Fibre Cement Cladding and sheets for exterior

Hi All,

I am getting my first home built which is a double storey. Very excited about the plan, location and the layout but I am bit not comfortable with the my house not having exterior brick walls. Though it has break walls on the side of the house and bit of front and rest has fibre cement sheeting at the back and the cladding in front. I cannot contemplate having sheets replacing brick walls.

I would appreciate if someone can shed some light on it.
1. Is fibre Cement sheets strong to with stand the climatic condition?
2. Is it high maintenance?
3. how does at against brick walls?
4. I have read in forums it is prone to leaks.. is that the case?
5. I was doing bit of reading and the sheets are just 6 mm in thickness? even though of it scary!

Thanks in advance.