Whether you are building a new home or looking to replace siding on an existing home, there are many options to choose from. This can leave consumers overwhelmed and confused, asking questions like, “What is fiber cement siding?” and “Is it right for me?”
In this guide, we’ll answer all of your fiber cement siding questions, like what it is, key advantages and disadvantages, and how long fiber cement siding lasts. Our goal is to give you what you need to confidently decide if fiber cement siding is the right choice for your home.
What Is Cement Siding?
Cement siding, also called fiber cement siding, is a strong and low-maintenance option for homes. The blend of materials forms a highly durable fiber cement board, which is then cut to the required size and shape. Concrete fiber siding offers that high-class look and feel and is fire- and pest-resistant. This makes it a popular choice for those wanting longevity with minimal upkeep.
At MEI, we know how important it is to have high-quality home siding that is properly installed. Learn more about our excellent siding options and expert siding contractors today.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding Made Of?
So, what is fiber cement board actually made out of? It’s made from a mix of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. The cement provides strength, the cellulose fibers provide flexibility to prevent cracking, and the sand and water help to bind it all. Although, the exact makeup may vary depending on the manufacturer.
What Does Fiber Cement Siding Look Like?
Concrete siding for houses comes in a variety of styles and textures to mimic the look of wood or stone while offering more durability and limited upkeep. Compared to other manufactured home siding options like vinyl or aluminum siding, fiber cement siding has a more solid, less shiny appearance, making it look more natural. This results in a polished, high-end look that enhances your home’s curb appeal.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
There are many advantages of fiber cement siding, which is why it has remained a popular choice for homeowners. In addition to being incredibly strong and weather-resistant, it naturally deters pests like woodpeckers and termites, resists rot, and stops fires in their tracks. Its strength means it won’t warp or crack over time like other siding materials, and it holds paint longer. With many finishing options, it’s no surprise that fiber cement siding is the top choice for homeowners.
- Durable in harsh weather conditions
- Customizable to your home
- Insect and pest-resistant
- Flame resistant
- Long-lasting
Durable in Harsh Weather Conditions
Concrete siding for homes is one of the most durable options on the market, which is essential when you live in a harsh climate like Minnesota, which has brutally cold winter storms and hot, humid summers. Fiber cement siding can stand up against heavy snow, strong winds, and even hail. While some other siding materials may dent, warp, crack, or rot under those extremes, fiber cement’s superior durability will protect your home no matter the season.
Customizable to Your Home
Concrete home siding comes in various colors, textures, and finishes, giving homeowners a highly customizable option to suit their style. At MEI, we work with several reputable brands, including our top-selling brand, James Hardie. The James Hardie name has become synonymous with longevity and beautiful design. The versatility of fiber cement siding is unmatched, allowing you to mimic wood, stucco, natural cedar, or stone with superior strength and minimal upkeep.
Insect and Pest-Resistant
Unlike wood, fiber cement siding doesn’t attract pests such as woodpeckers, termites, and carpenter ants. Since it’s made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it provides no food source for them. In addition to being pest resistant, it won’t expand or contract with the swings in temperature or allow water in, making it resistant to moisture damage, rot, and decay over time.
Flame Resistant
Another advantage of cement fiber siding is that it provides natural flame resistance that other siding materials, like wood and vinyl, simply can’t match. The lack of combustible materials in cement fiber siding means it keeps interior fires contained inside the building and prevents them from spreading outside. James Hardie siding is specifically engineered not to ignite when exposed to direct flames, giving homeowners added peace of mind.
Long Lasting Siding
We often get asked, “How long does fiber cement siding last?” by our customers, and our answer is always that it can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Unlike other siding material options, which can warp, rot, or crack over time, fiber cement siding is built to last, holding up against harsh weather, pests, and fire with nominal wear.
Fiber cement siding is a great option for Minnesota homeowners. Learn more and get started on your siding project with MEI.
Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding for Houses
Although fiber cement siding has a long list of benefits, it has some drawbacks worth considering before making the investment. The most notable downsides are the higher upfront cost and more complex installation. Some homeowners are also disappointed to learn that fiber cement siding is not recyclable. Ultimately, how much these drawbacks impact your decision depends on personal preference, but it’s worth noting that every siding option will have downsides.
- Difficult to install
- Higher cost than other siding
- Higher maintenance
- Not recyclable
Difficult to Install
Although its high cement content make it flame and pest resistance, it also makes it a more heavy and difficult material to handle. Multiple people are required to lift, align, and secure each board. Cutting the pieces also involves special tools and techniques. Because of this, DIY installation of fiber cement is not recommended. Hire an experienced contractor like MEI to ensure the job is completed correctly and safely.
