How Nichiha Products Enhance Building Resiliency
Download our informative white paper to learn how you can enhance your next project through the use of Nichiha cladding products.
In today’s market, homeowners should preemptively protect their homes from damage in any way they can. With rising costs and ongoing supply chain shortages, it’s more important than ever that homes are built to last. Fire-resistant house siding is one way to boost the exterior and increase safety at the same time.
Homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to fire-resistant house siding. Different materials offer varying levels of protection and design potential, and fiber cement consistently ranks as the top choice for dependable, fire-resistant siding with an abundance of attractive styles to choose from.
When it’s so easy to get durable, attractive siding that’s also fire-resistant, why would you go for anything less? Take a look at some of the fire-resistant siding options available and find the best choice for your home.
How Nichiha Products Enhance Building Resiliency
Download our informative white paper to learn how you can enhance your next project through the use of Nichiha cladding products.
Wildfires get a lot of news coverage — and rightly so, as they continue to pose an ongoing threat to communities throughout the west and southwest. But the truth is, homeowners everywhere should have home fire safety at the top of mind.
According to a 5-year study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, fires cause about $7.3 billion in direct property damage each year, as well as thousands of injuries and deaths. While wildfires are one source of concern, accidents make up for a significant amount of fire damage as well, with cooking mishaps, smoking, faulty electrical wiring and other activities sparking fires and leading to devastating damage.
Having an extra layer of protection with fire-resistant siding is a smart idea — whether your home is located in an area that’s prone to wildfires or not.
As the name implies, fire-resistant siding is basically a siding product that has some level of fire resistance built into it. However, the name ‘fire-resistant’ can be misleading because not all materials perform to the same standards. For example, a natural wood panel can be treated with a fire-resistant coating to make it less flammable, but the panel itself won’t be nearly as fire-resistant as other options, like metal or fiber cement.
When comparing fire-resistant siding options, consider the combustibility of the core material as well as its fire resistance rating, which can indicate how quickly a material is likely to catch fire and spread.
Each fire-resistant house siding material offers a different degree of protection. Here are the big takeaways in terms of fire resistance for each type of siding:
Because of its plastic composition, vinyl is fairly flammable and can melt when exposed to open flames. It is generally not recommended for homeowners looking for a durable, fire-resistant siding option.
Aluminum is a decently fire-resistant siding material that offers good protection at the surface level. The risk with aluminum siding, however, is that it can buckle with high heat, thereby exposing more flammable materials like wood framing and insulation to fire.
Wood is a naturally flammable material. It can, however, be specially treated to gain some level of fire resistance. Even with fire-retardant coatings applied, wood is generally not recommended for homes located in wildfire-prone areas.
Brick is a good fire-resistant siding option with a classic look. Two of the biggest downsides of using brick are the limited styles available and the expensive installation and maintenance costs required to keep up its appearance.
Fiber cement is a low-maintenance material that typically comes with a Class A Fire Rating, the highest rating available. A durable choice for fire-resistant house siding, fiber cement offers many different styles, textures and colors for homeowners to consider.
Of all the fire-resistant house siding options out there, fiber cement tends to offer the best protection, value and diverse assortment of styles to choose from. Fire-resistant fiber cement siding can be made to mimic the look of concrete, wood, brick and more — so there’s no need to compromise when it comes to aesthetic potential and fire safety.
Beautify your home and get the peace of mind afforded by fire-resistant siding by seeing what Nichiha has to offer today.