Posted by Peter Martino on Thu, Nov 05, 2009 @ 03:10 PM
As houses continue to be built closer together, this question is becoming more and more important. James Hardie Fiber Cement siding is in fact flame proof. With enough heat, anything can be damaged, but fiber cement will not carry a flame or ignite in contact with fire. Many insurance companies give reductions on home owners insurance for this type of siding. Fiber Cement is fairly new to New England, but we've been installing it for about 10 years. Fire resistance is just one of the many benefits of Hardiplank. It looks just like wood, but with much less maintenance required. Check out this video from James Hardie which compares which is more fire resistant: Cedar, Fiber Cement, or Vinyl.
Posted by Peter Martino on Fri, Jan 30, 2009 @ 07:09 PM
For years real estate agents and property professionals have been telling sellers to put more money into their kitchens and baths because it would give them the biggest return on their investment. It may have been true in the past but what does today's data tell us? There is a chance you may not have even heard of this product yet thousands of your neighbors in New England are benefiting from it.
According to Realtor.org/Realtor Magazine, in 2008 Major Kitchen remodels did make the top ten list on their annual Cost vs. Value report but the number one improvement you can make to your house and receive the biggest return on your investment is upscale fiber cement siding. Homeowners nationally received a return of almost 87% on every dollar spent. This does not include the aesthetic value, and immeasurable value of having a low-maintenance exterior. You may be asking yourself, "What is Fiber Cement Siding?" Don't be embarrassed. If you are living in New England, you have not been exposed to this product as frequently as the rest of the nation. However, thousands of your neighbors locally are replacing their failing vinyl, aluminum and wood siding with fiber cement siding. The two most known manufacturers are James Hardie® and Certainteed® Weatherboards®.
Homeowners simply love this product! Here are just a few of the benefits of fiber cement siding when installed properly by a professionally trained and certified contractor:
- It does not rot
- The coating will not peel
- Termites cannot eat through it
- Woodpeckers won't peck at it
- You receive a 50-year product warranty
- It is an environmentally friendly green product made partially with recycled materials
With today's financial uncertainty, the best thing homeowners can do is make sure their homes are well kept and updated. Fiber cement siding replacement is a great way to improve the value of your house whether you are planning on selling or if you plan on holding on to the property for the next 30 years.