If your siding is outdated and worn-out and you have decided to spruce up your home with a new exterior, you will soon discover the wide range of cladding materials available on the market. While materials like wood, brick, or stucco may look stunning, they may require serious upkeep or be on the expensive side. With fiber cement, however, you can have an incredibly resilient exterior at an affordable price. In this post, stucco remediation specialists at Precision #1 Contractors, Inc. discusses what you need to know about fiber cement siding and why you should select it for your home.
Material Composition
Fiber cement is a durable, low-maintenance and long-lasting cladding material that is used on residential houses and commercial establishments. This semi-rigid material is made up of a few basic ingredients.
- Wood pulp improves the resilience and flexibility of fiber cement, preventing cracking.
- Water dissolves the wood pulp. It is also used to activate and harden the cement.
- Fly ash acts as a filler and improves the performance of the cement. Other manufacturers use silica sand instead.
- Portland cement, which is made with limestone, clay, and iron, binds the ingredients together and gives strength to the structure.
Keep in mind that the material composition of fiber cement siding will change depending on the specific manufacturer. James Hardie, for example, uses a formulation that includes safe, cost-effective additives to notably boost the performance of their product.
Cost
Generally, fiber cement siding can cost anywhere from $5.00- $13.50 per square foot installed. Common factors that affect the total cost of the installation include the brand of siding, the qualifications of the contractor, and the accessory package. Fiber cement siding is traditionally available in shingles, planks, and flat boards. It can also come pre-stained or pre-stained or can be painted any shade you desire.
The cost of fiber cement siding is usually less than the cost of brick and synthetic stucco and comparable to the cost of insulated vinyl, composite, natural wood, and engineered wood siding. However, it is typically more expensive than a standard aluminum- or vinyl-cladded exterior.
Note that every piece of work is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all rate. In order to get an accurate estimate for your exterior improvement project, it is a smart idea to get a quote from two or more contractors who are accomplished in installing fiber cement siding.
Maintenance
Just because manufacturers advertise fiber cement as a strong cladding material that only requires minimal upkeep throughout its service life does not mean you should neglect it. Keeping your exterior in pristine condition can only improve the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home. Here are some tips:
- Inspect the caulking to keep moisture out. While fiber cement itself is moisture-resistant, it can still be affected by leaks, condensation, warping, and mold. Installers use a waterproof sealant like silicone caulk to attach the cladding material to the other parts of the house. Keep the moisture barrier intact by inspecting the caulk annually and letting trusted roofing contractors check for cracks that need to be repaired.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts. Make sure rainwater or melting snow gets diverted away from your siding to stave off moisture-related issues. Clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year, preferably in the early winter and spring.
- Keep siding clean. If you fail to wash your siding regularly, mold and mildew can thrive and degrade the paint or stain of the material. Using a garden house, thoroughly spray from the top of the siding down. If the dust and dirt buildup is extreme, use gentle dish soap to get it clean.
Benefits
As more and more homeowners incorporate ecological building methods into their homes, fiber cement continues to be a popular choice for siding installation. Take a closer look at the multitude of reasons why this cladding material is impressive across the board.
- It has a long lifespan. When it comes to home construction, the longevity of the building product is considered one of the top priority matters. Fiber cement is a composite of cellulose, cement, and other additives—materials that are sustainable and can withstand extreme weather, wear and tear, and insects. While the upfront cost of fiber cement siding may be higher than traditional vinyl and aluminum siding, prorating it on an annual basis over 50 to 100 years, depending on the particular product, makes for a more cost-effective deal, according to reputable roofing contractors.
- It offers versatility in style. Combine the striking appeal of the material makeup with advanced manufacturing techniques and the range for aesthetics, design, and style is bountiful. For example, there are interlocking panels that can be installed vertically or horizontally, creating an industrial or modern look that can complement the rest of the exterior.
- It can emulate wood. Fiber cement comes in a variety of colors and textures that can mimic a stucco or wood grain pattern at a fraction of the cost. Other materials like aluminum or vinyl simply cannot offer the same benefit, whether it be from their natural sheen or inability to inscribe natural-looking grains on the surface. If you want the visual texture and rustic feel of wood without having to restain, repaint, or seal, then fiber cement siding is for you.
- It is resistant to fire and heat. Vinyl can easily warp under direct heat and cedar can become fuel to a house fire. Fiber cement, on the other hand, has fire-resistant properties that help safeguard your home in the event of a fire. It will not ignite under direct heat either. James Hardie fiber cement, in particular, is not only non-combustible but also has a flame spread index of zero, a rating that is awarded to the most fire-retardant building products, according to stucco remediation companies.
- It is weather-resistant. Due to its material composition, fiber cement is largely weather-resistant, meaning it is not affected by exposure to water and will not disintegrate. It can also resist the impact of hail, which makes it an excellent cladding choice for hail-prone areas like Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. Since the makeup of fiber cement is tremendously stable, adding it to your exterior will make your home protected from the worst weather conditions.
- It is resistant to rot. With fiber cement, you can get the highly valued look of wood but without its high-maintenance characteristics. Wood will swell, warp, and rot, while fiber cement will not have a problem absorbing moisture from rain, snow, heat, and humidity.
- It comes with great warranties. Many building products boast their longevity but present little to back up that claim. With fiber cement siding, most warranties that cover product defects range from 25 years to a limited lifetime, while factory finishes often carry a 15-year warranty against fading and flaking.
Let Us Help Achieve Your Dream Exterior
Breathe new life into your home with a high-quality exterior makeover. Precision #1 Contractors, Inc. is a premier source of remodeling solutions, including James Hardie siding installation, stucco remediation, roof replacement, shutters and ventilation, and window and skylight replacement. Our trusted and experienced team is committed to delivering personalized customer service and outstanding workmanship to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our customers in and around Bucks County, PA. Call us at (215) 309-8937 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate.