How to Maintain Fiber Cement Siding

The siding of your house is a material that covers and protects. It can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, stone, fiber cement and other substances. Siding decorates a house with interesting textures and colorful paint options. Siding also helps reduce damage from insects and the effects of weather. Fiber cement siding, specifically, is made from sand, cement and cellulose fibers, giving you a very durable product.

The siding of a house affects your home’s value. Well-maintained siding protects the home’s structure and keeps it beautiful also. Before beginning a maintenance routine, your fiber cement siding needs to be set up with care and in consideration of environmental effects.

• Make sure you have working, clear gutters and downspouts to properly direct rainwater.
• Minimize having bushes, shrubs, small trees and any vegetation directly up against the house.
• Sprinklers should be directed away from the house. Doing so will prevent oversaturation and water spotting on the siding.
• If you live in a climate that gets snow and ice, avoid having deicing salt come into contact with the fiber cement siding. Consider alternatives to salt for areas directly against the house.
• External ground clearances should be maintained to around six inches.
• Drainage slopes should be kept in good condition.

Every house should undergo regular maintenance, but how often depends on geography, sun exposure, weather norms, and even the landscaping. In general, fiber cement siding should be washed every six months to a year to maintain your curb appeal.

• Start from the top, work your way down and work in small sections. This helps cleaned areas stay clean as you go.
• Spray down the siding with a low-pressure water spray from a garden hose first to remove any loose particles or dirt.
• Using gentle motions, along with a soft brush or a soft, wet cloth, clean from side to side.
• If stains don’t disappear easily, use a mild detergent to lift them.
• Note: When using any type of cleaner, test a small hidden area to ensure there is no discoloration to the siding.
• If your siding has been painted after installation, follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for washing.
• Using a pressure washer is possible if precautions are taken. Use a wide fan tip, spray from six feet away or more, and don’t use pressure higher than 1500 psi.
• Many fiber cement manufacturers have maintenance guides available as well.

Fiber cement siding normally has a painted finish, whether it was done before or after installation. In either case, the paint coating will have normal wear and tear, and it will need to be addressed occasionally.

• If your siding has a factory finish, use the factory supplied touch-up kits if available.
• If your siding was painted after installation, follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for applying new paint or doing any touch-ups.

Tip: Stains, oil-based or alkyd paints must not be used on fiber cement products.

Caulking can also wear down over time. Therefore it is important to reapply when you notice any deterioration. Caulking is necessary to keep water and moisture from getting into the structure. Pay close attention to areas like flashings, penetrations, plank and trim connections and plank joints. If you notice tiny chips, dents, cracks and similar damage, use cementitious patching compound to fill them.