How does fiber cement siding resist mold? Fiber cement siding is relatively more mold resistant than other siding materials. Fiber cement siding has been around for a while but has gained in popularity recently...
Fiber cement siding has been around for a while but has gained in popularity recently because of its low maintenance and longevity. When the product was first made, asbestos was used, but now it is made from cement, cellulose or wood fiber material, sand, and other components. According to BobVila.com, fiber cement siding can have a smooth or embossed face, or be textured for a cedar look. Fiber cement siding is resistant to warping and is able to be painted any color for a great exterior finish.
The product is resistant to harsh weather, insects and rot. It is fire resistant, and is warranted for 50 years. It is thicker than vinyl, making it harder to cut. When cutting this product, a facemask should be worn because of the harmful dust. Fiber cement siding does not rot like wood siding, but it can allow moisture in if not installed properly. Moisture remains a major problem because it can enter between the siding and the plywood, causing the plywood to rot. Failure to properly install this product can lead to mold if moisture gets in.
According to The Family Handyman at rd.com, before installing the product, one must apply inside and outside corner boards, window trim, starter strips and flashings. A common mistake that is made when applying fiber cement siding is that carpenters directly apply fiber cement siding over exterior sheathing with no water barriers between the siding and the plywood. Even fiber cement siding can allow water to get into crevices, such as a butt joint. When applying the siding a butt joint can occur, which is two pieces of siding that butt against each other. Butt joints can allow leakage to occur, which will ruin the plywood underneath. When a butt joint happens, caulk or felt paper can be applied. When the siding is caulked, use an alkali resistant primer. Caulk all joints with an acrylic latex caulk before applying the final coats of acrylic latex paint. Be sure to apply a lot of caulk to make the siding free from moisture. According to Askthebuilder.com, strips of felt paper need to be two inches wide and two inches longer than the width of your siding material. This is ensures that leakage does not occur and possibly ruin the fiber cement siding. Water intrusion doesn't have to be a problem. Make sure the siding fits snuggly around any pipes, electrical entries and other fixtures, says Denise Bottrell, who works in the marketing department for James Hardie, the largest manufacturer of fiber cement.
The nails that are used should be stainless steel, because they are less prone to bending, breaking or rust. If the homeowner does not want the nails to be visible, then one can blind nail, which means that nails are not visible.
"I would say that our product is relatively more mold resistant than other types of siding," says Bottrell. "With wood, the moisture can tend to rot through the product, whereas with ours, it does not do that."
