No matter where you live in North Carolina or South Carolina, you probably experience your fair share of hot weather. Even the most mountainous North Carolina regions, where the winter season can be cold, typically have hot, humid summers. South Carolinians even tend to have mild winters and begin to experience humidity in the early spring, in many cases.
If you’re thinking about doing an exterior renovation project on your Carolina home, taking the local weather into consideration is key. Certain construction materials perform better in certain climates, so if you’re looking for a long-term solution for your home, researching all of your options first is crucial. Fiber cement siding — a relative newcomer to the residential cladding industry — is an especially good option for humid climates, like those in the Southeastern United States. Here’s why.
Fiber cement performs well in summer
Whether you’re a native Carolinian or a transplant from another American region, it doesn’t take long to realize that summers are the hottest and most humid time of year. One of the biggest benefits of fiber cement is that it performs very well during the summer season — the same cannot be said for most other siding materials.
Wood, for example, can shrink and expand as the weather changes. This can lead to problems. When wood siding boards shrink in colder weather — or even overnight in the mountains — they can leave gaps that are large enough for vermin, insects, and water to seep through. When the boards expand during the humid daytime hours, however, they can begin to crack and warp. Neither of these are good things.
Vinyl siding also isn’t ideal for extremely humid climates, particularly when the humidity is coupled with well-above-average temperatures, which definitely happens in many Carolina regions during the summer months. Hot weather, coupled with damp air, can lead vinyl siding boards to crack.
Fiber cement can withstand high wind speeds
This point is especially pertinent for those who reside in coastal Carolina areas where hurricanes hit from time to time. Most siding materials, including wood and vinyl, do not withstand hurricane-force winds. Fiber cement, however, is able to. This makes it a particularly appealing option for homeowners who reside near the Atlantic Ocean.
Even if you live in inland North Carolina or South Carolina, though, having wind-resistant cladding on your home is never a bad thing! Even if a severe thunderstorm hits your area, you will have peace of mind that you and your family are protected.
It is visually appealing
Fiber cement is available in a wide range of colors and styles — its paint is baked on, which means it doesn’t fade nearly as quickly as some other forms of siding. Furthermore, no matter what your personal style is, there’s a James Hardie fiber cement product for you, from ultra-contemporary fiber cement boards to truly classic board-and-batten options.
If you are thinking that fiber cement just might be right for you, call the Hatch Homes team today for a no-obligation quote!