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Fiber-Cement Siding

What It Is and Who Makes It

By Lee Wallender, About.com

Fiber-cement siding is a mixture of sand, cement, and celluose (added to prevent cracking). This slurry is auto-claved, imprinted with designs, and baked. It comes out as thin, hardened shingles of various sizes.

Fiber-Cement is More Than Just HardiPlank

HardiPlank is the tradename of the most popular type of fiber-cement siding. Over 100 years ago, James Hardie emigrated from Scotland to Australia, and with a partner, Andrew Reid, formed the James Hardie Company. Hardie retired and sold off his end to Reid, but the James Hardie name continued.

That said, today there are many other fiber-cement manufacturers besides James Hardie: Cemplank, Certainteed, GAF Materials, MaxiTile, Nichiha, and more.

But do you want fiber-cement siding on your house? Consider the pros and cons.

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