The time has come for you to remodel that old house of yours and you are wanting to start with the exterior. It’s original siding is wood and you really like the look of that so you are wondering about the cost of replacing it with more wood due to the fact that it has rotted out in many areas due to the changes in the weather as well as termites and other bugs that seem to like your wooden house as well. Or, should you just go ahead and replace all that old wood with vinyl siding? After all, you have heard that the vinyl siding is much easier to maintain and you really like the idea of that.
Then while doing your research you hear of another product that has been on the market for some 25 odd years and you think that surely if it has been around that long, it has to be good as well. So in your research, you find that it is quite a bit more expensive than your traditional vinyl – yet you also learn that it will far outlast the vinyl and the maintenance is much less. Fiber cement siding has a texture simulating wood grain and may be laid horizontally, vertically, or in the form of shingles.
You have heard of Hardie board siding and learned that it is a brand of cement board siding. Even though it is more expensive than your traditional vinyl siding, keep in mind that it won’t rot or crack, it resists damage from rain, hail and other flying debris and is flame resistant. It also resists mold and mildew. It also has a limited, transferable warranty for up to 50 years. You will also find that cement siding comes smooth and plain or if you like the look of a simulated wood grain or even stucco look, that too is available. It also comes pre-primed and ready to paint or you can find it pre-painted or pre-colored. When the time comes to clean it, all you need is a power washer to easily get rid of dirt or insect nests and debris. Painting only needs to be done every 10 to 15 years verses every 2-4 years with your wood and vinyl sidings.
Installation may be a little challenging and may require the help of some one who knows a little bit about it and will probably take longer than your traditional vinyl or wood sidings. Yet it can be installed with just a cement nail gun and some caulking. So while cement board siding may be more costly than vinyl or wood siding, remember to keep in mind that it will last much longer, has much less maintenance and is the first thing that people see when they are driving buy yours home and will leave them with a really good first impression of your home. Cement board siding can also be used in your kitchen and bathrooms for a different and unique look.