QA

Question: What Is Fiber Cement Siding

How long will fiber cement siding last?

With the proper care, your James Hardie fiber cement siding will outlast its 30-year warranty. It can even last up to 50 years if cared for properly.

Is fiber cement siding expensive?

Fiber cement siding costs $5 to $25 per square foot, including materials and labor. The price for materials equals $1 and $15 per square foot. The labor cost ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot.

What are the advantages of fiber cement siding?

Fiber Cement Siding Benefits Long Life Span. Versatility in Style. The Best Way to Emulate Wood. Installation Options for Aesthetics. Material is Fire (and Heat) Resistant. Largely Weather Resistant. Resistant to Warping and Rotting. Ideal for Tornado and Hurricane Prone Areas.

Is fiber cement siding the same as hardiplank?

Fiber cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or even “hardie board” named from the most popular brand of fiber cement siding which is manufactured by James Hardie. Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with Portland cement.

What are the pros and cons of fiber cement siding?

Fiber Cement Pros and Cons Maintenance: this siding is resistant to insects, fungus, and UV damage. Durability: this type of siding holds up well over time and resists fire, making it one of the more durable siding materials on the market.

How often does fiber cement siding need to be painted?

If you purchase prefinished fiber cement siding, you don’t need to worry about painting it when it’s time to install. Unfinished styles on the other hand should be painted shortly after installation. For both types, a new paint job can be done every 10 to 15 years.

Does fiber cement siding increase home value?

It is estimated that fiber cement siding will add 10-15% to the value of homes and is highly sought after by home buyers or real estate appraisers. Think about it—great curb appeal can chase away all the wrong potential buyers or attract just the right homebuyer.

Is fiber cement siding waterproof?

The HardiePlank siding is made with a human-made mix of strong materials and wood fiber for years of worry-free, maintenance-free service. Fiber cement siding is waterproof, fire-resistant, and insectproof.

How much does it cost to put fiber cement siding on a 1500 sq ft house?

Fiber cement siding costs anywhere from $2.45 to $12.85 per square foot to install. If you were to replace siding on the average 1,500 sq. foot home, you could expect to pay between $3,675 on the low end and $19,275 on the high end in total installation costs.

What are the cons of fiber cement siding?

List of the Cons of Fiber Cement Siding It is not available for direct order from the manufacturer. It comes with a higher labor cost than other materials. It requires you to re-paint the siding at some point during its lifetime. It is not a recyclable material.

What are the disadvantages of cement board?

It is costly when installing a fiber cement board siding. Because fiber cement requires more manpower to deliver and install, labor costs are expensive. It can be two to three times higher than aluminum or vinyl siding for installation cost alone.

Is fiber cement siding termite proof?

Why Use Fiber Cement Siding? It’s the only type of siding that combines the performance of masonry—minimal upkeep; rot-, fire-, and termite-proof; unaffected by wind or cold—with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, even stone or brick.

How do I know if I have fiber cement siding?

The key to tell if you have fiber cement siding is to check for a wood-grain pressing. Older models of asbestos siding used a similar approach to make the siding look natural—which makes sense, because fiber cement siding was made to replace asbestos.

Is fiber cement better than brick?

Brick and fiber cement are both durable materials. Brick is known to be an attractive exterior option for homes, whether they be historic homes or new construction. However, fiber cement siding also provides a durable exterior with more options to improve curb appeal. It is also more affordable to install than brick.

What is better than vinyl siding?

By contrast, Hardie® fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding. It easily stands up to the elements, resisting damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail, and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.

What was the main problem with fiber cement board siding?

Cutting fiber cement siding generates respirable crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen. Inhaling too much silica can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD.

Is fiber cement siding maintenance free?

Fiber Cement: A Low-Maintenance Material Due to its special curing process, this siding absorbs less moisture than other materials, meaning that it’s less prone to cracking or breaking. That makes it extremely durable.

Is fiber cement siding flexible?

Wood pulp keeps the fiber cement siding planks flexible. Sand is mixed in to give the cement a thicker texture. The cement binds all the ingredients together. Once a slurry has formed, the mixture is put into molds that form planks.

How do you maintain fiber cement siding?

Just use some mild liquid dishwashing soap and mix it with water. Never use an abrasive cleanser when cleaning fiber cement siding. All you need once again is a soft cloth and your garden hose. Get your cloth wet with the soapy water and clean the siding.

How do you seal fiber cement siding?

Cut ends of fiber cement siding should have been sealed using 100% acrylic latex primer or paint (Certainteed) or in some cases using an approved caulk wiped on the cut surface (see our notes on Hardieplank installation). And caulk is required at certain joints such as vertical trim at windows, doors, corners.

Does fiber cement siding come in colors?

Thankfully for those who are looking for a durable, low maintenance product for their homes, fiber cement siding and panels are available in a very wide range of different colors. Fiber cement paint colors last and enhance your home’s appearance like nothing else.