If you’re planning to replace your old and failing siding this season, make sure to choose a material that excels in both good looks and durability. Fortunately, there are a variety of siding materials available in today’s market, each with their own pros and cons. Weight them carefully and consider the one that helps you get the most of your investment.
Some of the popular siding materials include:
- Probably the most commonly used siding material in U.S. homes, vinyl is affordable and low maintenance–two of its biggest draws. It is also available in a wide selection of colors and styles. However, vinyl doesn’t fare well against extreme weather conditions. In fact, some homeowners may replace their vinyl siding more than once in a 10-year span.
- This is a popular choice due to its rich and natural look, providing your home with a boost in curb appeal. Cedar siding also come in clapboard, shake, and shingles, allowing for many design possibilities. The only downside is its high maintenance requirements, which involves periodic chalking, staining, and painting. Without it, cedar siding is highly susceptible to rot, mold, and weather damage.
- Steel or Aluminum. These metal options are known for their strength and sleek appearance. If your home has a contemporary-modern aesthetic, metal or aluminum siding can match it perfectly. They also need little to zero maintenance but can’t hold up to impact damage from hail, which can allow for dents on your home’s exterior. Constant exposure to sunlight may also cause it to change color or fade.
These materials may already be good enough for your home, but if you want something far better, you should consider fiber cement siding instead. This premium choice features unmatched durability and beauty, easily improving your home’s look and feel. Here’s a closer look at fiber cement siding and how it can benefit you:
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Durable Weather Protection
Fiber cement siding can protect your home from the harshest weather, whether it’s extreme sunlight, heavy snow loads, rain and hail storms, or high winds. It doesn’t crack, buckle, shrink, or warp when exposed to changes in temperature. Unlike wood siding, fiber cement is also impervious to mold and rot damage due to high levels of moisture. There are even manufacturers offering fiber cement siding that’s specifically rated for your region. This way, your exterior can effectively handle your area’s weather patterns and environment.
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Lasting Performance
With proper installation by a trusted home improvement contractor, fiber cement siding can last more than 100 years. Other options display signs of wear and tear over the years, but because fiber cement stands up to the demands of your area’s climate, they’ll look good and perform well for longer. Additionally, it offers extra savings and convenience down the line because it requires almost no maintenance. This means no periodic scraping and painting, just regular cleaning to ensure it stays in top form.
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Unrivaled Good Looks
When it comes to beauty, fiber cement is without peer. It is available in a wide array of vibrant and pre-painted colors–though it can be painted on, as well–making it easier to match your new siding with your home’s exterior palette. Additionally, fiber cement comes in a range of styles and textures. It can even emulate the appearance of other siding materials, like wood shakes, offering many opportunities for further customization. With fiber cement siding, complementing your home’s architectural design, whether it’s traditional or modern, is worry-free.
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Environment-Friendly
Fiber cement is made from sand, water, cement, and cellulose fiber–which are all sustainable materials–and utilizes a waste-minimized production process. Because the siding material is extremely durable, it reduces the need for a replacement which helps cut back on waste in landfills.
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Lifetime Value
Given fiber cement’s lifespan of over 100 years, its maintenance-free performance, and lovely appearance, this choice is a worthy investment for every homeowner. Add the fact that leading fiber cement manufacturers include lifetime, transferable warranties covering material and installation, and that means you can buy more mileage for your dollar. 
Caring for Fiber Cement Siding
If you’ve decided to invest in this option, it pays to learn how you can keep it sturdy and damage-free. You can, for instance:
- Clean your fiber cement siding twice a year. You won’t need a power washer to do it–spraying the exterior with water from a garden hose will do.
- Inspect the caulked joints every few years. This way, you can catch any warning sign of damage and have repairs carried out promptly.
- Prune back plants so the siding can dry completely.
- Repaint or refinish the siding, as needed. By maintaining its vibrant color and lovely appearance, your home can continue making a bigger impression from the curb.
Aside from hiring a trusted contractor, choosing the right material is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your siding replacement project. Make the most of it by considering fiber cement for your new siding. With its many features, maximizing your home’s beauty, weather protection, and comfort is easy.
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Author Bio:
Terry Stamman is chief executive officer for Twin Cities Siding Professionals. Along with his wife and co-founder Kristen, he seeks to provide high-quality siding solutions to the communities they serve by offering premier products and continuing education to keep their staff updated with the best in industry practices. For updates from Terry, check out the company blog!
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