Fiber-cement Siding
Fiber-cement Siding | Siding Solutions | Roofing | Manchester
Transform your Manchester property with HEP’s premium fiber-cement siding, a smart blend of timeless style and rugged performance. Built to shrug off the Northwest’s rain, wind, and temperature swings, our panels resist warping, cracking, and pests while capturing the look of freshly painted wood. From heritage terraces in Didsbury to modern builds in Ancoats, homeowners rely on our expertise, fast installation, and 30-year warranty to safeguard kerb appeal and long-term value.
Whether you’re refreshing a single façade or coordinating a full roof-and-wall makeover, we tailor siding solutions that fit your budget, colour palette, and energy-efficiency goals. Discover how HEP’s craftsmen, local supply chain, and meticulous cleanup make upgrading your exterior as effortless as it is rewarding—so you can spend less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying the city you love.
FAQs
What is fiber-cement siding and why is it a smart choice for Manchester homes?
Fiber-cement siding is a composite cladding made of Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibres and proprietary additives. The blend is autoclaved to create boards and panels that look like timber or stucco but outperform most traditional materials. For homeowners in Manchester it offers: • Exceptional durability against driving rain, sleet and high winds common in the North West. • Class A fire resistance—unlike vinyl or wood, it will not ignite or fuel a blaze. • Resistance to rot, insects and UV fade, so it retains its appearance without frequent repainting. • A wide range of textures, colours and trim profiles, allowing period properties and modern builds alike to maintain their character while boosting energy efficiency.
How well does fiber-cement siding stand up to Greater Manchester’s weather?
The product is engineered for harsh climates. Once installed and properly sealed, fiber-cement siding: • Withstands wind loads up to 150 mph, ideal for exposed hilltop or coastal properties. • Is unaffected by freeze-thaw cycles; moisture can’t penetrate the dense matrix, so boards won’t warp or crack in winter. • Has a baked-on, multi-coat finish that resists acid rain and airborne pollution often found in urban areas. • Carries manufacturer warranties of 30–50 years on the substrate and 15 years on factory paint, giving long-term peace of mind.
What design options, colours and profiles are available through your Manchester siding service?
We supply the full James Hardie and Marley Eternit UK ranges plus colour-matched trims and soffits: • Lap boards (shiplap or bevel), vertical panels, board-and-batten, smooth or cedar-grain textures. • Over 20 ColourPlus® factory finishes—greys, heritage creams, contemporary charcoals and bold accent hues—plus primed boards ready for bespoke on-site painting. • Corner posts, window surrounds and fascia boards for a seamless look. Our in-house design team can produce 3-D renderings so you can visualise different palettes before committing.
How long does installation take and what is your typical process?
A standard three-bed semi in Manchester usually takes 4–6 working days from scaffold erection to final clean-down. The workflow is: 1. Survey & moisture check of existing substrate. 2. Removal of old cladding if present; any damaged sheathing is replaced. 3. Fit breathable weather-resistive barrier and optional rigid insulation to meet Part L thermal targets. 4. Install starter strips, corner trims and aluminium flashings. 5. Nail or screw fiber-cement boards per manufacturer spacing, maintaining expansion joints. 6. Seal penetrations, touch-up paint and perform quality inspection. Our crews are HardiePlank® Elite accredited and we handle skip hire, permits and daily site tidying.
What maintenance does fiber-cement siding require once installed?
Very little compared with timber. Simply: • Rinse annually with a garden hose to remove dust and algae. • Inspect caulked joints every 3–5 years and reseal any gaps. • Repaint only after 12–15 years if using ColourPlus®; self-painted boards may need a top-coat after 8–10 years depending on exposure. No sanding, staining, or insecticide treatments are necessary, making it ideal for busy households.
How does the cost compare to uPVC cladding or timber, and are there long-term savings?
Installed costs in Manchester average £70–£85 per m² for fiber-cement, versus £50–£60 for uPVC and £65–£90 for treated cedar. While the upfront price is slightly higher than plastic, long-term value is superior: • Lower maintenance and repaint cycles cut upkeep costs by roughly 35 % over 20 years. • Better thermal performance when combined with new insulation can improve EPC ratings and reduce heating bills by 5–10 %. • High curb appeal and long warranty can add 1–3 % to resale value, recovering much of the initial outlay. Finance options and local Green Home Grant advice are available through our sales team.