When it comes to home renovation projects, there are a few things almost all homeowners care about. These include the quality of their chosen materials, the overall cost of the job, and how much regular maintenance will be required. If you are planning on having new siding installed on your home in the near future, upkeep is probably one of the foremost issues on your mind – very few people have time to dedicate to serious siding maintenance.
Fortunately, there is one product that requires almost zero upkeep once it is installed. The James Hardie Company’s fiber cement siding is among the best options on the market today. Consumers love this material not only for its visual appeal and longevity – it can last for well over 50 years – but for its low-maintenance needs, as well.
As you continue reading, you’ll discover some of the key reasons why James Hardie fiber cement siding requires such little upkeep after it has been hung.
It is resistant to inclement weather.
One of the main things that can damage many of the most popular types of siding, including vinyl and aluminum, is inclement weather. This can be especially problematic for homeowners who live in the Coastal Carolina region where hurricanes can wreak havoc.
Luckily, fiber cement is specially engineered to withstand all sorts of weather, including hurricane-force winds, hail, and other types of precipitation that would harm other types of siding.
It is resistant to flames.
For many families, the idea of a housefire is among the most horrific things they can imagine. And, most types of exterior cladding do little – if anything at all – to help stop flames from spreading. Fiber cement, though, is different. This type of siding actually is actually fire-resistant, giving your local fire department time to respond to the scene before the damage is beyond repair.
It is resistant to insects and vermin.
In Southeastern U.S. states like North Carolina and South Carolina, insect and vermin infestations are a serious concern. One of the best ways to prevent them – and to ensure that you won’t have to repair damaged siding down the road – is to choose fiber cement. This material is not able to be penetrated by termites, woodpeckers, mice, and other common pests.
Is there any maintenance at all?
It is important to note that, while fiber cement siding is virtually maintenance-free, it is still smart to both visually inspect and clean it twice per year – most homeowners do this at the beginning of spring and the beginning of fall. You can clean fiber cement using a scrub brush and gentle detergent mixed with water.
It is important to note that fiber cement does not always stand up well to power washing and you should only have your home’s exterior power washed with caution and at a pressure below 1500 PSI.
If you are sold on James Hardie brand fiber cement siding for your upcoming project, but you still want to know more about the benefits of this increasingly popular material, contact the Hatch Homes team at any time. We are here to help you with every aspect of your exterior renovation.