Fiber cement siding is a strong, low-maintenance material used for home and commercial construction. Generally, it lasts longer than wood or vinyl, but the impact of climate, sun exposure, location, and other factors will all play a role in determining how long it will last in your home.
Once installed, Fiber cement siding can last for up to 60 years or more, depending on the manufacturer and the product line. This article will talk about what fiber cement is made of, maintenance tips, and how to prevent further damages. If you’re interested, continue reading.
What Makes Up Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a composite material consisting of Portland cement, sand, clay, and cellulose fibers that has been pressed and baked into shape. As a result, fiber cement can be made in nearly any shape imaginable. Its strength and durability make it an ideal choice for high-end home exteriors.
The ability to withstand moisture makes fiber cement particularly valuable as an exterior siding material in coastal regions or areas with heavy rainfall.
Maintenance Tips For Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding tends to last a very long time, but you can increase its life expectancy with proper maintenance.
Here are some steps you can take to prolong your Fiber cement siding’s life and maintain its look:
Check Your Weatherproofing and Sealants
It’s very important to check the sealants at least once a year; this will keep water from seeping into your home. Also, check for weatherstripping around windows and doors to ensure there are no gaps in them where water can get into.
Ensure You Have a Working Storm Drain System
If you live in an area where it frequently rains or snows, you should ensure that your storm drain system functions properly. When the water remains stagnant and can’t drain away quickly, you could end up with a serious problem on your hands.
Regularly Inspect And Clean Your Sidings
Fiber cement siding is meant to last a very long time, but it will break down a lot sooner without proper cleaning and upkeep.
Every year, you must have your fiber cement siding inspected for scratches, dirt, or other debris that can affect its integrity. In addition, you should also clean it regularly, set a schedule so you don’t miss anything.
Most experts recommend doing it at least twice a year, although the frequency may depend on where you live and how much rainfall or snowfall there is.
Repainting Do Wonders
Regularly painting your fiber cement siding can do wonders for its appearance and life expectancy. You don’t have to paint it every year, but once every couple of years will go a long way toward keeping your home looking new and modern.
The longer you wait, though, the more cracks and scratches your siding will accumulate.
Prevent Damages By Spotting These Problems
Although Fiber Cement is known for its superior durability, certain problems can arise that could shorten your Fiber Cement siding’s life expectancy.
Most of these issues have easy fixes, but they still require a good deal of your attention. Below are problems you should look out for to prevent your Fiber Cement siding from getting damaged:
Improper Trimming And Spacing
Make sure that your siding is trimmed and spaced properly. Misalignment can cause water pooling, which may inflict damage to your home down the road.
If you’re unsure of how to trim your siding, consult a contractor; this can prevent unnecessary costs later on in repairs and replacements. Also, make sure that there is enough space between each board for proper ventilation.
Inadequate Waterproofing and Flashing Installation
Insufficient caulk/sealants will cause damage to your fiber cement siding. While sealing Fiber Cement is critical to its integrity, it’s also important to ensure that your flashing is installed properly to protect against moisture.
If moisture breaches your siding, you run a greater risk of water damage. When this happens, your chances of mold growth increase which can eat away at your home’s structural support over time.
Inept Fastening Of Sidings
Your Fiber Cement Siding will look unsightly if it isn’t fastened properly. Improper installation can also cause nails to protrude from your house.
Not only is it unattractive, but it can also pose a risk of puncture for anyone that walks in your yard. With this in mind, nails should be at least 1⁄4 from your window frames and 1⁄2 from any other surface on your house.
Proper Care Equates To Longer Life Expectancy
Fiber cement siding is a popular choice for homeowners who want energy-efficient building materials that last long. If you want to take full advantage of this material’s longevity, install it with nails instead of screws, allowing you to remove damaged boards easily.
Additionally, sealing up cracks before water damage occurs not only extends your fiber cement siding’s lifetime but also saves you money on expensive repairs down the road. The tips mentioned will help you get the most out of your fiber cement siding.
