Fiber cement is a composite of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers pressed into boards, panels, or shingles that mimic wood or smooth profiles. It is the leading Utah choice for four reasons specific to our conditions: fire resistance (Class 1/A — WUI compliant across the Wasatch Front foothills); hail resistance (absorbs impact without cracking, unlike vinyl); UV stability (ColorPlus factory finish outperforms field paint at Utah’s altitude); and moisture resistance (doesn’t absorb moisture when the painted surface is maintained). James Hardie’s ColorPlus factory finish specifically uses UV-stabilized coatings that far outlast typical field-applied paints in high-altitude applications.