This substance is called efflorescence.
Efflorescence on fiber cement siding.
Read our latest siding blog post.
On a home efflorescence occurs when fiber cement siding absorbs moisture whether from being uncovered prior to installation or from excess moisture entering through the back side of the substrate.
Fiber cement efflorescence chalking and fading is not the same thing as efflorescence and the siding is most likely painted not stained.
Once inside the water dissolves salts and other minerals in the substrate.
Efflorescence and how it affects siding.
Actually everything fades with sun exposure.
If efflorescence occurs it can be remedied with the techniques previously described.
Different qualities of paint will fade at different rates.
Properly installed and maintained fiber cement is an excellent choice offering realistic wood looks.
Regardless if your fiber cement siding clad home is 10 15 years or older it s time to repaint but one thing will need to be dealt with first if your siding has a chalk like substance on it.
And darks have more room to fade than lighter colors.
It s also good to know efflorescence does not harm fiber cement siding structurally nor is the siding hurt by proper surface cleaning.
Paint pigments will fade with sun exposure.