Clean fiber cement siding is more likely to reach the intended product lifespan than dusty and dirty siding. As with anything, when surface grime builds up over time, it can affect the appearance of the siding – and make it harder to get squeaky clean the next time you try.
The good news? Fiber cement siding for home exteriors is extremely easy to maintain. Unlike wood or vinyl, fiber cement siding can be kept clean with minimal effort. With that said, there are a few tips you should know about in order to avoid doing damage when cleaning and maintaining fiber cement.
Understanding the Basics of Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is a modern building material that relies on a unique blend of Portland cement, water, sand, and cellulose fibers in a precise formula. This particular composition is key to the ultimate strength and longevity of fiber cement. When crafted correctly, fiber cement delivers an unmatched performance that is more durable than many of the traditional siding materials on the market, and that resists common problems like rotting, warping, peeling, and denting.
Modern Material, Big Difference
Because of its enhanced durability, fiber cement is an ideal material for house siding. Its sheer strength allows it to resist surface damage easier, so hail and fallen tree branches become less worrisome. In a situation where hail might dent and ding aluminum siding, fiber cement remains strong and unaffected.
It’s not nearly as vulnerable to moisture damage and sun damage the way wood siding is, so fiber cement is capable of maintaining its original allure much easier.
Taking all of these compositional strengths into consideration, it’s no surprise that maintenance is significantly lower for fiber cement siding – one of the main reasons it’s so strongly sought after.
In addition to durability and strength, manufacturers who specialize in fiber cement house siding have come up with an abundance of fresh and modern designs, including the classics, like horizontal lap, board and batten, and shake. It can also be crafted with a smooth appearance or a wood grain-inspired pattern. The color is factory finished, so the fiber cement siding maintains its color consistency for a fantastic appearance.
Fiber Cement for House Siding and More
While it’s an ideal material for house siding, fiber cement comes in handy for many different elements of home design. House trim and soffit can also be crafted from fiber cement to provide better integrity and aesthetic quality. If you’re outfitting the home with fiber cement siding, it’s a great idea to pair it with fiber cement trim and soffit to keep the entire exterior protected and stylistically pleasing.
Fiber cement is also commonly used for backerboard. Because of its rigid strength and increased resistance to moisture damage, fiber cement backerboard tends to be a better choice than plywood. This modern material is used for much more than siding alone!
Maintenance Tips: How to Clean Fiber Cement Siding
Taking care of your fiber cement siding is easy! Nonetheless, here are a few simple tips.
1. Rinse the surface with plain water every 6-12 months.
A low-key cleaning twice a year – that’s not so bad!
2. Clean fiber cement siding from the top down.
This is a general cleaning tip that can help you save time. Surface dirt and grime will flow down the wall with the water, thanks to gravity, so be sure to start at the top.
3. Use the right tools.
Here’s where you get to make a big decision: garden hose or pressure-washer. If you rinse the siding with a garden hose, there’s not much else needed. But if you choose a pressure-washer, beware of this limitation:
- To clean fiber cement siding with a pressure washer – A pressure washer can help you cover more ground quickly, but applying too much pressure can actually do damage to your fiber cement siding. To reduce the risk of damage, stay at least 6 feet from the wall and keep the pressure below 1,500 psi.
4. Remove stubborn spots with a soft brush or cloth.
Most homeowners opt for a soft-bristle paint brush, horsehair brush, or chip brush.
5. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
To attack stubborn mold or mildew, create a mild detergent by mixing water with one of the following active ingredients: baking soda, bleach, or ammonia. After gentle scrubbing, rinse the surface with plain water.
Bonus Tips for Maximizing the Lifespan of Fiber Cement Siding
Here are a few extra tips that can help you maintain clean fiber cement siding at home.
- Bonus Tip #1 – Keep gutters and downspouts clean and functioning.
- Bonus Tip #2 – Trim nearby shrubs and trees so vegetation is not in contact with siding.
- Bonus Tip #3 – Keep sprinkler systems adjusted properly to avoid excess moisture.
Explore a Variety of Fiber Cement Siding Styles with Allura
Allura specializes in crafting durable, long-lasting fiber cement siding, soffit, and trim. In addition to being low-maintenance, Allura has an abundance of colors and styles to choose from. Whether you love the traditional look of horizontal lap with wood grain-inspired patterns or you prefer smooth architectural panels for a contemporary aesthetic, Allura crafts a wide variety of beautiful fiber cement siding products for the home.
Find your new favorite siding style! Contact Allura today to explore fresh designs and colors – all crafted from fiber cement.
