Benefits of Cement Fiber Siding for Your Home
If you are remodeling your home, remember that every aspect of your home’s exterior makes a difference in both quality and curb appeal. The windows, the trim, the roof, and the siding all contribute to your home’s market value, making it important to put careful thought and consideration into the type and style of each.
When you choose the type of material you use for your home’s siding, you have a lot of different options to choose from. Vinyl is often the go-to choice for homeowners — and with good reason — but this doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for every home.
Another possible option for your home is cement fiber siding. Although less common, this type of siding has many benefits. Made of a mixture of wood pulp, sand, and cement, cement fiber siding is durable, easy to maintain, aesthetically pleasing, and affordable.
Before installing new siding on your home, you need to have a general understanding of all your options. To that end, this blog outlines four of the benefits of cement fiber siding.
- Cement Fiber Siding Is Durable
Because of the material it’s made out of, cement fiber siding holds up well against both moisture and heat. It won’t rot like wood, and it won’t expand and contract with weather changes nearly as much as vinyl siding will. This makes it ideal for hot and humid climates, as well as for areas that experience cold winters.
Cement fiber siding is also resistant to fires, making it a smart choice for hot, dry areas that are prone to wildfires. Of course, cement fiber siding’s fire resistance also makes it a wise choice if you simply want a little extra insurance against this type of disaster.
In addition to the above benefits, cement fiber siding is also insect- and rodent-resistant. This is especially true when it comes to termites, as the cement prevents these insects from tunneling through the walls. Not only will cement fiber siding protect the exterior of your home, it will also protect the inside of your home against unwanted invaders.
- Cement Fiber Siding Is Low-Maintenance
Although no type of siding is completely maintenance-free, cement fiber siding has a distinct advantage over other types of siding in that it requires much less maintenance.
Simply wash the siding every 6 to 12 months using a low-pressure garden hose and inspect the caulking for problems every year or two. If you see any issues with the caulking, call in a professional for repairs.
Following these two maintenance steps should be enough to keep your siding clean and well-maintained.
Your cement fiber siding will likely also need to be repainted every 12 years or so. While this may seem like a hassle, keep in mind that the typical exterior paint job only lasts between 5 and 7 years. This means that with cement fiber siding, you’ll only have to repaint your home’s exterior half as often as you would otherwise.
- Cement Fiber Siding Is Aesthetically Pleasing
With cement fiber siding, you aren’t limited to just one style or design. This versatile material can easily be made to look like wood clapboard, cedar shingles, or stucco. While the astute observer might be able to tell the difference, most passerby will only notice the charm your siding adds to your home.
Cement fiber also comes in a variety of colors, giving you even greater freedom in design. You can either order the siding pre-painted or paint it yourself once it has been installed. And, if you ever get tired of your initial color choice, this cement fiber siding is relatively easy to repaint.
- Cement Fiber Siding Is Affordable
While slightly more expensive than vinyl siding, cement fiber siding is cheaper than other options such as stucco or brick. Installation costs may be higher for cement fiber siding than they are for vinyl siding, but because cement fiber siding is long-lasting and low-maintenance, it is likely to save you money in the long run.
If you want to save yourself some money, consider installing your new cement fiber siding yourself. However, be aware that this heavy material requires special tools and will easily crack if mishandled. You’ll likely find it worth the extra money to have a professional install it for you.
While all types of siding have their pros and cons, the durability, low maintenance, curb appeal, and price of cement fiber siding make it a great option for many homeowners.
If you have any further questions about this type of siding, contact the experts at Four Seasons Home Products. We can provide you with the answers you are looking for, and we can also help you select the best siding for your home and install it for you. Call today to speak with a member of our team.