Higher Cost Than Other Siding
Just like any product that is built to last, the upfront cost for both materials and labor is higher. In addition to higher labor costs for installation, the creation process for fiber cement siding is also labor-intensive. The combination of materials involved and the need for specialized equipment increase the material for the product. However, when you think about the long-term value, fiber cement siding is a cost-effective choice requiring less frequent replacement and maintenance.
Some Maintenance Required
While concrete fiber siding offers low maintenance when compared to other options like natural wood, it still needs some maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Just like vinyl or stone, periodic cleaning is required to remove dirt and debris. To maintain its appearance, fiber cement siding should also be repainted every 10 to 15 years. With regular care, it is one of the longest lasting siding materials for your home or business, making it a worthwhile investment.
Not Recyclable
Environmentally conscious homeowners will be disappointed to hear that because of the materials, fiber cement siding cannot be recycled like metal or some plastics. Old or leftover fiber cement siding often ends up in landfills. Some of this impact is offset by its extremely long lifespan (many decades longer than some alternatives), resulting in fewer replacements. All things considered, fiber cement siding is still a sustainable choice in the long run.
What are Siding Alternatives to Fiber Cement?
If the disadvantages of fiber cement siding have left you feeling like it’s not the right choice for you, there are plenty of siding alternatives that may better fit your needs. We’ll cover two options here, but for information, please more visit our blog post on types of siding for homes.
- Engineered wood siding: made from a combination of wood fibers and resins, this is another strong and long-lasting siding material, offering the look of natural wood siding with added benefits like flame, moisture, and pest resistance.
- Vinyl siding: one of the most cost-efficient options on the market, vinyl siding is easy to maintain, highly customizable, and resistant to fading over time.
How Much Does Exterior Cement Siding Cost?
The overall cost of exterior cement siding will depend on many factors, such as the type of siding (lap, shingles, or panels), customizations like color or texture, and labor costs, but it is generally less expensive than brick, stucco, and some wood siding options. For James Hardie siding, you can typically expect to pay anywhere between $8 and $14 per square foot. For a more accurate estimate, reach out to the experts at MEI. Our team will provide a comprehensive quote based on your preferences and home’s unique requirements.
How Is Fiber Cement Siding Installed?
Fiber cement siding installation is a complex process that is best left to the professionals. The installation process starts with the home’s exterior walls getting weatherproofed by applying a water-resistant barrier. Then, a starter strip is placed at the base of the wall before the panels are installed.
Each board must be carefully measured and cut to fit, aligned properly, and secured for a clean and seamless look. Rough edges like around windows, doors, and corners must be fully trimmed and sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. Any misstep can leave your home exposed and reduce the longevity of the product.
Installing any siding comes with risks – both to the installer and materials. Avoid unnecessary accidents by working with professionals like the ones at MEI.
Maintenance for Exterior Fiber Cement Siding
To keep your exterior fiber cement siding performing at its best for decades to come, regular maintenance is key. With proper care, it can last upwards of 50 years and still look like it did on installation day.
- Cleaning it: cleaning your siding is simple and should be part of your home maintenance spring checklist every year; just use some warm water with soap and a soft brush to scrub away the built up dirt
- Regular painting: paint is bound to fade over time, so plan on repainting your fiber cement siding every 10-15 years to keep its full color and maintain its protective coating
- Regular inspections: check for visible cracks or chips, especially around seams, every year to address small issues early and prevent costly repairs down the road
- Know when to replace it: even the most durable siding won’t last you forever; if your concrete fiber siding is nearing the 30 year mark, start having it regularly inspected by a professional to determine when siding replacement is necessary.
Contact the Professionals at MEI to Start Your Fiber Cement Siding Project
For Minnesota homeowners, protecting your largest asset from our harsh weather is a top concern. With fiber cement siding, you get the durability of an option like stone, the simple maintenance of something like brick, with the customizability of vinyl or aluminum. While the upfront cost of fiber cement may seem daunting, you get the best of all siding options on the market.
If you’re considering new siding for your home, the experts at MEI can help. Our experienced team is passionate about making your home look and perform at its best. We’ll guide you through the process, exploring all options together so you can make informed and confident decisions for your home.
Reach out today for a free quote on fiber cement siding, or explore our full range of residential siding services to see other siding solutions that might be more tailored to your needs.