Thinking about Cement Siding for your Lawrence home? Lawrence Siding Pros will guide you through the whole process: what to know before, during, and after the job, and when it makes sense to bring in the professionals.
Thinking About Cement Siding? Here is What You Need to Know
Cement Siding, which is often called Fiber Cement, is a solid option for homes right here in Lawrence. It is tough, looks good, and can really stand up to our Kansas weather, including scorching summers and icy winters. This material is durable, fire-resistant, and does not rot or get eaten by bugs, which is an important benefit. It also holds paint very well, so you will not be repainting every few years like with some other materials.
The main drawback is that it is heavy and it is expensive upfront. You are looking at a bigger investment than vinyl, but it usually pays off in longevity and curb appeal for your Lawrence property.
Before the Project: Planning and Preparation
First, decide if Cement Siding is right for your house in Lawrence. Fiber Cement Siding is a composite material made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It is designed to look like traditional wood or masonry but offers better resistance to moisture, pests, and weather-related damage.
DIY Preparation You Can Handle
- Research Styles: Fiber Cement comes in many styles, including lap siding, shakes, and vertical panels. Look at homes in areas like Old West Lawrence or Pinckney to see what looks good on older or newer construction. This can give you some ideas for what you like.
- Budgeting: Get a rough idea of material costs. Fiber Cement Siding material costs alone can range from about $0.70 to $15 per square foot. When professionally installed, you are usually looking at $8 to $15 per square foot, with total project costs for a typical home in Lawrence often ranging from $14,000 to $30,000. Do not forget accessories like trim, caulk, and paint.
- Clear the Area: This is a very important step. You can absolutely do this yourself. Move all your patio furniture, grills, planters, and anything else away from the house. Trim back bushes and trees that are too close to the structure. You will need at least three feet of clear space all around the foundation for the crew to work safely and efficiently. Also, make sure sprinklers are directed away from the house to prevent oversaturation.
- Surface Preparation (Limited): If you are just doing a small repair, you can clean the area yourself. Use a pressure washer or scrub brush with a mild detergent to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking. If there is mildew, a bleach solution can help. Make sure the surface is completely dry before any work begins.
When to Call a Professional (Installation)
We are all for DIY projects, but installing Fiber Cement Siding is not like hanging a picture. It is heavy, which makes it difficult to handle and install correctly. It also requires specialized tools for cutting and precise techniques to make sure it fits properly. Cutting this material generates silica dust, which is harmful if inhaled, so you need proper ventilation and respirators. Improper installation can lead to moisture problems, voided warranties, and costly repairs later on. A lot can go wrong, and you want it done right, especially with our humid summers and wet springs here in Kansas. Hiring a professional contractor, like us at Lawrence Siding Pros, makes sure it is installed correctly and your warranty stays valid.
During the Project: What to Expect
If you are hiring a professional, they will handle most of this work, but it is good to know what is happening. They will start by preparing the walls, which usually means attaching sheathing and a weather-resistant barrier, also known as house wrap, to protect against moisture. This step is important for preventing issues down the road. They will also install a starter strip and make sure the first row is perfectly level, because any mistake there will affect every row above it. Panels are installed from the bottom up, overlapping each other to shed water. Proper fastening is key; nails should not be too deep or too shallow.
If you are doing small repairs yourself, remember to wear a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves if you are cutting or drilling. Use rust-resistant nails, such as galvanized or stainless steel. Make sure you leave proper gaps for expansion and contraction, especially around windows and doors, and caulk all joints with an exterior-grade caulk that is compatible with Fiber Cement.
After the Project: Maintenance and Care
One of the big draws of Cement Siding is its low maintenance, but