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Cost of Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie board or Hardi plank, is rot, insect, and fire-resistant. It resists salt air and can handle high winds. Its noncombustible qualities make it ideal in arid locales.
This heavy-duty siding looks similar to brick and natural stone but outperforms them in durability. However, its installation requires specialized skills and tools. Hiring a professional at Charleston Advanced Siding Repair ensures that the project goes smoothly and is completed on time.
Several factors affect the cost of fiber cement siding. These include the initial installation and ongoing maintenance costs. Homeowners can save money by purchasing their siding in bulk at a warehouse. They can also purchase prepainted siding, which lasts longer than DIY paint jobs. They can also save by hiring professional installers and avoiding rush orders, which cause prices to spike. Additionally, homeowners can avoid additional charges by removing the existing siding themselves before the new installation begins.
Cement fiber siding is a popular alternative to wood siding for its durability, beauty, and low maintenance requirements. It resists rot, fire, insect infestation, and hail damage better than most other siding materials. Its manufacturers also offer 30- to 50-year warranties for their products.
While the composition of fiber cement siding varies from company to company, most manufacturers use Portland cement, sand, and cellulose (wood) fibers in their product. The use of cellulose fibers helps prevent cracking and reduce moisture content. Some companies also use a special curing process to ensure the product is completely dry before shipping.
The most well-known brand of fiber cement siding is HardiePlank, produced by James Hardie Industries. It is a popular choice for residential properties and comes in a variety of colors and shapes. It is relatively expensive, but it is a durable material that will last the lifetime of the house. It also requires very little maintenance, including no staining or repainting.
While these sidings are durable and attractive, they can be difficult to install. They are heavy and must be cut to fit the structure. This can require the use of pneumatic or handheld shears, a dust-reducing circular saw, and a miter saw. It is important to wear a face mask when cutting the material, as it can release silica dust into the air.
Fiber cement siding can be expensive to install but less costly than vinyl or aluminum siding. However, it is still more expensive than wood siding. Homeowners can save money by purchasing the siding in bulk from a warehouse or buying it online. They can also save by choosing a standard color instead of painting the siding themselves.
Durability
Cement siding is a solid, durable, class A fire-resistant material that resists harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures, hail, and heavy winds. Unlike vinyl, it doesn’t buckle under these conditions. It is also mold- and insect-proof, rot-proof, salt-resistant, and has a high degree of durability in terms of impact resistance.
Fiber cement products from companies like James Hardie offer a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures. They come in lap siding, shake shingles, large panels, trim boards, and other elements. These can be painted or pre-finished, and they can be installed either as cladding or accents on other types of materials. They can even be used to add a stone, brick, or stucco look.
In addition to being highly durable, fiber cement is also a very green product. The cellulose fibers in it are not derived from endangered trees, and no toxic substances are used in its production. It is also made specifically for various climates, so it can withstand severe heat, high humidity, and frost.
Unlike wood, steel, and aluminum siding, fiber cement can stand up to a variety of environmental factors. It is not vulnerable to rust, and it can withstand severe hailstorms, which can cause damage to other types of exterior materials. Additionally, it is not affected by UV rays and has a high level of impact resistance.
Its durability and strength also make it a good choice for cladding soffits, trim planks, and other areas of the home that need additional protection. It can be installed in a wide variety of different architectural styles, including ranch-style homes, Cape Cod cottages, and other historic home designs.
One of the drawbacks of this material is that it can be difficult to install. It’s heavier than vinyl, and if it’s not properly installed, it can crack or break. It’s also important to use special saw blades and a respirator mask when installing it, as cutting fiber cement releases respirable crystalline silica. Additionally, it’s a poor choice for very high-wind locations, as its weight could cause the house to become unstable and dangerous.
Installation
Cement siding is a durable, long-lasting material that can add a lot to the curb appeal of your home. However, installing this product requires a great deal of knowledge and skills. It is best to hire a professional if you aren’t confident in your ability to install fiber cement siding on your own. In addition, this type of siding is heavy and can pose many challenges during installation. It’s also quite dusty when cut, which can be hazardous to your health if not properly ventilated.
Fiber cement cladding is an environmentally friendly alternative to wood siding, as it uses recycled or reclaimed wood for its components. It is also non-combustible, and has excellent fire resistance. It is a popular choice for homeowners in high bushfire-prone areas. Fiber cement cladding is also available in a range of styles to complement your home’s style.
The composition of fiber cement siding varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the basic recipe includes Portland cement, sand, and cellulose (wood) fibers. This allows it to withstand the elements and other hazards, such as insects and noise pollution. Its durability is backed by manufacturers’ warranties of 30 to 50 years.
While fiber cement siding is a relatively new product in the building industry, it’s a smart option for homes. It’s stronger than vinyl and has a more authentic appearance. It’s easy to clean and resists rot, mold, and termites. It’s also non-combustible, and resists heat and frost.
Whether you’re looking for a stucco accent or a stone-clad cottage, fiber cement siding is the perfect choice. You can also use it to clad your entire home. It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and can even mimic the look of brick or stucco. Plus, it’s a green building material that can help you earn LEED points and credits.
