Tips for Maintaining Fiber Cement Siding

How to maintain your fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding has become a very popular siding option since its conception. The siding is comprised of a sand, wood, and cement mixture. Fiber cement is admired because it is eco-friendly and achieves a natural wood texture without the pitfalls of wood siding.

Though the siding has become popular for its low maintenance demands, it can still wear down over time. Check out Keystone’s tips for maintaining fiber cement siding to make it last even longer than its predicted life expectancy of 50 to 60 years.

Evaluate the Caulking Frequently

Moisture is one of home siding’s number one enemies. While fiber cement siding is highly resistant to moisture, it can still get damaged by excess condensation and leaks. Waterproof caulking is often placed where siding joins other parts of the home as a kind of sealant.

Check on the caulking to ensure it’s still in good shape. Since it serves as a moisture barrier for your siding and home, you want to keep it as maintained as possible. Minor gaps and cracks can get repaired simply by smoothing more caulk over them.
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Keep Gutters and Downspouts in Good Condition

Another step to prevent moisture from causing home exterior troubles is to keep up with gutters and downspout maintenance. They divert rainwater away from your home to prevent any water issues. You should be extra attentive to these home features in the spring and winter when the weather is more likely to leave debris.

Pro Tip: Gutters, at minimum, should be cleaned twice a year. Be sure to check your downspouts and gutters after a storm. At Keystone, we offer a home gutter services to help with maintaining or replacing your gutters.
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Avoid Mold by Cleaning

Mold and mildew thrive on dirty siding surfaces. These contaminants can eat away at siding paint and eventually spread into more of your household’s structure, putting you and your family’s health at risk.

Using a pressure washer, spray your siding from top to bottom. A little dish soap may be useful if there is ample debris and dirt.

Pro Tip: Check the siding manufacturer’s guide to see whether a low-pressure spray is recommended for cleaning. More delicate finishes may react poorly to a highly pressurized wash.

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Call Repair Professionals as Necessary

Not every home repair or replacement is a DIY project, nor should it be considered as such. Though fiber cement siding outperforms most wood, metal, and vinyl, it is still susceptible to damage from harsh environmental factors.

If your siding chips or you notice its performance has faltered, give Keystone Siding and Windows a call. We specialize in siding installation and replacement services to maximize any home exterior’s quality.