Can Woodpeckers Damage Fiber Cement Siding?

Woodpeckers can be attracted to residential siding for different reasons. In the fall, they usually drill holes to prepare for winter while in spring, they drum to attract a mate or mark their territory. Regardless of the reason, these activities can be harmful to certain types of siding.

Read on to discover if woodpeckers can damage fiber cement siding. 

What Attracts Woodpeckers 

For woodpeckers, your home is just a bigger tree in a weird shape. They are often attracted to dark-colored homes. There is no specific pattern to the holes but most of them occur during fall. These birds do drill for insects, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an infestation at home. 

While vinyl siding is less susceptible to woodpecker damage, it can attract the birds if you have wooden fascia. Woodpeckers love stained cedar clapboards, especially if it has a dark brown, red, or green tone. They may create holes and scrapes on the corner boards or fascia through drumming. Other siding materials these birds are attracted to include wood composite, grooved plywood, resawn cedar shakes, and cedar shakes or shingles.

Are They Attracted to Fiber Cement Siding? 

James Hardie siding, available in a wide range of textures and colors, is not prone to woodpecker damage. Fiber cement siding is the best solution to prevent woodpecker damage. It’s also one of the most economical and attractive options on the market. 

Cement, sand, and cellulose make up fiber cement siding. James Hardie siding is made with materials that resemble wood without the vulnerability to damage from pests. Further, this siding option isn’t appealing to woodpeckers, termites, and other pests.
Choose Eagle Creek Siding for your James Hardie siding installation. We also specialize in window and deck replacement. Give us a call us at (360) 570-0396 or complete our online form to request a free estimate.