Fiber cement siding is a building material used for exterior cladding on homes and buildings. It is made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers that are mixed with water and formed into boards or planks. Fiber cement siding has become a popular alternative to traditional wood, vinyl, and aluminum siding due to its durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance requirements. Here is an in-depth look at what fiber cement siding is, its key benefits and disadvantages, and other useful information for homeowners considering this siding option.
What is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardiplank siding, is made of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers (typically wood pulp). The cellulose fiber reinforces the cement, while the sand lends strength and texture to the boards. The cement makes the boards strong and durable.
During manufacturing, the blended mixture is formed into planks or panels using a process called Hatschek, which involves depositing the fibers onto a moving belt. The fibers are pre-treated to resist water absorption. The formed planks are then compressed by rollers and cured in a high-heat, steam-filled chamber. This makes the fiber cement boards hard, dense, and water-resistant.
The finished fiber cement boards are extremely durable and resistant to rotting, cracking, insects, fire, mold, and more. Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of styles such as traditional lap siding, shingles, vertical siding, and panels. It can be painted or stained any color.
Key Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
There are several reasons why fiber cement siding is a smart cladding choice for many homeowners:
- Durability: Fiber cement is highly resistant to rotting, cracking, hail damage, and termites/woodpeckers. It stands up well to moisture and extreme weather conditions. Properly installed siding can last 50 years or more.
- Low Maintenance: Fiber cement does not need frequent repainting. It just needs occasional cleaning and recoating every 10-15 years to look fresh.
- Fire Resistance: The cement composition makes fiber cement boards non-combustible and fire-resistant. This adds safety and security.
- Pest Resistance: Bugs and woodpeckers cannot penetrate the dense, hard material. No chewed holes or rotting boards.
- Customizable Looks: Fiber cement comes in diverse styles from traditional clapboard to rustic shakes. It can be painted any color.
- Sustainability: Fiber cement contains recycled materials like fly ash and doesn’t deplete forests like traditional wood siding.
- Hail/Impact Resistance: The cement composition makes it highly resistant to damage from hail, storms, and everyday wear-and-tear.
- Value: Fiber cement costs more upfront but saves money long-term thanks to its durability and low maintenance needs.
- Curb Appeal: The customizable looks and crisp, fresh painted finish helps boost a home’s visual appeal and resale value.
Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding
While fiber cement has many benefits, there are some downsides to consider:
- Higher Upfront Cost: Fiber cement siding costs $6-12 per square foot installed, more than vinyl or wood siding. This higher initial investment is offset over decades of use.
- Heavy: Fiber cement is dense and weighs 1-1.5 lbs per square foot. Extra care must be taken when carrying and lifting the planks to avoid back strain or injury.
- Brittle: While durable, the cement-based boards can crack or break if struck with sufficient impact or force. Cracking is mostly an issue on improper installations.
- Special Tools Needed: Carbide-tipped saw blades are required to cut fiber cement boards. The cement is very hard on standard saws. Respirators and eye protection are needed when cutting to limit dust exposure.
- Professional Installation Advised: While DIY is possible, improper installation leads to cracks and gaps. Hiring a siding specialist is recommended.
- Painting Required: Leaving fiber cement unpainted leaves it vulnerable to moisture damage. Proper prep work and primer are essential before painting.
- Not for Cold Climates: Fiber cement can suffer freeze-thaw damage in very cold regions unlike vinyl or insulated wood sidings. It’s ideal for warm, wet climates.
Key Differences Between Fiber Cement and Vinyl Siding
How does fiber cement compare to vinyl siding in areas like appearance, durability, maintenance and cost? Here are some of the key differences:
- Appearance: Fiber cement looks more realistic like painted wood siding while vinyl has a more artificial, plastic-like appearance. Fiber cement offers more styles too.
- Durability: Fiber cement lasts 2-3 times longer than vinyl. It won’t dent, warp or crack nearly as easily over decades of weathering.
- Maintenance: Vinyl needs occasional washing but doesn’t need repainting. Fiber cement needs repainting every 10-15 years for maximum durability and curb appeal.
- Fire Resistance: Fiber cement is non-combustible while vinyl can melt in a fire. Fiber cement doesn’t fuel flames.
- Pest Resistance: Fiber cement resists termites/pecking birds. Vinyl siding is susceptible to pest damage over time.
- Environmental Impact: Fiber cement contains some recycled materials but requires cement. Vinyl is petroleum-based but lighter/easier to transport.
