From the WSJ Real Estate Archives

Fiber-Cement Siding
That Resists Hail and Rot

by Sheree R. Curry
From The Wall Street Journal Online
February 10, 2006

Fiber cement, which resists hail and doesn't rot or crack, is the fastest-growing siding product, with a 12% market share, up from 4% in 1998. Vinyl is static at 42% and aluminum is down. Here are homes with fiber-cement siding.

  • Sun Prairie, Wis.
  • Central Point, Ore.
  • Medina, Minn.

PLACE/PRICE: Sun Prairie, Wis./ $317,900

PROPERTY TAX*: $3,598 per year

THE PROPERTY: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths built in 2005

DESCRIPTION: This 2,323-square-foot, single-family style condo with steel construction has two master suites and a three-car garage. It has a gas fireplace in the living room and a covered back porch..

NOTABLE: The planks and brick accent on this home are fiber cement. While most fiber-cement products emulate wood, Atlanta-based Nichiha has some that look like brick and stone, never need painting and cost less than real brick to cover a home.

Note: *Taxes are estimates

Sources: nahb.org, nichiha.com, libertysquarelifestyles.com, certainteed.com, heckerholmers.com, legranhomes.com, jameshardie.com

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