With warm, wet summers and freezing, snowy and windy winters, the Upper Midwest is no stranger to extreme weather. When considering which type of siding to add to your property, you may be happy to know that fiber cement is an ideal choice for this demanding climate.
Fiber cement is a composite blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, which is what gives it its exceptional strength and dimensional stability. But it’s fiber cement’s ability to withstand even the harshest weather that puts it head and shoulders above other materials. It can mimic the appearance and texture of anything from wood to stucco so you can get the look of a classic style while taking advantage of the benefits of modern technology.
You would think that James Hardie fiber cement was created specifically for the challenging Minnesota climate! Ideal for cold winters and hurricane-force winds and equally so for hot summers that bring lots of rainfall, it’s fire and insect resistant and keeps moisture damage at bay. Let’s explore some more benefits of fiber cement siding for your property.
1. Ideal For Our Climate
Fiber cement siding does very well in most climates, particularly ones with extreme temperature changes going from hot and humid in summer to cold and snowy in winter. It resists cold, ice, snow and rain, as well as moisture. You can’t say the same for wood siding! On top of that, termites can’t invade it because of its sand and cement composition.
2. Variety of Trim and Accessories
Fiber cement also comes in many sizes and styles so you will be sure to complement your multi-family property nicely. Choose from planks of wood-grain or smooth finishes, or widths of between four and 12 inches. This is a strong point, as it’s easy to match existing siding when adding additional units to your property or community in the future.
3. Low Maintenance
No property owner wants to be tasked with worrying about big siding maintenance chores. You’re a busy person! But with fiber cement, there is little upkeep required so you don’t have to worry about cleaning, maintaining and repairing your fiber cement siding throughout the year.
4. Fade-Resistant Color
You can get fiber cement in a wide variety of colors that resist fading over time. This color retention is a big selling point for HOAs in particular that have to ensure consistency of color and style throughout the entire property for years to come. You get a vibrant appearance whether it’s the first year or the tenth.
5. Property Value and Curb Appeal
When considering adding siding to your home you want to choose a material that boosts your curb appeal and property value. It’s got a pretty good ROI too, at about 70 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine. Yes, you will pay more initially to install fiber cement, which can be daunting to a cash-aware property owner with lots of bills to pay.
However, it will pay you back in spades over the long term due to its long lifespan, high quality and low maintenance needs. Plus, prospective buyers may be willing to pay a bit more for fiber cement-sided homes, potentially increasing your selling price.
Contact Allstar Construction and Maintenance for Fiber Cement Siding
Allstar Construction and Maintenance specializes in exterior maintenance and siding for multi-family or HOA properties. For a free roofing estimate contact us at 952-234-9995.
