California homeowners have a lot to deal with — heat, sun exposure, keeping the house cool, and maintaining curb appeal that can keep up with the competitive California market. Many types of siding options can’t perform with excellence in all areas, however, there is one siding choice that can.
Fiber cement offers big advantages for property owners on the West Coast, because it excels in all areas that are critical for long-lasting reliability in the Golden State. Aesthetics, durability, and fire resistance — fiber cement siding is manufactured with a comprehensive quality that homeowners can be confident in.
Not sure what fiber cement can offer and how it stacks up against other materials? Let’s take a look!
Common Siding Issues in California
California has been devastated by wildfires in recent years, and a lot of that has to do with the dry air and elevated temperatures that create the ideal conditions for a fire to spark and spread. Structures built from flammable materials, like wood and vinyl, are particularly at risk of catching fire and allowing it to spread quickly when exposed to open flames. Having fire-resistant siding can dramatically slow down the spread of fire when a fire picks up. In some cases, this delay can give homeowners extra time that can make a big difference in saving lives and property.
Even in parts of the state that aren’t as prone to wildfires, traditional materials lack performance. Sun exposure and heat can cause blistering, warping, and cracking across wood siding panels. Consistent sun exposure can also cause paint colors to fade, significantly affecting curb appeal and property value.
With the red-hot housing market in California, style plays a big role in how desirable a property is and how much it can be rented for or listed for sale. Many traditional siding materials have outdated looks that lack the creativity and versatility of modern materials like fiber cement. No one wants to play it safe with a cookie-cutter home anymore. People value character and cutting-edge design, and they want those values reflected in their property’s exterior.
Best Siding for California Homes
Fiber cement is the best siding choice for homes in California for several reasons. Rather than being the best in one category, fiber cement outperforms traditional building materials in nearly every home improvement and design element.
First, fiber cement is fire-resistant, which is incredibly valuable in California. Due to its unique composition of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding material has a Class A Fire Rating, which means it’s a great choice for homeowners looking for an edge against hot, dry conditions that are prone to spark fires.
Another advantage that fiber cement offers to Californians is the incredible aesthetic potential found in its wide range of colors and designs. Not only are there an abundance of colors and design styles to choose from, but fiber cement siding is carefully produced in a way that the color consistency lasts much longer.
Wood, aluminum, and vinyl siding may need to be repainted every few years to address faded splotches from sun exposure; however, fiber cement siding keeps its gorgeous color with minimal maintenance. The prefinished colors are available on the market, so it’s easy to find replacement panels that match the existing color.
Durable Siding, Attractive Designs
The practical performance of fiber cement siding makes it an easy choice for property owners in California. Fiber cement also has the aesthetic strength to appeal to a wide range of designers. The combination of design, long-lasting durability and low-maintenance needs makes fiber cement an all-around top choice, from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Lap siding and board and batten siding are great, classic exterior styles that look exquisite in residential areas of California. Fiber cement shake can create either a woodsy, cabin-style exterior (perfect for homes near the redwood forests) or a refreshing beachy look, depending on the color tone and implementation. Plus, homes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other metropolitan areas can get an urban-chic style with sleek fiber cement paneling.
Considering all the unique challenges of California weather and terrain, fiber cement siding is a smart choice for getting a durable, long-lasting exterior that will maintain its aesthetic appearance with minimal maintenance.
Ready to explore the options for your California property? Contact Allura to discover all the fiber cement siding options available, including extensive color and design selections that offer endless possibilities.
