Fiber cement siding specialist Nichiha USA plans mid-year rollout of RoughSawn panels, first shown in May at the 2015 American Institute of Architects convention in Atlanta. Part of the company’s Wood Series line, the cladding’s rough-around-the-edges texture and earthy, weathered colors emulate the look and feel of aged barn wood. The effect is conducive to achieving a vintage or rustic look for commercial and residential projects, product developers note, while maintaining modern performance and durability.
“Reclaimed wood is one of the industry’s hottest design trends, and our new RoughSawn line delivers that rugged look without the associated hassles or cost,” contends Nichiha Vice President of Sales & Marketing Michael Cobb. “Along with handsome appearance, the panels offer the high-performance benefits of our Architectural Wall Panels, including a built-in rainscreen.”
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| RoughSawn fiber cement siding joins the producer’s Wood Series offerings. |
RoughSawn is produced in three rustic colors—Tobacco, Smoke, and Espresso; 18-in. x 10-ft. panels, 5/8-in. thick, net coverage of 15 square feet. The new product’s weathered look stands in sharp contrast to Nichiha’s existing Wood Series offering, VintageWood, which has a more refined appearance suitable for modern and retro exteriors alike. Both utilize the Ultimate Clip system, affording a 10-mm drained and back-ventilated rainscreen to allow moisture to drain away and the envelope to dry. — Nichiha USA Inc., Johns Creek, Ga., www.nichiha.com
REPORT TRACKS MODERATE GROWTH IN FIBER CEMENT PRODUCT DEMAND
Global fiber cement product shipments are projected to expand 4.4 percent per year through 2019, to 32.6 million metric tons, driven especially by demand in North America and deeper penetration in building applications, according to World Fiber Cement, a new study from Cleveland market researcher Freedonia Group. It projects strongest growth in the exterior molding and trim segment, coupled with continued gains in siding.
Between 2004 and 2014, Freedonia researchers estimate, fiber cement siding nearly doubled its market share in the U.S., which accounts for about one third of overall product shipments world wide. Accelerating building activity, particularly in the U.S., will drive gains in North America, the most rapid growth market for fiber cement products. Mexico is also projected to post solid fiber cement product demand, as building construction rebounds from losses between 2009 and 2014. The study finds a 5.1 percent annual growth rate in North America during that window, and projects fiber cement product shipments in the region climbing from 3.8 million metric tons in 2014 to 5.2 million metric tons in 2019. Additional information on World Fiber Cement can be obtained from Freedonia’s Corrine Gangloff, 440/684-9600; www.freedoniagroup.com.