Siding plays a critical role in protecting your home from the elements while enhancing its curb appeal and energy efficiency. Fiber cement siding has become a popular choice for most homeowners, thanks to its durability and ease of maintenance.
Why Fiber Cement Siding is an Excellent Choice
Fiber cement siding is typically made of a unique mixture of sand, cellulose fibers, and cement, making it highly durable. It looks similar to traditional wood siding but is extremely fire-resistant, durable, and affordable.
Other benefits of fiber cement siding include:
- Highly resistant to damage – Fiber cement is extremely resistant to fire (Class A rating), high winds, hail, and insects.
- Long-lasting – The average lifespan of fiber cement siding is 50 years, meaning you may never need to replace your siding in your lifetime.
- Wears colors well – In terms of aesthetics, fiber cement can be easily repainted to suit your home’s exterior style and décor.
- It can reflect your style – You can choose from a wide range of shapes, textures, and sizes to match your style. Fiber cement siding can also be made to mimic other materials.
- Low installation cost – Fiber cement siding is relatively easy to install, meaning quicker completion times and lower labor costs.
How to Install Fiber Cement Siding
When installing fiber cement siding, safety should be your priority. This is one reason why you should work with a professional to ensure the job is done properly and safely.
Your siding specialist should observe the following safety measures:
- Wear safety glasses when cutting or nailing fiber cement siding
- Use ear protection when cutting siding using a circular saw
- Use a dust-collecting saw hooked to a shop vacuum
- Wear a dust mask or respirator when cutting siding
The Installation Process
All siding must be carefully inspected for damage before being stored. Throughout the installation process, fiber cement siding should be kept dry. Generally, here are the steps followed when installing fiber cement siding:
- Prep Work – The wall should first be sheathed with plywood, foam, or oriented strand board (OSB) and covered with felt paper or house wrap.
- Cutting Siding – You should cut fiber cement siding with a circular saw. Use a polycrystalline blade (diamond-toothed) and cut from the back face using a rafter square to get the right angle cuts. You can also use special handheld electric shears or a jigsaw to make straight and curved cuts.
- Installing Trim – Put up trim before installing fiber cement siding. The trim should be placed on the inside and outside corners of the wall.
- Fastening Siding – You should then nail fiber cement siding by hand or using a pneumatic nailer.
- Finishing – Finish up by painting fiber cement siding. However, factory primed siding can go as long as six months without painting.
Fiber cement is an excellent material for exterior finishing. It’s extremely weather-resistant, affordable, and easy to install and maintain. Contact Moss Roofing today to learn more benefits of fiber cement siding and how we can help to you.
