Fiber cement siding is one of the types of cladding that has been around for a long time. It's said to be more durable and maintenance-free than other materials like wood, vinyl, or aluminum. But what are the advantages? And how do you know if it will work for your home?
In this article, we'll discuss fiber-cement finish: everything you need to know, including:
- Fiber cement siding labor costs,
- Fiber cement siding pros and cons
- Potential issues with fiber cement covering.
Reasons to Use Fiber Cement Siding
Durability:
Fiber cement cladding is more durable than other siding materials, making it last for decades without any exterior work.
Low Maintenance:
Because fiber cement needs virtually no upkeep or cleaning, you'll save time and money on this type of siding material.
Environmental Impact:
Though many different types of natural resources go into the production process, from plants to wood chips and limestone rock, fiber cement does not use chemicals, making it an eco-friendly option.
Installation Cost & Process
There are two ways you can install fiber cement covering onto your home's exterior walls; horizontally along the length of a wall with vertical boards or vertically in a brick pattern over the length of a wall.
Durability & Quality:
The quality and durability of fiber cement sides are unparalleled compared to other types of exterior cladding. This makes it an excellent choice if longevity is what you're looking for that can withstand all sorts of weather conditions without cracking or breaking apart--even after decades!
Pricing For Fiber Cement Siding
Though there's no standard pricing structure for this type of material, expect to pay around 13-15 dollars per square foot when buying new boards, with the labor running about $900-1100.
The cost for materials runs anywhere from $11 per square foot to as much as $17 per square foot. The labor cost runs approximately between $700 and $850, depending on how many siding panels you need to be installed.
How to install fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement sides are installed in various ways, but one way that's used most often uses metal or wood structures to hold up the boards during installation. Unfortunately, this method leaves large gaps at either end when it comes time for caulking or painting, so be sure to consider this before making your purchase.
If you're looking for something sleeker that doesn't involve any space issues around corners, then another fiber cement installation method would work better for you. You can have your cladding installed by gluing it together with a special adhesive and then affixing the panels to an exterior wall.
How Long Fiber-Cement Siding Does It Last?
Fiber cement lasts at least 50 years but will vary depending on how well you take care of it over time (i.e., weatherproofing). In addition, you'll need to be sure that these materials are protected from water damage, as they're susceptible to frost heaving or spalling when too much moisture is allowed into the material.
This means caulking gaps between boards where possible and painting them regularly to keep up with any chipping paint or discoloration.
What Is Fiber Cement Made Of ?
The fiberboard used for this type of finish is made from recycled and natural materials, a bonus for the environment.
It's about as strong as concrete cladding but doesn't require any additional support because it tends to be lighter than aluminum or steel covers.
Fiber-cement is a great option for people who want to enjoy safety and durability benefits but don't mind spending a little more time on maintenance.
Choose SmardBuild for Your FiberCement Siding Project
As your local Chicagoland siding experts, we’re ready to help you make a decision on the best exterior siding solution for your specific home. We’re proud to offer free quotes and we make it easy to schedule a consultation by phone or by filling out a form here on our website.
Still have questions about Hardie Fiber Cement or other siding options? We’d love to answer them for you! You can also check out some of our James Hardie Siding blog posts.
Get in touch with us and get one step closer to the remodel you’ve been dreaming of.
