Fiber cement siding is a great way to give your home a classic, maintenance-free finish. The exterior of your home will always look its best thanks to the natural beauty of traditional stucco, and fiber cement siding gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing it won’t peel or deteriorate. However, this type of siding isn’t permanent and requires regular maintenance, just like any other material.
Failure to address these factors can cause issues over time, but as long as you take care of your house, it shouldn’t be perfect for many years to come. Let’s take a more in-depth look at fiber cement siding and how long it lasts so you know what to expect from this product.
What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding comprises sand, water, cellulose, and cement. It’s a new, modern material that is beautiful and provides many benefits over traditional stucco. Thanks to the ingredients, it’s meant to create a durable siding that can withstand heat and storms while being low maintenance. The beauty of the material means it will always look its best and last longer than any other materials you might use for your exterior. Plus, it’s perfect for homes in rural areas, as fiber cement siding resists pests such as termites, ants, and rodents.
Is Fiber Cement Siding Durable?
Fiber cement siding is a great choice for your home because it is durable and long-lasting. Fiber cement siding has been used in the construction of homes since the 1940s and has been perfected to be weather-resistant, water-resistant, termite resistant, heat-insulating, and fireproof. This type of siding won’t crack or peel off like stucco or terracotta, which are prone to damage over time. The exterior will remain beautiful without any deterioration, so you won’t have to worry about painting your home every few years.
Fiber cement siding will also last longer than other materials because it is porous, which means that water will soak into the material instead of repelling it. This allows for better insulation against the elements and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth. However, this doesn’t mean that this type of siding can withstand anything. It does have a lifespan, just like any other material.
How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?
For the most part, you can expect that fiber cement siding will last around 50 to 60 years, assuming it’s been properly installed and maintained. Fiber cement siding is durable and weather-tight, but it will eventually deteriorate. The lifespan of the material is based on how well it’s installed. While it can last up to 60 years at the maximum, it does mean it could have a shorter lifespan if you’re not doing regular upkeep.
Factors that Shorten the Lifespan
A few factors contribute to the length of time fiber cement siding lasts, and all you have to do is take care of your house.
Bad installation
The first way to reduce the lifespan of your siding is by not properly adhering it to the house. If your siding isn’t attached correctly, moisture can seep into the cracks and cause decay or mold. You should use a sealant layer before attaching any trim pieces or accessories to ensure they stay in place and don’t peel off over time.
Lack of maintenance
Another factor that can shorten how long fiber cement lasts is paying attention to regular maintenance. Make sure you clean off any debris regularly so that nothing interferes with proper installation or causes water damage. Regularly check for signs of fading, peeling, or cracking, so you don’t miss anything important before it becomes an issue later on.
Weather and climate
For the most part, this isn’t entirely the homeowner’s fault, but staying knowledgeable is still important. Fiber cement siding can have the potential to react poorly to massive changes in weather and climate. Fiber cement will hold up better in cold climates than warm ones because there’s less moisture in the air when it cools down.
If you live somewhere hot, applying a coat of paint over your home will help keep your fiber cement looking fresh over time and make your home more comfortable at night.
Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance
In order for your fiber cement siding for your house to last as long as possible, then it’s all going to start with the maintenance. Having a routine maintenance schedule is going to allow for longevity, plus, your house is going to look good as new!
Inspect your siding
To keep your siding in good shape, it’s all going to start with an inspection. Make sure to inspect your siding periodically and ensure that it’s still in good shape. Sometimes the unexpected happens, which is why you need to have a routine check-up schedule. This way, you can catch something before it becomes a big problem.
Get to cleaning
The most important thing to do with any exterior surfaces is to prevent dirt and debris from getting on them. Keep your roof clean, and don’t use paint or other products that could stick to the siding and cause it to crack. Fiber cement siding will last as long as you take care of it! As for regular maintenance, there are a few things you should be aware of. For one, fiber cement siding is porous, accumulating dust and grime over time, so be sure to wash it regularly.
If you notice your siding has become discolored, take a more thorough cleaning with a solution that cleans without harming the surface. Make sure the cleaning solution is warm or hot rather than cold. Otherwise, the fibers will separate from the coating. And when you need to repaint your house or repoint your gutters, make sure your contractor uses only interior latex paint or stain because these types of paint won’t react well with fiber cement siding’s natural finish.
Inspect your caulking
While you’re creating a regular maintenance schedule for your house, make sure to inspect the caulking during this time. Look to see if there are any gaps or cracks, as these will need to be repaired ASAP. While fiber cement is moisture-resistant, it can still be impacted by condensation. Caulking can have the potential to deteriorate. So, make sure to add fresh caulk if your siding needs it. This way, your home stays well-sealed and is safe from potential moisture damage or pests.
Take care of your gutters
Homeowners commonly overlook something: make sure to avoid making this mistake! Look into your gutters and downspouts. Ensure that there isn’t anything wrong with them and that they’re in working order. Keep them clog-free, and keep an eye on any cracks. Don’t forget that moisture is a siding enemy.
