If you want to ensure your property stays attractive for years to come, you should pay close attention to the siding of your home. If the exterior of your home is mainly comprised of fiber cement siding, it’s likely to last longer with proper care and routine maintenance.
Although durable, fiber cement siding will require touch-ups—ideally every 15 years. Due to this, you need to repaint the siding a few times throughout its lifetime. With proper preparation and paint application, fiber cement siding can boost your home’s value and curb appeal. If you’re getting an exterior painting job soon, you may consider hiring a professional to ensure the best results.
If you’re planning to give your home’s fiber cement siding a facelift, here are several considerations you need to know.
Preparing The Fiber Cement Siding
Years of exposure to outside elements will leave the siding with a buildup of dirt and debris. Similar to any surface, make sure you clean the fiber cement siding before a paint job. Use a regular hose to wash down the siding.
If you have a few stubborn spots, such as mildew, use a specific cleaning product to ensure proper removal. Make sure to rinse the site to eliminate any leftover product thoroughly. You can use a brush with soft bristles to remove any debris or dirt on the surface.
During the cleaning task, it’s best to start from the top and steadily move down. This approach will ensure that you thoroughly clean one area and move on to the next.
Types Of Fiber Cement Siding
Today, fiber cement siding is available pre-painted and primed. You no longer need to hassle yourself with priming and painting after installation.
However, if you want a distinct color, you can customize a primed option to create a look that complements your home. As for pre-painted sidings, the color is incorporated into the material during manufacturing, ensuring that the color lasts for a long time.
As for unpainted fiber cement siding, it requires a painting job right after installation. You must also paint any trim or fascia to ensure a coordinated look.
Condition Of The Caulk
The existing caulk or sealant requires inspection, especially in areas where the siding and trim connect since they need to be sealed to prevent the entry of moisture. Scrape and remove any deteriorating caulk and replace it with fresh caulk, ideally with a material you can paint on. Make sure to apply the caulk between transitions from one material to another.
It’s best to use a product suitable for both fiber cement siding and the trimming of your home. Using the incorrect one will likely loosen early, allowing moisture to seep between the gaps.
The suitable choice is a caulking material that maintains a good level of flexibility after it cures so that it can readily expand and contract as the weather changes.
Compatible Paint For Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement sidings have pores that allow them to absorb paint readily, unlike traditional cement. However, it requires preparation and knowledge to get the job done with the best results.
When painting on fiber cement siding, you need acrylic paint. If you’re doing this yourself, you should apply two coatings of paint, starting from the top and moving down, following the grain of the surface.
Once the sidings are clean, allow the surface to dry fully before applying a primer, ideally for cement if the siding is unprimed. Once the primer dries up, paint the surface using a brush or roller. Make sure to let the coating dry for a few hours and repeat the next coating until you reach the desired color and thickness. After allowing the paint to dry for two or three days, apply a sealant.
Cost Of A Painting Job
If you lack time to handle the paint job yourself, you can always hire a professional to do the work. The cost will depend on the square foot and vary on the overall area of your property. Aside from these elements, the price of painting the fiber cement siding will vary depending on the type of paint, size of the area, and general cost of labor in your area.
Final Thoughts
Routine maintenance of the fiber cement siding of your home is crucial in boosting value and curb appeal. Considering these valuable pointers will ensure a head start if you’re planning to give your home’s fiber cement siding a fresh look and ready to face the elements in the coming years. Well-maintained siding will improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your home for years to come.
