Siding built for sun, hail and termites

Why fiber cement fits Central Texas

Many Austin homes built from the 1970s through the early 2000s used hardboard or wood siding that swells, rots and invites termites. Vinyl can warp on west walls in summer and cracks under hail. Fiber cement holds its shape in heat, does not feed termites, resists woodpeckers and stands up well to hail when installed with proper clearances.

It also takes paint well. Factory-finished boards hold color much longer than field-painted wood, which matters on walls that face the afternoon sun for hours every day. Most of our siding clients pair it with limestone or brick already on the home.

What a correct siding install includes

Siding is a rain screen, not a waterproof shell, so what goes behind it matters most. We replace damaged sheathing, install a weather-resistive barrier, and flash every window, door and roof-to-wall intersection before a single board goes up. Boards stay at least six inches above soil and two inches above hard surfaces to keep water and termites away.

Clearance matters more than usual here. Central Texas clay and caliche soils swell and shrink with the seasons, so beds around the foundation can rise over time. We point out landscaping that sits too high and adjust trim details so siding stays dry for decades.

Choosing a style your HOA will approve

Most neighborhoods in Round Rock, Cedar Park and Lakeway have architectural guidelines for siding color and profile. Lap siding with a smooth or light wood-grain face is the safest choice for traditional homes. Board and batten and mixed profiles suit modern and farmhouse designs and are increasingly approved in newer subdivisions.

We prepare the HOA submittal with color chips, profile samples and a marked-up photo of your home. Approval usually takes two to four weeks, and we order materials and schedule the install as soon as it arrives, so there is no second wait.