Concrete siding is an excellent choice for homeowners who are seeking a durable and environmentally-friendly material for their home's exterior. Since concrete is compact and not very porous, insects and pests cannot penetrate it, and concrete's resistance to moisture means that rot is very rarely a problem.
Available in a variety of textures, designs, and colors, concrete siding provides a coordinating look for almost any style of home. Even if it has an original integral color, concrete siding is easy to paint over with a different color and actually retains the painted color longer than wood siding.
Although the word "concrete" is associated with the idea of a heavy material, concrete siding is produced in such a way that it weighs less than many other siding materials. When handling concrete siding, be sure to hold it by its edges; the flexibility of this siding means that it may need more support when it is being moved. An advantage to concrete siding's flexibility is that it is easier to install than less flexible siding materials such as wood siding.
Carefully read the manufacturer's installation instructions before starting the installation process. Since every manufacturer's concrete siding is slightly different, the installation steps are unique to the type of siding you have selected. If a contractor is installing your siding, check on the process periodically to make sure that he is following the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Before applying the concrete siding to your home's exterior walls, be sure to prepare the surfaces. Apply an air and moisture infiltration barrier, as well as generous amounts of adhesive so that the concrete siding will properly adhere to the wall. Pay special attention to cracks and to areas where seams will fall, as these can become weak points where moisture could potentially invade the infrastructure of your home.
Once the walls are sealed, it's time to apply the corner boards, flashing, starter strips, and window trim. These items are placed before the actual siding is applied. The concrete siding itself is applied last; start from the bottom and move up to the top, overlapping the siding as you go by a little more than an inch or the amount that the manufacturer's instructions specify.
Installing concrete siding is a rather large home improvement project, but with the proper preparation and by following the manufacturer's installation instructions, the end result will be attractive and will last for many years to come.