The Non-combustible Nature of Fiber Cement Siding
The tragic loss of a home due to wildfires can be devastating. When possessions, keepsakes, and the home in which memories were made goes up in flames—it’s time to rebuild. There is hope and healing ahead as a new home is constructed and lives are restored.
When rebuilding after the loss of a home by fire, careful attention is given to the materials in which one builds. Thankfully, there are a variety of choices when it comes to siding, and one, in particular, stands out for its fire resistance: James Hardie fiber cement siding.
To protect your home and belongings, install fire-resistant fiber cement siding on your home with Approved Contractor. This non-combustible siding product makes your home less likely to sustain damage or ignite in the event of sparks or blowing embers.
Fiber Cement’s Makeup
Fiber cement siding is made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This durable combination withstands weather elements, abrupt change in temperature, seasonal changes, high winds, airborne debris, pests, and woodpecker damage. And it’s noncombustible.
Homeowners who choose fire resistant siding rest at ease knowing they’ve gone the extra mile in safeguarding their family and home.
America’s Preferred Brand of Fiber Cement Siding
James Hardie fiber cement siding covers over 8,000,000 homes in the United States, making it the most popular siding brand in our nation. Its Class A fire-rated siding means it withstands hours of heat without melting. It also slows fires from spreading into homes and damaging property, giving the fire department more time to arrive on the scene if there’s an emergency.
The Longevity, Durability, and Fire Resistance of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
The durable nature of James Hardie fiber cement siding makes it the number one siding choice in America. Although no siding can protect a home from total loss, James Hardie siding offers more fire resistance than other siding materials, giving you peace of mind about your home’s exterior.
Wood siding can burn if it comes into contact with sparks or embers. If a wildfire or nearby house fire occurs, a home covered with wood siding has the potential to ignite and burn. It’s a combustible material and offers you very little protection in case of a fire. And vinyl siding can burn at even lower temperatures than wood. Vinyl can actually melt when exposed to a heat source up to 40 feet away!
Vinyl siding isn’t recommended for fire resistance. It’s made of manufactured plastic and melts quickly when exposed to the high heat of a wildfire. When vinyl siding melts, internal walls and studs are exposed, and flames can spread quickly into your home, causing damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) doesn’t recommend installing vinyl siding on a home that is located in a high fire risk area.
Although vinyl siding is cost-effective, and therefore desirable for rental properties and first-time homebuyers, it’s not recommended if fire safety is your priority. When comparing James Hardie siding to vinyl siding, the best choice is clear.
In case of a fire, it’s important to know the walls of your home will protect you while you seek safety. Fire is fueled by wood siding, and it melts vinyl siding almost immediately. James Hardie fiber cement siding doesn’t ignite when it is exposed to a direct flame, and it won’t contribute to fueling a fire. Insurance companies often offer discounts for homes sided with James Hardie noncombustible siding and trim products. Talk with your insurance company, and ask about the possibility of a discount due to your durable fiber cement siding.
With wildfires on the rise, and drought-like conditions enduring longer than average in California, there are more fire outbreaks. Deforestation also contributes to the increase in wildfires, so it’s wise to invest in a fire-resistant siding product for your existing home or new home construction that is environmentlly friendly like James Hardie.
To see how James Hardie fiber cement siding protected this family’s home, check out this video:
Additional Benefits of James Hardie Siding
Besides being exceptionally fire-resistant, James Hardie has a host of other benefits:
- Customizable
- Low Maintenance
- 30-Year Warranty
- Pest Resistant
- Woodpecker Resistant
Fire-Resistant James Hardie Siding: Perfect for Your Southern California Home
Get James Hardie fiber cement siding and enjoy fire resistance without sacrificing beauty, style, and durability. It’s available in a variety of styles including the popular board-and-batten look for homeowners who love rustic chic Farmhouse design. James Hardie comes in both vertical and horizontal panels and can be the perfect complement to your California home. It looks fabulous on Cape Cod, Craftsman, Beach Houses, Mediterranean, and Contemporary homes.
Don’t risk the possibility of major fire damage. Get fire-resistant fiber cement siding for your home. Learn more about how James Hardie fiber cement siding could be the right siding for your home.
