Fiber Cement Siding
Contents
While vinyl and wood have been the most popular siding choices for years, fiber cement siding is said to be the wave of the future. Besides its extreme durability and improved eco-friendliness, fiber cement siding also comes with a lower price tag than other materials. Here are the facts.
Costs
The overall cost of installing fiber cement siding is determined by the total cost of materials (which in turn depends on the size of the job), labor, and the paint or stain you’ll be using. A job completed with materials on the lower end could cost between $4.50 and $9 per square foot, or $10 to $11 dollars per square foot for higher-end materials. Either way, it is less than natural stone, cedar and wood siding.
Pictures
Exterior PaintPros
Fiber cement siding provides the aesthetically pleasing look of wood without the maintenance and high prices.
More durable than wood, it’s termite-resistant, water-resistant and non-combustible with a lifespan of 50 years.
Water-based acrylic paint adheres to fiber cement better than wood and lasts up to 15 years. It can be stained as well.
Cons
Compared to vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is quite a bit more expensive.
It also comes with a slower installation time than vinyl siding.
Because of the extensiveness of the job, it’s recommended you only allow a professional installation.
Durability
Built to stand up against rain, hail, snow, salt air, and damage from insects and fire, fiber cement siding is extremely durable. Its biggest enemy, however, is moisture. Make sure that your siding is installed and finished properly so as not to allow moisture any entrance.
Maintenance
Luckily for homeowners, fiber cement siding also requires significantly less maintenance than other products. Routine power washing is suggested to get rid of dirt and insect nests. Also, make sure to close any gaps between boards, windows and doors by caulking every year.
Common Questions and Answers
What is the difference in cost between fiber cement siding and wood siding?
Fiber cement siding should cost about 24% less than wood siding after installation. It will also last longer with less maintenance.
What are the choices when it comes to ordering fiber cement siding from the manufacturer?
Fiber cement siding can be ordered from the factory primed and sealed in order to prevent damage from moisture on the job site. Or, it can be delivered raw and painted by the contractor.
Manufacturers
History
Fiber cement products first came on to the market to replace the asbestos cement sheeting manufactured by James Hardie up until the 1990s. Fiber cement has since been considered the most environmentally-friendly siding available today.
References
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