Why Choose Cement Siding For Your Home?

The exterior of your home takes a beating from wind, rain, snow, and sun. It also faces attacks from a host of critters, including woodpeckers and wasps, termites, and rodents.

Cement siding, also known as fiber cement, can provide enhanced protection. But is it right for your home? Click https://sidingrepaircharleston.com/ to learn more about the pros and cons of this heavy-duty material.

Fiber cement siding is popular for modern homes because it holds paint well and can be textured to look like wood or brick. It’s also fire and bug-resistant, impervious to moisture, and dimensionally stable. It’s also incredibly durable and will last much longer than traditional vinyl or wood. It’s worth noting, however, that this material will degrade over time. While it will eventually lose its shape and sturdiness, it will do so at a significantly slower rate than other siding selections.

Fiber cement is typically less expensive than brick, synthetic stucco, and some wood siding options. Its durability makes it a smart investment for homeowners. In addition, it’s a good choice for those who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes. While wood and vinyl can warp and mold, fiber cement will withstand the powerful winds and intense rain that hurricanes produce. It can even withstand hail.

This type of siding is also one of the safest choices for homeowners who live in arid areas. While it looks similar to wood, it’s not flammable, and many insurance companies offer a discount on fire-related damage for homes that have this kind of siding.

It’s also an eco-friendly option for homeowners, as it doesn’t require cutting down trees to make. Unlike wood, it’s also not as prone to mold and rot, and its moisture resistance will keep it looking new for years.

While the composition of fiber cement siding will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, most products include Portland cement (limestone, clay, and iron), sand or fly ash, and cellulose fibers. Some manufacturers also add proprietary additives for binding and strength.

Fiber cement siding can be purchased in long planks, 4-foot by 8-foot panels, and shingle form. It’s also available in a wide range of colors that have been baked into the product, so the homeowner doesn’t need to paint it. When it is painted, a latex caulking should be used around the joints and corners, and the bare surface should be primed before painting. This is to help the paint adhere and prevent rusting or peeling.

Durability

Most manufacturers tout fiber cement siding as a low-maintenance product, and in most cases they’re right. This is a strong material that can stand up to the elements with relative ease and resist damage from insects, rot, and fire. The cement mixed into the boards helps it withstand hurricane winds, hailstorms, and other extreme weather events. It’s also non-combustible, so it doesn’t contribute to a house fire like wood or vinyl does. In arid locales, it’s unaffected by the intense UV rays that cause other materials to fade and crack. In fact, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners whose houses have this type of siding.

The composition of this material varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it typically includes Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Its strength comes from a special curing process that leaves it with very little moisture content. This makes it less prone to warping and cracking, and manufacturers usually offer 30- to 50-year warranties on the material. In addition, the material is inedible to termites, carpenter ants, and other pests. The insulating properties of this material help to reduce energy costs as well.

Despite its durability, it is important to understand the maintenance involved with this type of siding. Although it is rot-resistant, mold and mildew can build up on the surface if not removed regularly. To prevent this, you should use a mild soap and water solution to clean the surface of your home’s siding.

In addition, you should keep the surrounding vegetation trimmed and away from your siding. This will protect the siding from overhanging branches and shrubs that can graze against it, and will allow air to circulate around the structure of your home. It’s also crucial to ensure that gutters are free of debris and that they properly direct water away from the siding. Proper drainage will help prevent moisture from seeping into the walls and causing cracking or mold growth.

Appearance

Cement siding has a natural look that complements almost any style of home. It is also a durable choice, resistant to heat, moisture and severe frost. It also has a good fire rating, which makes it ideal for use in bushfire-prone areas. It is available in a range of textures and finishes, including stucco, wood grain, and smooth planks. It is also easy to install. It can be installed horizontally or vertically, and it comes in a variety of widths and lengths.

Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie board, was first developed in 1901 as an alternative to asbestos cladding. It was a popular option until asbestos became banned due to health risks. Since then, it has gained in popularity as a durable, low-maintenance siding material.

A composite of Portland cement, fly ash, silica, recycled materials and wood fibers, fiber cement boards are long-lasting and strong. They can be tinted to any color a homeowner desires, and they are available in a wide range of textures. Some fiber cement products resemble traditional wooden clapboards, while others have a more modern aesthetic. They are also rot, rust and insect resistant.

Many homeowners prefer to choose a building material that can stand up to the elements. Fiber cement siding is designed to perform well in all regions, regardless of humidity or weather trends. It is highly durable against moisture, wind, fire, sun and insects, making it an excellent choice for coastal regions, snowy mountainous areas, arid desert zones and areas prone to wildfires.

Unlike vinyl siding, which can crack when impacted by lawnmowers or pressure washers, fiber cement siding is solid and dimensionally stable. It is also more resistant to moisture and mold, and it holds paint exceptionally well.

It is a heavier material than vinyl, so it may not be the best choice for a do-it-yourself project. It is best to hire a professional to ensure the installation goes smoothly and the results meet your expectations.

In addition to siding, fiber cement can be used as trim and soffit for the exterior of a home. These details add visual detail and protection to vulnerable areas of the house, such as seams and edges. Moreover, a ventilated soffit will provide adequate airflow and help protect the roof from moisture.

Maintenance

Fiber cement siding is a good choice for homeowners who want to protect their homes from the elements. Its composition includes Portland cement, sand, and wood fibers, and it resists cracking, mold, mildew, and insects. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of colors, styles, and finishes. Many also come with a 30- to 50-year warranty. The maintenance involved with this product is relatively light and includes occasional cleaning, caulking, and patching.

It’s important to note that this type of siding requires proper installation and maintenance to avoid damage. If the product is not installed correctly, it can become a breeding ground for mildew and mold. It’s recommended that homeowners use a professional to install fiber cement siding. Otherwise, the product’s warranty may be voided and your home could suffer structural damage.

The first step in maintaining your fiber cement siding is to inspect it for damages and wear and tear. You should do this periodically throughout the year. If you see any dents or scratches, repair them using a putty that is formulated specifically for the material.

Next, clean your siding regularly with a garden hose and water pressure to remove dirt, dust, mold, and mildew. Be sure to use a non-abrasive brush or rag and a mild cleaner that’s approved for fiber cement siding. Coarse brushes or abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface and won’t be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty. Grease and oil should be removed with a wet, soapy rag (dish soap works great) and a sponge or rag. Be sure to rinse afterward to keep the surface clean.

Fiber cement siding is durable and weather resistant, but it will still require repainting over time. Unless you purchase a pre-painted fiber cement product, you’ll probably need to repaint every five to 12 years. The color will fade over time, but the product is moisture, rot, and insect resistant.

Fiber cement siding is not easy to install and should be left to professionals. It’s much heavier than vinyl and must be handled carefully to prevent cracking, bending, and warping. It’s also difficult to cut and can release dangerous respirable crystalline silica if the tool isn’t used properly. It’s important to take safety precautions and wear a face mask when working with this type of siding.