What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a building material used to cover the exterior of homes and buildings. Most fiber cement siding is a combination of cement, wood pulp or cellulose, water and silica sand or fly ash. Some companies include proprietary additives to their product too.
While it’s not a new building material, it has been gaining in popularity after its modern iteration, known for its looks and functionality, was introduced by the James Hardie Corporation. That’s why you hear many contractors refer to fiber cement siding as Hardie board siding or Hardie board.
The Pros of Fiber Cement Siding
The beauty of a man-made siding option is that it’s designed to address all of the gripes homeowners have about other types of home siding. Here are some of the pros of cement board siding.
- It’s attractive and gives the appearance of wood or stone.
- It can cost less than natural siding options like stone or wood.
- Fiber cement siding isn’t appealing to bugs like termites or birds like wood is since they can’t eat the materials it’s made from.
- Fiber cement siding is fire resistant.
- It holds up to moisture and resists rot when installed properly.
- Fiber cement siding is fade resistant, with a finish that can last up to 15 years.
Things to Consider About Fiber Cement Siding
Before you make any major remodeling decision, it’s important to know as much as you can about a material as crucial as your home’s siding. Here are some points to consider before choosing fiber cement siding.
- Fiber cement siding installation is best left to an experienced pro. Fiber cement siding is heavy and when mishandled is prone to cracking, which can create an opportunity for moisture exposure over time.
- The cost, compared to options like vinyl siding, can be higher especially with install.
- Certain types of cement siding contain silica. When cut it can create silica dust which requires proper breathing protection to avoid inhalation during the installation process.
- It’s important to check with a manufacturer to see if removing your fiber cement siding during a renovation would void its warranty.
Fiber Cement Siding Colors
When you buy fiber cement siding you have two options: buy pre-painted shingles/planks or buy unfinished shingles/planks and have them painted. Lowe’s siding options include pre-painted James Hardie siding colors in shades of gray, brown, white, green, blue and many more colors.
With so many siding color options, the choice is yours to decide how you want the exterior of your home to look. The James Hardie board color selection is vast, so you won’t have to sacrifice on your dream house color to use fiber cement siding. Pre-painted Hardie siding also comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
Fiber Cement Siding Styles
A variety of fiber cement siding styles means you don’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all exterior design. Since cement siding comes in clapboards, individual shingles, and sheets that mimic the appearance of stone, there’s no limit to what you can create design wise. Cover the first story of your home with fiber cement clapboards and the second with decorative shingles or go with the popular board and batten look. Consider the styles that feel appropriate for the age and style of your home. Choosing something that feels like it fits with the other homes in your neighborhood can also help boost its curb appeal.
Cost of Fiber Cement Siding
To get the most accurate fiber cement siding costs, the best thing to do is to get a custom quote for your home. While the average cost for cement board siding and installation is anywhere from $8-$10 per square foot, the price varies based on the brand of fiber cement siding, the finish, installation costs in your local areas, and shingle size. Browse our site for the cost for James Hardie board siding specifically.
How to Care for Your Fiber Cement Siding
One of the best parts about fiber cement siding is how easy the upkeep is. Unlike other exterior siding options, all you need to do is spray it down with the hose twice a year and remove any stubborn dirt with a soft bristled brush. Pay attention to any areas where the siding meets a joint, make sure they stay properly sealed to preserve the integrity of the fiber cement siding.