Fiber cement siding is made by combining Portland cement with a material such as sand, fly ash, or wood pulp. This makes it nearly as durable as concrete. At the same time, however, it can be made to mimic the look of wood, brick, or stone. By combining extreme strength with an attractive appearance, it is the ideal type of siding for any home.
The Top Reasons To Choose Fiber Cement Siding
It has been more than two decades since fiber cement siding first made its appearance as a building material. During that time, its popularity has continued to grow, largely due to the benefits that it has to offer. Here are some of the reasons why it is a great choice for your home:
Available In Many Different Styles And Textures
One of the primary benefits of fiber cement siding is that it can be made to look like a variety of different materials ranging from wood and stone to brick, clapboard siding, or shingles according to JD Hostetter & Associates. This makes it easy to customize the look of your siding to fit your personal preferences and with the overall architectural style of your home.
Extremely Strong And Durable
Fiber cement siding does a great job of standing up to the elements, largely due to the fact that it is less likely to experience problems with moisture than other types of siding. This is due to the way that it is cured. Its superior moisture resistance makes problems like cracks far less likely to occur.
It also is resistant to problems that are commonly experienced by other types of siding such as rotting, fire damage, and termite damage. It is appropriate for most environmental conditions and can be installed in areas where temperatures get extremely cold during the winter or where wind speeds are exceptionally high.
Easy To Maintain
In terms of maintenance, fiber cement requires far less upkeep than most other types of siding. For instance, unlike siding that is made from wood, you don’t have to worry about having to replace boards that have been damaged by the weather.
Affordable To Install
Although the overall cost of installing fiber cement siding is relatively affordable, it isn’t quite as low as some other types of siding suggest JD Hostetter& Associates. Keep in mind, however, that maintenance and replacement costs are far lower with this type of siding, meaning that the overall cost of the siding will generally be lower over time. As an added bonus, many types of fiber cement siding come with exceptionally long warranties.
Maintenance And Upkeep
Like other types of siding, it is important to care for fiber cement siding properly. The better job you do of following the instructions provided by the manufacturer, the less likely you are to run into trouble or to inadvertently void the warranty. The tips below are general guidelines that you can use when caring for your siding to help it last as long as possible.
A Guide To Maintaining Fiber Cement Siding
As a general rule of thumb, fiber cement siding doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. There are, however, some simple steps that you can take to help it last longer.
Regularly clean your gutters. If your gutters become clogged with debris, it can cause water to run down the sides of your house. This, in turn, can cause damage to your siding. By ensuring that your gutters are draining correctly, you can eliminate this potential problem.
Regularly check your siding, using caulk to seal any areas where moisture could get inside. This will help prevent moisture from getting between the wall and the siding, minimizing the risk of any damage occurring.
Don’t allow vegetation to come in contact with the side of your home. If you have shrubs or trees growing too close to your home, it may prevent the siding from fully drying out after periods of wet weather. Unfortunately, any excess moisture left on the surface can lead to the growth of mold, causing unsightly discoloration that can be difficult to remove. The best way to prevent this problem is by regularly pruning any vegetation that is planted close to your home.
Keep your drainage downspouts in good shape. Check them periodically for clogs and make sure that the water is being directed as far away as possible from your home.
How To Clean Fiber Cement Siding
If your siding gets dirty, it is extremely easy to clean. All you have to do is use a soft scrub brush and a standard garden hose with a spray nozzle. Gently scrub away any stains, rinsing the surface with water when you are done. This will help minimize the risk of mildew or mold forming on the surface of your siding.
Pressure washing typically isn’t recommended for fiber cement siding. In fact, if you pressure wash your siding, it could wind up voiding the warranty. Check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your siding to make sure that you are cleaning it properly.
Making Repairs And Applying Paint
If you want, you can purchase fiber cement siding that is already painted or primed. Otherwise, you can apply your own paint. Remember, however – you will need to check the warranty for both types of siding to make sure that it provides you with the coverage that you need.
For instance, most fiber cement siding that comes pre-painted has a warranty of approximately 15 years. Fiber cement siding that just comes with primer, on the other hand, may have a shorter warranty. If you choose siding that is already painted, be sure to find out what steps to take if it needs to be touched up in the future. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with this information.
If the siding becomes damaged, you can usually repair it using a patching product that is specifically designed for fiber cement siding. Again, the company that you purchase your siding from should be able to provide you with information on how to repair it if it is damaged.
What it really boils down to is that fiber cement siding is a fantastic choice. Not only is it attractive to look at but it comes in many different styles, allowing you to customize the look of your home. Thanks to its extreme durability, it can withstand whatever Mother Nature decides to throw its way. As an added bonus, it also requires very little in terms of upkeep and maintenance.
