Fiber Cement Siding: A Brief Overview

Fiber cement siding is older than your grandparents, but it's still a contender among more modern siding materials. Why? It's rugged, attractive, and has withstood the test of time. Here's a quick guide to everything you ever wanted to know about this wonder material.

What is fiber cement siding?

First manufactured by a French company nearly a century ago, fiber cement siding is a composite material made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose. Designed to mimic wood, the most common style is clapboard. It is either smooth or is embossed with a wood grain pattern.

What are the benefits of fiber cement siding?

You would be hard pressed to go wrong with fiber cement siding, especially when expertly installed and purchased from a reputable manufacturer. Fiber cement siding is hard and impact-resistant. It also has a proven track record of resisting:

• rot and fungus
• fire
• termites
• weather damage

How much does fiber cement siding cost?

While prices vary from one product to the next, fiber cement siding is typically more expensive than vinyl, but less expensive than real wood or stucco. Some products are under warranty to up to fifty years, making fiber cement a cost-effective siding material.

While expert installation is recommended, it often constitutes roughly half the final bill. Learning how to install fiber cement siding yourself can cut cost dramatically, but may affect your overall warranty.

Does fiber cement siding require maintenance?

Because it's so durable, fiber cement siding requires very little maintenance compared to traditional masonry or real wood products. It is still a good idea to power wash your siding as needed. You should also inspect and recaulk the joints between the butts of the siding boards and windows or doors.

This material comes either primed or not primed, though many experts recommend buying a product that has been factory primed and painted. Some manufacturers provide a surface warranty of up to twenty-five years. Fiber cement products purchased without a factory-applied top coast will likely need to be repainted about every five years. Be certain you use an alkaline-resistant primer and an acrylic topcoat.

What else should I know about fiber cement siding?

While fiber cement siding is an excellent choice for home owners and builders across the board, its termite-, fungus-, and rot-resistance makes it an exceptionally wise choice in hot and humid climates.