Jim Burton Architects Silbonit (or SIL-LEED) is superior to Hardi-panel. It's a denser product, so cut edges are cleaner. Also it has integral color, so doesn't need to be painted (and re-painted over time). For this project this was desirable, since we had an open gap rain-screen with exposed stainless steel screws, that won't ever have to be painted over.

Studio DEC I recently checked pricing and Silbonit is ~$6.50/sf, which includes the stainless steel fasteners. Hardie panel sheet is about $1.10/sf here in Seattle, but the Silbonit does not need to be painted as Jim pointed out, so that is a cost savings. It is harder on drill bits and saw blades though, so labor to install it is more than Hardie. And it is recommended for use on an open joint rainscreen, whereas Hardie is not (but often used anyhow).

Jim Burton Architects Hi - It's a European cement-board panel product called Cembonit. It has integral color, meaning it doesn't need painting like Hardi-panel. A similar product called Silbonit has the same properties, and is made in the U.S. They are more expensive than typical cement-board products, but can pay for themselves over time by not having to be re-painted every few years.

Alexander Barinov Thank`s!