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Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance (Homeowner’s Guide)

This fiber cement siding maintenance guide is tailored to your needs.

If you’ve chosen fiber cement siding for your home, you’ve made a great decision! This siding is strong, looks great, and can handle the tough weather we get here in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

However, to keep it looking good and working well, it needs some regular care. Don’t worry—maintaining your siding isn’t hard! Just follow this step-by-step guide.

fiber cement siding maintenance

Regular Cleaning is Key

Keeping your fiber cement siding clean is the easiest way to maintain it. Over time, dirt, dust, and even mildew can build up, making your siding look dull. Here’s how to clean it:

  1. Rinse with Water: Use a garden hose to wash off loose dirt and dust. Don’t use a pressure washer—it can be too powerful and might damage the siding.

  2. Gently Scrub: For any stubborn dirt, mix a little soap with water. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the siding in circles.

  3. Rinse Again: After scrubbing, rinse off the soap with water.

  4. Check for Mildew: If you see any mildew (which looks like black spots), mix one part bleach with three parts water. Apply it to the spots, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Inspect and Repair Caulking

Caulking is the material that seals the gaps around your windows, doors, and other joints to keep water out. Over time, caulking can crack or peel, which can let water get behind the siding and cause damage. Here’s what to do:

  1. Inspect Once a Year: Every year, take a look at the caulking around your windows, doors, and other edges. If you see cracks or gaps, it’s time to reapply.

  2. Reapply Caulking: If needed, scrape out the old caulking and put in new caulking. This will keep your home sealed up tight against the elements.

Address Paint Issues Promptly

The paint on your fiber cement siding can last a long time, but eventually, you might see some areas where the paint starts to fade or peel. Here’s how to handle it:

  1. Touch Up Small Areas: If you notice a small chip or peel, lightly sand the area, clean it, and then apply a matching exterior paint.

  2. Repaint If Necessary: If large areas are affected, or if the paint is more than 15 years old, it might be time to repaint the whole house. Use a high-quality exterior paint that’s made for fiber cement siding.

  3. Check for Moisture: Sometimes, peeling paint means there’s moisture behind the siding. If you see a lot of peeling, look for signs of water damage.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

In Southeastern Wisconsin, we deal with all kinds of weather—hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of storms. Your fiber cement siding is tough, but you still need to keep an eye on it, especially after rough weather.

  1. Inspect After Storms: After a big storm, walk around your house and check your siding for cracks, dents, or loose boards. Fixing these problems quickly can prevent bigger issues later.

     

  2. Trim Nearby Plants: Make sure trees and bushes aren’t too close to your siding. Plants can hold moisture against the siding, which can cause problems over time. This is why trimming them is one of the most important fiber cement siding maintenance tasks!

     

  3. Manage Snow and Ice: In winter, keep snow and ice from piling up against your siding. Constant exposure to moisture isn’t good, even for tough materials like fiber cement.

Get Professional Help

While you can do a lot of the fiber cement siding maintenance yourself, it’s a good idea to have a professional perform an inspection every now and then. They can spot issues that you might miss and give your siding the care it needs.

  1. Bi-Annual Check-Up: Consider having the experts inspect your siding at least twice a year. They can catch any problems early and help you keep your siding in top shape.

  2. Professional Cleaning and Painting: If your siding needs a deep clean or a new coat of paint, call in the best siding contractors Mt Pleasant and the nearby areas has to ensure it’s done right.

Call Us for All Your Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance Needs!

At M & L Siding and Services, we’re here to keep your Southeastern Wisconsin home looking its best. Whether you need a quick inspection, siding repairs, or a full makeover, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to inquire or to schedule your service. Let us be your go-to team for all your siding needs!

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