How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?

How long does fiber cement siding last? How durable is fiber cement siding? What is the life expectancy of fiber cement siding? These are questions we understand you are concerned about and want to provide the best information to help you make the right decision for your new siding or replacement siding.

If you’re considering fiber cement siding for your home, it’s important to understand how fiber cement siding functions and what its characteristics are so that you can make the right decision for your property.

In this blog post, we will discuss the life expectancy of fiber cement siding as well as its benefits compared to other types of exterior cladding materials

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a durable, low-maintenance home exterior solution. With its sturdiness, fire retardancy, insulated properties, and longevity, fiber cement siding has become an increasingly popular alternative to wood siding or wood-based products due to its improved durability in harsh weather environments whether it be heat, indoor humidity, or cold weather outdoors. It is considered a green building material because of its durability and use of non-toxic ingredients.

What is Fiber Cement Siding Made Out of?

Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of materials, including cellulose fibers, sand, cement, and other additives. This specific blend of both natural and synthetic components results in an incredibly resilient material that is highly resistant to fire, impact damage, and even termites. It is UV resistant, resistant to high winds, and increases your home's curb appeal.

Plus it doesn't crack, peel or rot over time like some other siding options, adding to its lasting appeal. With fiber cement siding you can be sure the outside of your home will look great for years to come.

James Hardie Siding

The James Hardie Company created fiber cement siding that has become very popular in recent years for its durability. James Hardie fiber cement siding high-quality siding materials are designed to withstand the harshest of weather conditions and last for decades without any corrosion or rot from water.

It's also insect-proof and fire-resistant, making it one of the most widely used siding materials on the market. This type of siding is extremely low maintenance and can be quickly cleaned with a pressure washer if needed. Other benefits include energy efficiency, as well as sound absorption that fits almost any type of home design. 

How Long Fiber Cement Siding Lasts

Fiber cement siding is an increasingly popular exterior cladding material due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. It is a building material composed of wood fibers or cellulose fiber, a mix of cement and sand that creates a strong but lightweight material.

Fiber Cement Siding VS Other Siding Materials

Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie board siding, is one of the most durable and long-lasting home exterior solutions available. It is a highly weather-resistant material that can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, heavy rain, and other types of moisture penetration.When properly installed and regularly maintained, fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years or more. The siding installation is just as important as maintenance for a long life expectancy.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is generally a very durable and long-lasting solution for a home’s exterior. With proper maintenance, wood siding can last up to 40 years. 

In some cases, wood may need resurfacing or repairs after 20 or so years due to winter weather damage or insect infestation. If not maintained well, the siding will only last up to 15 years.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding can last a long time if properly taken care of, with some vinyl siding lasting as long as 40 years before replacement is necessary. To maximize this lifespan, vinyl siding needs to be cleaned regularly, around twice a year, or after any storm whose winds exceed 50 mph.

Regular maintenance also means checking for discoloration or warped panels or trim and replacing these on-site or through a vinyl siding company.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding, in the best-case scenario, should last up to 60 years before needing to be replaced. To ensure the aluminum lasts as long as possible and increases its lifespan, regular maintenance is required to cover any areas that may be exposed to damage from weather or other elements.

How to Maintain Your Fiber Cement Siding

Maintaining fiber cement siding is an essential part of preserving the longevity of the siding, curb appeal, and weather resistance and keeping it looking beautiful.

Regular inspections should be done to check for any water damage, cracking, or staining caused by moss, lichen, or algae growth. If any cracks have appeared, caulking or sealant should be applied to fill them in and prevent further water intrusion.

To clean the fiber cement siding, non-abrasive soap, and a power washer can be used if necessary but take caution and make sure to use a power washer with a low-psi, preferably below 1500 psi to prevent any damage from coming to your siding. A garden hose also works well. Use a medium bristle nylon brush to remove dirt from your siding and the water to rinse.

Additionally, it's important to regularly inspect for insect damages that may have caused holes in the material; these should be repaired as soon as possible with a masonry patching compound and paint. 

When to Replace Your Fiber Cement Siding

It is important to be proactive when it comes to maintaining your fiber cement siding, and replacing it at the right time can save you from larger repair bills later. You should consider replacing your fiber cement siding if you have damaged siding with large erosions or cracks in the boards, staples have started coming out of the seams, or you've noticed any mold growing on the siding surface.

These are clear indications that the material has outlived its usefulness and needs to be updated with a new layer of high-quality boards. Additionally, you should also get regular inspections done by an experienced contractor in order to identify any potential problems before they become too difficult to manage or new siding is needed prematurely.

Conclusion

So how long does fiber cement siding last? Fiber cement siding also known as James Hardie fiber cement siding or Hardie siding is an incredibly durable and long-lasting choice for a home’s exterior, with the potential to last up to 50 years or more.

To ensure fiber cement siding preserves a long life expectancy, regular inspections should be done and maintenance such as cleaning or applying new caulking to any cracks that have appeared must be carried out.

If fiber cement siding has been damaged beyond repair or large erosions are present in the boards, it may need replacing so that larger repairs can be avoided later on down the line. Overall, fiber cement siding provides homeowners with a resilient and attractive solution for their home's exteriors.

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