Fiber Cement Siding: Traditional Look Without Traditional Maintenance
Some houses just wouldn't look right without the warm, traditional appearance of wood siding. Yet for all of its aesthetic attributes, traditional wood siding has a downside: the investment of labor and money necessary to keep it looking good year after year.
What if you could have the lovely look of traditional wood siding without the maintenance nightmares? If this idea sounds appealing, take a look at fiber cement siding.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding looks just like wood. It is available in a wood-grain or smooth finish, and in varying widths and shapes. You can purchase it ready to paint, or with baked on color finishes in a wide variety of shades. There are several advantages to using fiber cement siding instead of wood. Along with looking great, it is:
- Non-combustible
- Insect resistant
- Rot resistant
Installation is Similar to Wood Siding
If you can install wood siding, you can install fiber cement siding. The only difference lies in some of the tools needed. Fiber cement siding installation creates a lot of dust, so be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting or drilling it. Other helpful tips include:
- Use a diamond-tip saw blade for cutting.
- Use a pneumatic nail gun for easier installation.
- Drill pilot holes first if you intend to hand nail the boards.
- Have two people available to lift and handle the boards, as they tend to be heavy.
Most contractors are familiar with fiber cement siding and are happy to give you an installation estimate. Consider this option when you want to give your home's exterior the look of wood without the constant maintenance.
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