When it comes to the siding for your home, there are a lot of things to consider. What kind of siding should you have installed? Wood? Brick? Stone? Or maybe something else entirely? If you’re looking for a durable and affordable solution to your siding needs, than fiber-cement siding may be the option for you, but watch out for the downsides before you have a professional siding company install it.
Here’s What You Should Know Before Having Fiber-Cement Siding Installed:
There are a lot of options on the market for siding, so how do you pick the best one for your home and needs? One of the most popular choices in recent years has been fiber-cement siding and for good reason. Fiber-cement siding is durable, low-maintenance, and can even mimic the look of wood siding which makes it a great cheap alternative.
But before you decide to have a professional siding company in canton, Michigan install fiber-cement siding on your home, there are a few potential problems you should be aware of beforehand. Here’s 8 commonly known issues you might encounter with fiber-cement siding:
1. The Cost Of Fiber-Cement Siding Can Be High:
Fiber-cement siding is not cheap. In fact, it can be up to four times more expensive than other types of siding, such as vinyl siding. If you’re on a tight budget, fiber-cement siding might not be the best option for your home. Vinyl siding is a great cheaper alternative, so if you’re looking for a cheaper siding that’s durable than vinyl siding may be your best bet.
2. Fiber-Cement Siding Is A Bit Heavy:
Fiber-cement siding is also heavier than other types of siding. This weight can put stress on your home’s structure, which could lead to long-term problems down the road if you aren’t careful. A better alternative to fiber-cement is vinyl siding in this situation.
3. Installation Costs Of Fiber-Cement Siding Is Expensive:
Fiber-cement siding must be installed by a professional siding expert. And because it’s so heavy, special equipment is required to install it properly. This means that the installation process can be both complicated and expensive for the homeowner.
4. Maintenance Is Higher Than Other Siding Materials:
Fiber-cement siding requires more maintenance than other types of siding. It needs to be painted every five to seven years, and any cracks or chips need to be repaired immediately to prevent further damage such as water damage and leaks.
5. Fiber-Cement Can Be Less Durable Than Other Siding Materials:
While fiber-cement siding is fairly durable, it’s not indestructible. It can be damaged by high winds, flying debris, or even hail stones. And once it’s damaged, it can be difficult (and expensive) to repair.
6. Fiber-Cement Tends To Expand And Contract:
Because fiber-cement siding is made from Portland cement, it is susceptible to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity levels. This can cause cracking and warping over time.
7. Colors Can Begin Fading:
Fiber-cement siding can fade over time due to sunlight exposure. If you live in an area with intense sunlight, this might not be the best type of siding for your home since it will require more frequent painting to maintain its color.
8. Potential Health Hazards From Fiber-Cement Siding:
Finally, fiber-cement siding may contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. These can be dangerous to both your health and the environment if not properly handled and disposed of.
Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of the potential problems associated with fiber-cement siding. While it can be an attractive and durable option for your home, there are a few things to consider before investing in this type of siding. If you’re still interested in fiber-cement siding, then make sure to hire a professional siding company to install it for you.
Conclusion:
Fiber-cement siding can be an attractive and durable option for your home, but it’s important to consider all the potential drawbacks before investing in this type of siding. From its cost, weight, installation and maintenance to potential health hazards from asbestos and other hazardous materials, there are a few things to consider when deciding if fiber-cement siding is the best option for your home. Do your research to make sure that fiber-cement siding is right for your home.