If one could safeguard their home against fire, wouldn’t it be worth the time and effort to find out what that would be? Recent stories of how Fiber Cement Siding on homes have prevented their home from igniting when exposed to near fires sound almost to good to be true, but they’re not.

This is what San Diego County fire official had to say about how James Hardie siding compared to other home exteriors during one of the biggest fires in California’s history:

“One well prepared house with hardieplank and boxed eaves that survived, and houses on either side that didn’t. That tells you something about your product. I’m surprised anything survived this inferno. We’re going to be requiring fire-resistant construction, will be listing James Hardie siding.” — Kevin Dubler, Julian Fire Chief.

This is what two homeowners with James Hardie siding on their homes had to say:

“My house is the only one left standing. Two with Hardie that had fire all around them and they’re still here.” — Homeowner

“Biggest fire in California’s history and it’s still standing, so it couldn’t have been too bad a choice.” — Homeowner

Fiber cement siding is becoming one of the most popular choices by homeowners as a beautiful alternative to natural wood, stone and vinyl siding without even realizing the very important extra amenities that, even if not for the beauty of it, would be enough to chose this alternative over anything else. Fiber cement siding has the durability of cement, a class 1A fire rating, is impervious to wood-boring insects, does not rot, and is resistant to deterioration from salt and ultraviolet rays. And the beauty of it all is that it will last for decades! In fact most companies actually warranty their product for 50+ years! THAT is impressive!

So lets compare options homeowners have to choose from in the Dallas area.

• Wood or wood type siding such as natural wood
• Masonite siding
• Vinyl siding
• Stone/Brick
• Fiber Cement Siding

Looking at the first four options, the home owner will be responsible for maintaining and up keep of all of exposed wood. On the brick and stone the fascia remains exposed and will need painting every 5 to 7 years. Vinyl sided homes are better by never having to paint again, but in Texas, vinyl siding is subject to fading and cracking under our brutal Texas heat, not to mention our heavy winds which tend to eventually leave your siding flapping in the wind. And NONE of the first four options are fire resistant.