With the global economy and population on the rise, demand for housing is at an all-time peak. But with this increased need for housing, the question of quality and practicality comes into play. Constructing houses or establishments is never a walk in the park. You must strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Modern buildings rely on a mix of visual appeal, functionality, and durability, and this is what the market wants right now. Fortunately for us, better materials are already available, like fiber cement panels, for example.
High-density fiber cement panels are becoming a favorite of many construction firms. Because of their simple but strong build quality, they are being integrated into various establishments, both residential and commercial for their sleek design. However, are they as good as they say? Compared to traditional construction materials, these panels have only been introduced recently, and their reliability might be put to question. But to put those concerns to rest, let’s look at how these panels fare in real life.
Fiber Cement Panels
- Resistance: these panels are tough; they can take a beating from any type of impact, whether from blunt impact to superstorm-type winds, making them ideal for outdoor use. They are also resistant to heat and fire since they are non-combustible, making them compliant with local safety and fire codes.
- Longevity: probably their best asset is their durable build that is seen to almost last a lifetime. They are impervious to rot, insects, fungi, and pretty much anything, and if you’re careful and maintain them well, then they can last almost half a century.
- Cost-Efficient: they are a little pricey compared to other materials, but because of their strength and long life, the cost to maintain and replace them is significantly lessened, making them cheaper if you look at it in the long run.
Traditional Building Materials
- Resistance: this all comes down to what type of material. Wood might be visually appealing, but it does not do a good job on impact damage, moisture, and insects. However, it can be great for taking that perfect social media shot for your home pictorial. While vinyl is stronger, it becomes very brittle in extreme temperatures. Brick, on the other hand, is durable but pricy and does not offer too much visual appeal.
- Longevity: bricks can exceed even a century with minimal maintenance, but then again, you have a price to pay. Vinyl has this aspect too, but is prone to fading and, with little care, can begin to crack, while wood has the least longevity of all and requires the most maintenance to even last long.
- Cost-Efficient: these materials are more costly: wood for its aesthetics and durability, brick for its strength and manpower to install, while vinyl is the cheapest. This doesn’t even cover the maintenance and care that will go to these materials over time, and the possibility of replacing them (especially wood) is a serious thing to consider.
