Is Fiber Cement Siding Fire Resistant

The secret to fiber cement s durability is also what makes it fire resistant.

Is fiber cement siding fire resistant.

Fiber cement is a material made from a blend of cellulose fiber sand silica and portland cement. These characteristics include fire moisture and insect resistance. This alternative to vinyl consists of a mixture of sand cement and wood fibers. Although james hardie products are installed with nails like most masonry materials they are primarily cement with performance characteristics similar to brick stucco and stone.

Many fiber cement products carry a class a fire rating meaning that they can withstand several hours of heat before melting down. This heavy durable mixture is non porous moisture and insect resistant and flame resistant as well. 90 of the planks are made of materials that won t burn giving fiber cement siding a class 1 a fire flame spread rating the highest classification available. It does not provide a good barrier for flames.

While vinyl siding is technically non flammable it does warp and melt when close to flames. It is a composite of cement and wood fibers that is very resistant to flames. Unlike wood siding fiber cement siding doesn t burn even under extreme heat. Textured when you hear the word siding you might think most immediately about classic horizontal siding like vinyl and aluminum.

Fiber cement won t ignite from a stray spark the way that a weathered shingle will. Fiber cement siding is know to be one of the most fire resistant siding materials. It achieves a high fire resistance rating without sacrificing durability and convenience. Fiber cement siding panels can improve the overall fire resistance hardening rating of your home which is helpful for insurance purposes in western locations like california.

Fiber cement siding will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame and will prevent the spread of fire into the building giving the fire department more time to reach your home. Many cities include fiber cement in their masonry definitions for these very reasons. Of course wood siding is rather vulnerable to fire due to its nature and building material. Fiber cement can withstand high heat from fires.

Additional benefits of fiber cement siding high fire resistance isn t the only thing that makes fiber cement siding ideal for homes. The durable nature of james hardie fiber cement siding makes it the number one siding choice in america. An alternative to vinyl siding fiber cement a mixture of cement sand and wood fibers manages to achieve very high fire resistance without sacrificing convenience and durability. Fiber cement siding is fire resistant without the use of toxic fire retardants making it a great choice for those seeking fire and environmental safety.