Fiber Cement Siding: Is It Right For Your Home?
Do you need to replace your home's siding and want to make sure that you pick the right one? If so, it will help to know a few things about fiber cement siding.
The Material
Fiber cement siding is made up of several materials, which include sand, cement, water, and wood fibers. Additives are also put into the material during the manufacturing process, and these additives help prevent water damage and keep pests away. There will be nothing in the material that makes an animal or insect want to eat it, which helps drive them away and look for other food sources. When you combine these factors, you are left with a siding material that is incredibly durable, and this is why many homeowners end up choosing fiber cement siding for their homes.
The Fire Resistance
A huge benefit of fiber cement siding is that the material is fire resistant. This is due to the combination of materials that are used during manufacturing, which creates a solid material that helps keep your home safe. Fire-resistant siding can even result in lower insurance premiums, so be sure to let your insurance agent know that you upgraded to fiber cement siding.
The Maintenance
A huge benefit of fiber cement siding is that it will be relatively maintenance free over the years. Once it has been installed, primed, and painted, all you really need to do is wash the siding when it becomes dirty. This is to prevent moisture from collecting underneath dirt and prevent the siding from becoming discolored.
The Installation
The process of installing fiber cement siding follows specific instructions from the manufacturer. This includes the type of fasteners and techniques that are used to secure it to your home. A professional installation ensures that the warranty will be valid because the siding is installed the correct way.
The Cost
If you are comparing fiber cement siding to other exterior housing materials out there, know that it is going to fall in the middle of the pack and cost about the same as a composite siding material. While fiber cement is more affordable than brick, it is going to cost more than traditional vinyl siding. With the increased cost comes many benefits that make fiber cement worth the money.
Think that you want to install fiber cement siding on your home? Reach out to a fiber cement siding contractor for more information.