What Is Fiber Cement Siding and Is It Right for Your Home?

Have you cemented your decision to use fiber cement siding on your house? While you may already be familiar with the pros of fiber cement siding, it's important to get the full picture before you begin installing boards. Keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about this popular siding option.

What is Fiber Cement Siding Made Of?

Fiber cement products vary by manufacturer, but the basic composition used on houses today consists of sand (fly ash), cement, cellulose fibers (wood pulp), and water. This combination of materials creates a product that is strong yet malleable enough to be cut into the perfect size, shape, and style for your home's siding. Not only is fiber cement highly resistant to the rigors of nature, but it can be stained or painted before or after installation.

Homeowners also have a range of finishes and styles to choose from to find the perfect siding aesthetic. What makes fiber cement popular is that it mimics the appearance of wood without the high cost or heavy maintenance. 

What Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?

Fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $14 per square foot. Installing fiber cement siding is a complex job that requires more workers to perform the labor, specifically due to the heaviness of the material. In addition to the materials cost, homeowners can expect to pay $2 to $8 per square foot for labor.

When siding a whole house, homeowners can expect a fiber cement siding cost of $14,200 on average, with the typical cost ranging between $6,555 and $22,851. Additional costs to consider with fiber cement siding are paint and any customizations, such as requesting a specific material. Add-on costs can increase the budget by between $2 to $15 per square foot. 

Compared with other types of cement siding, fiber cement is mid-range in pricing. However, most homeowners find the cost justifiable due to the material's durability and easy maintenance. Plus, because fiber cement siding adds to the value of your home, it’s generally considered to be a good investment.

What Types of Fiber Cement Siding Are Available?

There are several types of fiber cement siding available to homeowners, including panels, planks that look like wooden boards, and shingles. And fiber cement siding can easily conform to whatever aesthetic you're creating. Siding contractors are able to offer a variety of colors and patterns that mimic everything from wood grain to stucco. That means that fiber cement can be on your list whether you're going for a farmhouse, modern, or traditional look.

How Do You Maintain Fiber Cement Siding?

One of the greatest benefits of fiber cement siding is that it requires little maintenance, especially when compared with wood siding. A yearly cleaning is recommended and consists of using a garden hose and soft bristle brush. Avoid using harsh cleaners or a pressure washer as these could damage the siding.

It's not uncommon for fiber cement siding to become a victim of mold and mildew. This can be cleaned with a fiber cement siding cleaning product. Wear protective gear while cleaning and scrub lightly to remove the damage.

Other common fiber cement siding maintenance includes caulking and painting. Check for any cracks or gaps in the siding yearly and caulk the areas with silicone caulk. Repainting your siding is also a task you'll need to complete every 10 to 15 years. Depending on where you live, your home may fade or chip more quickly, requiring more frequent repainting, but luckily painting cement board is a task most can DIY.

How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?

One of the myths about fiber cement siding is that it lasts forever. While that’s not exactly true, you can expect to get a hefty 50 years of beauty from your new fiber cement siding. That can certainly feel like forever compared to the 15 to 40 years you get from most other siding options.

Always defer to the warranty provided by your manufacturer for specifics about your siding’s expected lifespan. While your siding may last five decades, there's a chance you'll need to repaint it every 15 years or so.

What Are Some Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is ideal for homes in many different climates, which is why it continues to be a popular option for homeowners. Compared with other popular choices such as wood, stone, or vinyl, fiber cement boasts advantages that others can't offer.

Benefits of using fiber cement siding include:

• Durable from severe weather and heavy impact

• Eco-friendly

• Fire-resistant

• Longevity, lasting between 30 and 50 years

• Low-maintenance

• Resistant to insects, such as termites

• Resistant to mold, mildew, and rot

• Versatile for homeowners seeking customization

What Are Some Disadvantages?

While there are many advantages to using fiber cement siding, there are downfalls to consider.

• Difficult to install due to heavy material

• Requires repainting every 10 to 15 years

• Less energy-efficient compared to wood and vinyl

Is Fiber Cement Siding Suitable for DIY Installations?

Installing fiber cement siding is increasingly difficult compared with many other siding options. This difficulty is due to the heaviness of the material, which is why labor costs are so much higher. For this reason, it is best to hire professional siding contractors to handle the installation. 

While full installation is highly recommended for professionals, handy homeowners can DIY small repairs. If your siding has damaged boards, cracks or gaps, or requires repainting, these projects can typically be handled by homeowners. For any issues outside the scope of a casual DIYer, it's best to let a skilled professional repair them.