VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The unexpected burst of activity in the residential real estate market last month is a positive sign that an increasing number of homeowners are contemplating a move in the near future. For homeowners looking to sell or buy a home, the use of fiber cement siding produced by CertainTeed or other manufacturers continues to boost curb appeal and generate a healthy return on investment.

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For the fifth consecutive year, the 2009 Cost vs. Value report conducted by Hanley Wood, LLC, ranked fiber cement siding replacement with the highest return-on-investment for projects that cost more than $1,200. Specifically, the report indicates that on a national average 83 percent of the cost to install fiber cement siding is captured or recouped when the home is sold. While fiber cement siding ranked highest, vinyl siding replacements also landed a 79 percent return-on-investment -- a clear indication that curb appeal-enhancing cladding remains top of mind with homeowners.

"The popularity of WeatherBoards(TM) FiberCement Siding from CertainTeed continues to grow based on its value, durability and aesthetic appeal," says Allison Barlaz, director of marketing for CertainTeed's FiberCement Division. "It truly is a viable, low-maintenance and environmentally friendlier alternative to wood."

WeatherBoards( )FiberCement Siding is offered in a variety of profiles with realistic textures that provide the handsome appearance of wood. It is available in six prefinished premium stains as well as 16 designer colors through the ColorMax®( )Finishing System. The siding is non-combustible, impervious to wood-boring insects, resists the damaging effects of salt spray and UV rays and is backed by a 50-year limited transferable warranty. With 50-percent recycled content, WeatherBoards siding is also a valuable asset in green building projects.

CertainTeed also offers a wide range of vinyl and polymer siding products in an industry-leading spectrum of colors, including CedarBoards(TM) Insulated Siding and Cedar Impressions® polymer siding that features the natural look of cedar shingles in a durable, easy-care design.

According to the National Association of Realtors, national home sales far exceeded projections in October, rising approximately 10 percent. With the newly established $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners -- which joins the existing $8,000 new homeowner tax credit outlined in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act -- home sales could continue to climb.

"We take great pride in the fact that we provide long-lasting siding products that help homeowners maximize their home improvement dollars," adds Barlaz.

For more information on WeatherBoards and CertainTeed's wide offering of fiber cement, vinyl and polymer shake siding products, visit www.certainteed.com. To access the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, visit remodeling.hw.net.

About CertainTeed

Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America's leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.

Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009, CertainTeed was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of more than $3 billion in 2008. www.certainteed.com

    For more information contact:
    Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed
    (610) 341-7328
    mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
    www.certainteed.com/pressroom

SOURCE CertainTeed Corporation

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