Fiber cement siding in Chesapeake

Fiber cement planks and panels look like painted wood lap, shingle or board-and-batten. Products sold under names such as James Hardie are fiber cement; the name describes the material, and this site has no link with any maker.

It does not burn, does not soften in heat and gives mildew and insects little to feed on. It comes primed or with a factory finish, and needs painting over the years like any painted wall. It is heavy and brittle until fastened, so it takes more labour to install than vinyl.

Cutting it makes fine silica dust, so installers cut outdoors with dust-collecting saws or shears. Joints, ends and trim are flashed or caulked as the maker specifies, and boards keep a gap above roofs, decks and the ground.