- Cost: Vinyl siding costs $2-5 per square foot installed while fiber cement ranges from $6-12 per square foot installed.
- Cold Temperature Performance: Vinyl gets brittle and can crack in extreme cold. Fiber cement suffers freeze-thaw damage in cold climates.
What About Stucco vs. Fiber Cement?
Stucco is another popular alternative to fiber cement siding. Here’s how they compare:
- Appearance: Both offer a textured, plaster-like look although stucco typically has a more rustic, Mediterranean style. Fiber cement looks more like wood siding.
- Composition: Stucco consists of sand, water, Portland cement and lime. Fiber cement contains sand, cement and reinforced cellulose fibers.
- Installation: Stucco requires a special lath backing attached to the building before multiple coats are applied. Fiber cement uses pre-cut boards that are nailed in place like siding.
- Durability: Both offer excellent durability and longevity when properly installed. Fiber cement is slightly more impact resistant.
- Maintenance: Stucco needs more frequent repainting and patching of cracks as they occur. Fiber cement needs less frequent recoating.
- Fire Resistance: Both fiber cement and stucco are non-combustible, fire-resistant materials.
- Moisture Resistance: Stucco is more prone to water intrusion if cracked. Fiber cement joints can also allow water if not properly caulked.
- Cost: Stucco siding costs $6-15 per square foot while fiber cement ranges from $6-12 per square foot installed.
Conclusion
Fiber cement offers homeowners a durable, low-maintenance, and customizable siding option. While fiber cement costs more upfront than vinyl or wood, it can save money in the long run thanks to its long lifespan of 50+ years, resistance to rot and pests, and minimal repair needs. The fiber-reinforced cement boards resist cracking, impacts, fire, and moisture.
Fiber cement does come with some downsides like being heavy, brittle, and difficult to cut without special tools. It also needs professional installation and periodic repainting to look its best and avoid damage. Homeowners should think about their specific climate, budget, and desired aesthetic when weighing fiber cement siding vs. alternatives like vinyl, wood, or stucco. With its mix of strength, sustainability, safety, and style, fiber cement remains a top choice for many new construction and remodeling projects today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fiber Cement Siding
What is fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is made from a blend of cement, cellulose fibers, sand, and other materials. The boards are compressed and cured to create a durable, water-resistant exterior siding product. Fiber cement can mimic the look of wood siding but is more durable.
How long does fiber cement siding last?
Properly installed fiber cement siding should last 50 years or longer. It is designed to stand up to weather, rot, pests, fire, and other hazards better than many other sidings. With occasional recoating, it can last the lifetime of the house.
Does fiber cement siding need to be painted?
Yes, fiber cement siding should be coated with exterior paint or stain for maximum durability and appearance. Leaving it uncoated over years can lead to faster deterioration from moisture exposure. Cement boards absorb and retain paint extremely well.
Is fiber cement siding high maintenance?
No, one of the benefits of fiber cement is that it requires very little annual maintenance. It does not warp, dent, rot or peel like other sidings. Other than occasional repainting every 10-15 years and repairing any cracks, fiber cement is very low maintenance.
Is fiber cement siding expensive to install?
Fiber cement siding costs $6-12 per square foot installed. This is 50-100% more expensive than basic vinyl siding but competitive with higher-end options like wood shakes and stucco. The high durability helps offset the higher initial cost over the life of the siding.
Does fiber cement siding look like wood or vinyl?
Fiber cement is designed to mimic the look of real painted wood siding like cedar or pine clapboards. It has grain patterns and comes in similar styles as wood (e.g. vertical boards, lap siding, shakes). The appearance is much more realistic than vinyl’s artificial plastic-like look.
Is fiber cement better than vinyl siding?
Fiber cement is considered a superior material to vinyl siding in most performance categories except for upfront cost. It is more durable, attractive, and environmentally friendly while also offering greater design flexibility. Vinyl is cheaper initially but doesn’t last as long.
Can I install fiber cement siding myself?
While DIY installation is possible for experienced siders, it’s recommended to hire a professional. The boards are heavy, brittle, require special tools to cut, and need careful attention to proper nailing, caulking and orientation to avoid future cracking or moisture issues.
Does fiber cement siding increase home value?
Yes, fiber cement siding offers curb appeal and should boost resale value more than basic vinyl siding. The durable material and customizable appearance make homes more attractive to potential buyers. It also saves money long-term from reduced maintenance costs.