Fiber cement is a low-maintenance option, but there are still things you can do to ensure it stays in good condition. Fiber cement siding doesn’t require regular painting or sanding like some other types of materials. Fiber cement resists rot and most insects that can damage wood products too! Fiber cement also has natural fire resistance, and it’s resistant to high winds. Fiber cement is also an excellent option for homeowners looking to protect their exterior from impacts like hail damage! Fiber cement siding doesn’t require special tools or equipment, which makes installation easy too!
Check for Caulking Leaks regularly to Boost Moisture Protection
Fiber cement siding is moisture resistant, but you still want to ensure humidity doesn’t get in. If there are any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, brick facades, and other surfaces where the siding is joined with different materials, condensation could affect fiber cement siding. Fiber cement can warp if it gets too much moisture trapped inside the material.
Be sure you check your caulk annually for cracks and gaps that need repair. You should also look at any caulking around brick facades where fiber cement could be vulnerable. If there are any signs of moisture damage on the siding, you might need to replace it. Fiber cement is relatively lightweight and easy to work with for repairs!
You can fix leaks or gaps quickly by applying a little bit of new caulk where necessary. Fiber cement siding doesn’t require any special tools when you do repair jobs like that, making fixing moisture problems easy.
Keep your gutters and downspouts in good working order
Having healthy gutters and downspouts is essential for reducing the risk of moisture damage to your siding. You can maximize their effectiveness by cleaning them regularly, and that debris doesn’t get stuck in them.
Gutters should be flushed out after the leaves have fallen from trees around your home in autumn. Be sure to check that the downspout is clear too. If water can’t flow freely through it, there could be problems with dampness and mildew on fiber cement siding in your home.
To Avoid Future Issues, Keep Your Siding Clean
Check manufacturers’ recommendations before you start washing fiber cement siding to make sure you don’t damage the material in any way. Manufacturer recommendations will vary, but you should aim to wash your fiber cement siding at least once per year. Fiber cement is very durable and resistant to many kinds of damage, but it still needs a good cleaning now and again.
You can use a low-pressure hose to wash fiber cement siding. Be sure not to hold the water on your siding for too long. Fiber cement could warp or erode if it gets wet and stays wet for a very long time.
Repainting is a must for fiber cement siding
Repainting fiber cement siding is always a good idea. It will protect your siding from sun damage, water, and other elements that can wear it down over time. The paint will also help to maintain the original color of fiber cement for as long as possible!
When you repaint fiber cement siding on your home every five to fifteen years—or sooner if needed—you will maximize its appearance and protect it from damage.
