Fiber cement is a popular building material today. Find out more about this material and how you can properly maintain it.
One of the most useful materials today is fiber cement. It is a mixture of substances containing cellulose fiber, sand, silica, water, and Portland cement. Experts claim that fiber cement is the alternative to many conventional siding materials. Generally, fiber cement siding outperforms other materials. This siding material can withstand various conditions such as cold, heat, wind, and rain.
It is highly recommended for all types of climatic conditions and works well for hot and humid areas. The good thing about fiber cement siding is that it doesn’t rust, decay, and corrode. Fiber cement rarely needs maintenance, with its durable properties, making it a cost-effective siding option. But being low-maintenance doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. Here are three simple upkeep tips.
Keep Your Siding Clean
Cleaning your fiber cement siding is more than just keeping up with appearances. If your siding is not washed daily, mold and mildew will thrive and will ultimately degrade your paint. More importantly, having a moldy siding can put your household’s health at risk.
However, don’t forget to read the instructions of the manufacturer before washing. Depending on how fragile the finish is, some siding companies suggest that you use only a low-pressure solvent spray and a soft-bristled brush on your siding. To maintain the spic and span appearance of your siding, perform this task about once a year.
Maintain the Gutters
As you’ve probably realized, humidity is the enemy of a stable home siding . And one thing you can do here to avoid problems is to ensure that rainwater is properly diverted from your siding. This means that you have to pay extra attention to the gutters and downspouts of your house.
Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year, particularly during early winter and spring. Once done, check your downspout to ensure that rainwater will flow freely. Every once in a while, especially after a storm, you’d also want to give your gutters a visual inspection. If you find rust, peeling or flaking, or see that the gutters are not resting firmly against the fascia of your roof, you may want to fix these components to ensure the health of your fiber cement siding.
Repaint Your Siding
If you want to install fiber cement siding, you have to be prepared. Unlike other materials like vinyl, aluminum, and other siding materials, it’ll need to be repainted eventually. Although a painting job on fiber cement siding lasts longer than wood, it will inevitably need to be redone, usually somewhere between five to fifteen years.
However, the lifespan of your paint job usually depends on the type of fiber cement you buy. For example, if you go with a pre-painted design, where the boards are colored by the manufacturer, it’ll take about 15 years before it starts chipping and peeling. However, if you’re ready to give your house a new look in less than 15 years, then do so! Being able to repaint means you can give the siding a new coat . And once you start shopping for a new paint, use a high quality exterior-grade acrylic product. If
Conclusion
Fiber cement siding is a good choice for any homeowner that’s looking for an excellent value for their money. It’s durable, flexible, and will provide quality protection for your home.
By maintaining your fiber cement siding, you can ensure that your house is healthy and visually appealing. Remember that any damages to your house siding can be caused by improper cleaning and zero maintenance.
Quality Discount Roofing and Construction offers top-rated products and siding installation. Contact us today and start putting your siding replacement projects into action.
