass fiber to reinforce concrete was first recognized by the Soviet Union in the 1940s. Fiber glass reinforced concrete panels (which became known as GFRC or GRC) are lighter and stronger than pure concrete materials and are still commonly used. Recently, environmental concerns have arisen about the use of glass fibers in the concrete panel material. Cutting the fiberglass reinforced material exposes workers to silica dust which accumulates in the lungs and may cause silicosis.

What’s New in Fiber Cement Siding

The newly developed environmentally safe alternative is to use cellulose fiber to reinforce the concrete in siding materials.
The siding panels made of fiber cement are:

• very durable,
• resistant to deterioration from rot, termites, and weathering,
• good insulators compared to other concrete composites,
• made from cement, sand and fibers from unused scrap wood and recycled materials,
• do not raise environmental concerns,
• will not melt, release any toxic fumes or harmful dust when cut,
• extremely fire resistant.

The current market leader in fiber cement siding, is James Hardie. James Hardie has invested millions in the research and development into safer, more environmentally friendly and effective fiber cement siding products.

Practical Use

Fiber cement siding is relatively difficult to install, but the siding will last a century with little maintenance. Many manufacturers guarantee the siding for 50 years or more.
The look fiber cement siding gives your home or building conveys a sense of permanence that no vinyl or aluminum siding can match. Often fiber cement can not be distinguished from wood siding in appearance.
It is much superior to wood siding in terms of performance.
Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of colors and textures.
Tulsa Renew loves fiber reinforced cement siding. Please contact us to discuss your siding needs and to get a free exterior remodeling quote.