Why Fiber Cement is the Best Siding Choice for Northwest Arkansas
Choosing the right siding for your home in Northwest Arkansas isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about survival. Our region is famous for its four-season weather, which can be incredibly demanding on a home’s exterior. From high winds and hail in the spring to scorching, humid summers and the ice storms of winter, your siding is your home’s first line of defense.
While options like vinyl and wood are common, they come with significant drawbacks in our climate. Vinyl can become brittle and crack in the cold, while wood is a constant battle against rot and pests.
That’s why at RGS Exteriors, with our 30 years of experience protecting NWA homes, we recommend fiber cement siding. Here’s why this siding is the ideal choice for your property.
1. It Stands Up to NWA's Severe Weather
Our storm season is no joke. Hail and wind-blown debris can leave vinyl siding dented and cracked. Fiber cement, on the other hand, is specifically engineered to be impact-resistant. It’s significantly thicker and more rigid, meaning it can take a beating from a hailstorm or stray tree limb without showing the damage.
Furthermore, it’s dimensionally stable. It won’t get brittle and crack during a sudden winter freeze, and it won’t warp or bow in the high summer heat, ensuring your home is protected year after year.
2. Impervious to Rot and Pests
The high humidity in Arkansas is tough on wood siding. All that moisture creates a perfect environment for rot, mildew, and fungus, which can lead to expensive, structural damage. Wood also attracts pests like termites and woodpeckers.
Fiber cement is made from a composite of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s completely non-organic and does not absorb moisture. This means it cannot rot, warp, or swell. Pests have no interest in it, saving you thousands in potential pest control and repair bills.
3. A Safer, Fire-Resistant Choice
Home safety is a top priority for any family. Fiber cement is non-combustible. It will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame, nor will it fuel a fire. This provides critical, priceless peace of mind that other materials simply can’t offer. In many cases, its high fire-resistance rating can even lead to savings on your homeowner’s insurance.
Trust a Local Expert for Your Installation
The best siding in the world will only perform if it’s installed correctly. As a family-owned company with 30 years of roots in Northwest Arkansas, RGS Exteriors has the expertise to install your fiber cement siding to the manufacturer’s exact specifications. We ensure your home is protected, beautiful, and ready to handle whatever our weather throws at it.
FAQ
Is fiber cement siding more expensive than vinyl?
Fiber cement siding typically has a higher upfront cost than vinyl. However, it is a long-term investment that provides a superior return. Its extreme durability, resistance to rot and pests, and long-lasting finish mean you will spend far less on maintenance and repairs over the life of your home.
How long does a siding installation project take?
The timeline depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. For an average-sized home, a complete siding replacement usually takes between one and two weeks. We will provide a clear, specific timeline in your project proposal.
What kind of maintenance does fiber cement siding require?
Fiber cement is known for being incredibly low-maintenance. Unlike wood, it never needs to be scraped. We simply recommend washing it down with a garden hose and a soft brush every 6-12 months to remove any dirt or dust and keep it looking new.
How well does fiber cement siding hold up to Northwest Arkansas's weather?
It’s the best option for our climate. Fiber cement is impact-resistant, so it can handle hail storms much better than vinyl or wood. It also won’t get brittle and crack in an ice storm, and it doesn’t warp or swell in our high summer humidity.
What kind of warranty comes with my new siding?
Your investment is fully protected. Manufacturers typically provide a 30-year, non-prorated warranty on their fiber cement siding. On top of that, RGS Exteriors provides our own workmanship warranty to guarantee our installation quality.