Maintenance
Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance option that closely mimics the look of natural wood and comes in painted or unpainted options. It has a class 1A fire rating, is impervious to moisture and rot and is not susceptible to damage from salt or ultraviolet rays. It also is not appealing to woodpeckers and termites, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional wood siding.
If you choose an unpainted option, you’ll need to repaint every 5 to 12 years. If you opt for a prepainted product, most manufacturers offer a “no-crack, no-peel” guarantee that lasts 15 years.
The cement mixed into each piece of fiber cement siding makes it very strong, which helps it resist storms, high winds, hail and other weather events without damage. However, just like any other material, it requires some upkeep. Checking the exterior of your home regularly for mold and mildew, especially in dark areas behind gutters or walls that don’t get much sun, is important. You can typically remove the buildup with a gentle store-bought cleaner that’s safe for use on fiber cement siding and a scrub brush. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the maximum pressure you can safely spray.
If any sections of the siding have a ding or dent, you can repair it by applying a caulking compound that’s compatible with the product. Deeper dents and chips can be filled with patching compounds. Inspect the caulking yearly to ensure there are no cracks and replace any.
The Importance of Air Conditioning Service
An excellent way to ensure the efficient functioning of your HVAC system is to perform regular maintenance. Aside from cleaning and inspecting ductwork, you should check the coil and evaporator fins and change the refrigerant oil if needed. Proper care is essential for extending the life of your air conditioning equipment and reducing your cooling bill. 
Air conditioning service can prevent your air conditioner from breaking down prematurely and inconveniently during summer. Regular maintenance will also help you avoid costly repairs. Frequent inspections will also allow your HVAC technician to detect any longer-term problems that need attention. In some cases, you may even be required to have preventative maintenance performed to keep your warranty valid.
The first step in maintenance is to check for electrical connections. A faulty connection can cause major parts to fail prematurely. It is also important to lubricate moving parts, as this reduces the friction in motors and saves electricity. Additionally, you should check the condensate drain to ensure it is not plugged. This can result in water damage in your home, and it can also affect indoor humidity levels.
If you’re experiencing problems, a professional technician can quickly diagnose and fix them so you don’t have to deal with them alone. A trained technician will conduct an overall inspection of your system to make sure that it is operating efficiently. The technician will also check the belts, ducts, and refrigerant. They will also lubricate ports and check the thermostat.
A technician can check for leaks in several ways. One way is to use a fluorescent dye that circulates throughout the system. The dye is a bright yellow-green color and can help the technician locate the leak. However, the technician must use a dye with the manufacturer’s approval. Otherwise, it can damage the air conditioning system.
Another way to check for leaks is to perform an air tightness test. This method uses a special fitting that is heated with a propane flame. The technician placed this fitting on the area suspected to leak. The leaky pipe then presses up the flame, which turns green. This method is effective for finding even small leaks. However, it can be a painstaking process.
To maintain your air conditioning system, cleaning the condenser is an important part of maintenance. Debris is sucked into the condenser when it’s running. This debris causes your air conditioner to malfunction and prematurely fail. While you may be tempted to try and clean the condenser yourself, you should call a professional air conditioning repair technician to perform the service. A trained technician will remove the top of the condenser and wash out the debris from the inside.
Regularly cleaning the condenser during air conditioning service will help ensure that your air conditioning system is working efficiently and that it won’t need to operate overtime. Cleaning the condenser will prevent your system from developing any major breakdowns and extend its life. If you have an older unit, cleaning it will save you money and time.
A dirty condenser will make your air conditioner work less efficiently, costing you more money. It would be best if you also remembered to clean the fins and coils of the condenser during your air conditioning service. These components can be clogged with pollen, dirt, and dust. If you’re cleaning the condenser yourself, you should be at least three feet away from the air conditioner. Wear rubber gloves and protective clothing to protect your skin and your hands.
Getting regular service for your air conditioning unit is important. You may not realize it, but your system is more vulnerable to malfunction if it’s not properly maintained. The parts inside your ac system can be easily damaged if they become rusted or corroded. It would be best if you had a professional inspect your system to ensure its safety and reliability. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment and improve its efficiency by as much as 30%.
When choosing an air conditioning service company, ask about the warranty policy. A limited warranty covers most HVAC systems. This warranty can cover most of the repair or replacement costs. Be sure to read the terms of the warranty and follow them to the letter. If you do not understand what the warranty includes, ask the service provider to explain it before signing the contract. Likewise, register your HVAC system, as this helps you keep your warranty intact.
Several factors can affect the cost of air conditioning service. One of the most important is the general condition of your AC. This is because proper maintenance is essential for the efficiency of your AC. Clogged vents and dirty ducts decrease the efficiency of your system and can even cause the motor to wear out more quickly. Poor maintenance can lead to an expensive tune-up down the road.
Air conditioning service costs are also affected by the complexity of the system. A technician will require time to service the system. A technician may charge less for a job that requires a high level of expertise. It would be best if you also were careful about hiring the cheapest bidder. A cheap bidder may be desperate for a job and may not have enough experience.