Fiber Cement Siding Pros and Cons

Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of Portland cement, wood fibers, and sand. These ingredients are mixed, heated, and molded to form fiber cement siding planks. The manufacturing process produces an attractive and durable siding that has several advantages over traditional, wood siding.

Fiber Cement Siding Pros

• Long lasting: Fiber cement siding can last for decades without fading, shrinking, molding or mildewing. It is weather-resistant and fireproof.

• Temperature resistant. Because fiber siding is more resistant to extreme temperatures than other siding types, you can operate a BBQ grill near your fiber cement siding without fear of it melting or being damaged from the heat.

• Insect proof. Carpenter ants, termites, and other boring or burrowing insects don't damage fiber cement siding.

• Low maintenance. Fiber cement siding requires much less maintenance than wood siding. In most cases it only needs washing.

• Attractive appearance. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, fiber cement siding can be made to replicate the look of wood siding, brick siding, stucco or stone.

Fiber Cement Siding Cons

• Fiber cement siding costs. Initial materials and installation costs for fiber cement siding are typically greater than vinyl siding.

• Specialized installation. Fiber cement siding is heavier and more difficult to work with than vinyl siding, which makes it less suitable for do-it-yourself installation than other siding types. Fewer contractors specialize in fiber cement siding, so you may not be able to obtain as many estimates before hiring one.

As with many decisions in life, analyzing the pros and cons before making an expensive or long-term commitment can help you make the right choice at the right price.