Homeowners who want an exterior upgrade that stands up to blazing July afternoons and freezing January nights right here along the Wasatch Front can rely on Cement Siding. Cement Siding, often called fiber cement, is one of the toughest materials you can put on a house in West Valley City. But before you tear off your old siding or buy a stack of boards, you need a clear game plan. Aim High Siding Company breaks down what actually happens before, during, and after a Cement Siding project, and where you should draw the line between do-it-yourself work and calling in an experienced crew.
Before You Start: Planning and Prep
Getting ready is 80 percent of the battle. If you skip steps here, your brand-new Cement Siding will not protect your home the way it is supposed to.
- Inspect your underlying sheathing for water damage or rot.
- Check local building requirements for West Valley City.
- Measure your exterior walls twice to calculate material waste.
- Clear patio furniture, potted plants, and bushes away from the work zone.
Can you handle the prep work yourself? Absolutely. Pulling down old vinyl or wood, hauling debris to the local dump, and clearing out your landscaping are great ways to save some cash. Just do not try to shortcut the inspection of the wood framing underneath. If you find soft plywood or mold, that is your cue to slow down.
During the Project: Installation Realities
This is where the work begins, and it is where most do-it-yourselfers get in over their heads. Cement Siding is not like vinyl. Cement Siding is heavy, it is brittle if you handle it wrong, and it creates a silica-rich dust when you cut it that you do not want to breathe in.
Professional crews use specialized carbide-tipped blades and pneumatic tools to hang these heavy boards straight and true. They also install proper flashing around every window and door to make sure melting winter snow does not sneak behind your walls. Trying to cut and hang 12-foot Cement Siding boards by yourself on a two-story ladder is a recipe for cracked material and a sore back.
After the Installation: Maintenance and Cleanup
Once the last piece of trim is nailed down, your job shifts to upkeep. One of the best things about modern fiber cement is how little maintenance Cement Siding asks for. You will not be scraping peeling paint every few years, but you do need to keep an eye on things.
Walk your property every spring and fall. Check the caulking around your penetrations and joints, because Utah's wild temperature swings can cause sealants to crack over time. If you notice dust or dirt buildup from local windstorms, a gentle rinse with a garden hose will keep the factory finish looking sharp.
For homes and businesses in West Valley City, Aim High Siding Company provides Cement Siding services.