If your home needs to have its siding replaced or you’re ready for a new look altogether, you have a lot of options to choose from. Stone, stucco, engineered wood, brick, vinyl . . . the list goes on. One of the newer arrivals when it comes to siding is fiber cement, and there’s a reason This Old House is gushing over the advantages of fiber cement siding: “It masquerades as wood or masonry, wears like concrete, and survives even the harshest elements.” What’s not to love? Fireproof and able to repel termites and insects, this durable and adaptable siding is quickly growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding
So what is fiber cement siding? It is a siding material that is part wood pulp, part cement, part clay, and part sand, and it’s surprisingly durable and long lasting. It can mimic the appearance of wood planks or shingles while bypassing two of the biggest downfalls of traditional wood siding: termites and rot. According to an article in This Old House, nearly 15 percent of new homes are clad with fiber cement siding.
Style
One of the biggest advantages of fiber cement siding is its aesthetic versatility. It’s available in a variety of colors, but you can also paint the siding to match other home renovations. And much like its wood and vinyl counterparts, the style of fiber cement siding is varied and versatile. You can choose from different thicknesses and lengths, and you can select a fiber cement siding material that mimics wood shingles, clapboard, or even stucco. Fiber cement siding can complement both traditional and modern homes while providing contemporary convenience.
Maintenance
Price varies depending on the style and size of your fiber cement siding, but once installed, the overall cost of maintenance is incredibly low. Because this type of cladding is durable and doesn’t warp, homeowners don’t need to worry about premature deterioration or stringent upkeep. It doesn’t have overlapping seams, so it can prevent the growth of mold and mildew between the interior and exterior walls. When it comes to maintenance, if you simply spray your siding down with a hose every 6 to 12 months, it should continue looking great.
Strength
There are numerous advantages of fiber cement siding, but one of the most significant is its strength. It’s fire-resistant, impact-resistant, and it stands up well to salty sea air and harsh weather like wind, rain, and hail. It won’t warp, rot, or fall victim to mold or termites. Typically, fiber cement siding comes with a factory finish that lasts approximately 10 to 20 years.
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So what do you think? Have the advantages of fiber cement siding convinced you, or are you still exploring the possibilities? If you’re ready to replace your old or damaged siding, check out our options for siding materials. And if you have questions about which material is best suited to your home, our team of experts can help. Give Taylor-Made Roofing a call toll-free at 417-326-8778 for a free estimate.