What Is Fiber Cement Siding? Everything you need to know

What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

Why Use Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding combines the performance and protection of masonry with the look of painted wood clapboard, shingles, stone, or brick at a fraction of the cost of those materials. It is rot, termite, and fire-proof, requires minimal maintenance, and is wind, impact, moisture, UV, heat, and cold resistant. 

Manufacturers like James Hardie engineer fiber cement siding designed for specific climate regions, called “Hardiezones,” to ensure you get fiber cement siding capable of withstanding the climate and weather your home is exposed to year after year. I can’t think of any other siding material that can offer you that level of protection, can you? 

Architects frequently specify fiber cement siding because it keeps costs down without compromising aesthetics. Architectural fiber cement siding can even be used in many historic districts and is approved for restoring historic homes and buildings. 

No wonder 15% of new homes - and so many exteriors are spruced up with the stuff!

How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?

Quality fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years. While fiber cement siding needs repainting after 10 to 15 years, that is the only upkeep you will likely ever need to do!

James Hardie is the leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding and its warranty is unmatched. They guarantee their products for 30 years and their patented colorplusⓇ paint for 15 years. They offer a wide array of siding options, colors, and textures, including architectural siding for modern designs and artisanal siding for restoring historic homes and buildings. 

How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?

Fiber cement is long lasting, can increase the value of your home, and provides the highest return on investment. Generally, it costs less than brick, stone, stucco, and many architectural wood siding options, and equally or less expensive than hardboard or composite siding, but more expensive than vinyl. Depending on the style of fiber cement siding, manufacturer, and complexity of your siding project, the cost including materials and labor ranges from $5 to $25 per square foot. 

Since most fiber cement siding manufacturers, like James Hardie®, sell their products through independently operated dealers, and because every project is unique, pricing varies greatly. The most accurate way to get an estimate for your siding project is to get a quote from a local siding installation contractor experienced in installing fiber cement siding. 

What Are The Cons Of Fiber Cement Siding?

Costs More Than Vinyl Siding

Aside from the initial investment, there are very few disadvantages to fiber cement siding. First, fiber cement siding, Hardie Board, or Hardieplank, is heavier than other types of siding. As a result, it is harder to handle and more difficult to install. We recommend having an experienced contractor install your fiber cement siding to avoid the risk of injury, damaging the siding materials, or voiding the manufacturer’s warranty due to improper installation. 



Requires Repainting Every 10 to 15 Years

As mentioned before, fiber cement siding may require repainting every 10 to 15 years. James Hardie uses their patented Colorplus technology to bake the color into the siding. Their siding is specifically engineered to stand up to regional weather and climates, which helps prevent fading, chipping, and flaking due to UV, heat, cold, wind, and precipitation, so you may not need to repaint it at all. 



Can Only Be Purchased From An Authorized Contractor Or Supplier

You cannot buy fiber cement siding from the manufacturer. Fiber cement siding can only be purchased from select suppliers and contractors the fiber cement siding manufacturer approves. Purchasing from a retail home improvement or siding supply store means paying retail prices that vary from store to store. When you have a contractor install your siding, the savings they gain as wholesale suppliers is passed on to you. 

Contractors must go through the manufacturer’s product and installation training in order to be able to supply their customers with those products. Doing so ensures that the fiber cement siding manufacturer stands by their warranties because they know that their products were handled properly and installed according to their specifications. 

Fiber Cement Siding Offers The Best Value And Return On Investment

Fiber cement siding is becoming the most sought-after siding material on the market. It is flexible, durable, resistant to pests, impact, moisture, mold, rot, UV, heat, and cold. It is non-combustible and specifically designed to stand up to the weather and climate where you live. Manufacturers like James Hardie strive to make sustainable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly siding that homeowners love. 

While it is more expensive than vinyl and some wood products, it is attractive, long-lasting, increases the value of your home by 10 to 15%, which provides you with the highest return on investment of any exterior remodeling you can do. 

As the industry-leading manufacturer, James Hardie warranties their fiber cement siding for 30 years regardless of how many times your home changes hands. However, you can expect your Hardie Board siding to last for 50 years with minimal upkeep. 

It’s no wonder fiber cement siding is quickly becoming a selling feature that buyers look for! 

Callaway Construction is a recognized and approved supplier and James Hardie siding installation contractor because they offer our customers the best protection and value. We underwent their extensive training, which enables us to provide our customers with the full spectrum of James Hardie siding options and ensure that they benefit from the complete protection of their industry-leading technology and warranty.