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Fiber cement is a composite material made of Sand , Cement and Cellulose fibers. In appearance, fiber cement siding most often consists of overlapping horizontal boards, imitating wooden Clapboard ; other formats include imitation Shingle as well as sidewall panels and Soffit . Installation of fiber cement siding is not unlike that of other clapboard materials: the sheets or boards are cut to fit and then nailed in place. Cutting fiber cement siding usually requires mechanized metal shears—the boards are too tough to cut using hand shears, and the cement material will dull most saw blades. While it is very durable once installed, fiber cement siding is fairly delicate before; it is prone to chipping and breakage if improperly handled. Additionally, some caution must be exercised to properly ventilate areas where fiber cement siding is being cut; long-term exposure to the silica dust generated during the installation process can cause Silicosis . Before or after installation, fiber cement siding must be painted (for areas of exposure, weatherproof paint must be used). Competitors to fiber cement siding as imitation clapboard include Vinyl , wood and (uncommonly nowadays) Aluminum siding. Unlike fiber cement siding, vinyl siding does not need to be painted (although pre-painted fiber cement siding is now available). Additionally, vinyl has a lower material cost and is easier to transport due to its lighter weight and its pliability. Vinyl siding, however, is more susceptible to fire damage (or melting under extreme temperatures) than fiber cement siding, and vinyl can become brittle in cold weather or from long-term solar exposure. In contrast to wooden siding, fiber cement is not susceptible to Termites or Rot . Major manufacturers of fiber cement siding include Cemplank, CertainTeed, James Hardie (Hardiplank, Hardipanel), Maxitile, and Nichiha. SEE ALSO
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