Fiber cement siding is a clear winner when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. 

    It has numerous advantages over traditional wood or vinyl siding — it’s durable, low maintenance, pest-resistant, and affordable. Here’s why you might want to choose it for your home.


    What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

    Fiber Cement Siding
    Image Credit: Adobe Stock

    Fiber cement is a composite material made from cement, sand, cellulose fiber, and water in a special process that uses pressurized steam. The result is a highly durable material that costs more than vinyl siding but less than wood. While many think fiber cement siding is maintenance-free, know that it does require periodic painting.

    Fiber cement siding is composed of sustainable materials and requires little maintenance compared to wood siding options. It resists damage from termites, rot, cracks, and other common issues that can affect wood and vinyl siding.

    The material is dimensionally stable as well, meaning it withstands changes in temperature and humidity without expanding, contracting, or warping. This makes fiber cement an excellent choice for homes in areas with extreme weather.


    Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

    There are plenty of advantages to fiber cement that make it an appealing choice for homeowners:

    • Has a Class 1(A) fire rating, meaning it’s virtually non-combustible. 
    • Resistant to termites and other insects that can damage wood sidings.
    • Won’t rot or crack like wood under weather stresses over time, retaining integrity for decades to come.
    • Dimensionally stable in humidity and temperature, thanks to its composite matrix — it resists expansion and contraction forces.
    • Weather-resistant to withstand hurricane winds and temperature extremes (it won’t become brittle, like vinyl).
    • Stays intact through impacts from hail and windblown debris, thanks to its durable cement matrix.
    • Resists fading and ultraviolet damage better than composite woods prone to surface issues.
    • Paint lasts longer than wood before needing refresh coats.
    • It’s an eco-friendly, sustainable material utilizing recycled ingredients.
    • Has up to a 50-year warranty, longer than cheaper wood or vinyl alternatives.
    • It’s versatile and comes with many different options, allowing for custom home looks. 

    How to Paint Fiber Cement Siding

    material wooden siding brown color. fiber cement board texture
    Image Credit: Adobe Stock

    Fiber cement comes primed for painting after installation with exterior acrylic latex. It’s also available prefinished in a wide range of colors and guaranteed 15 years against cracking, chipping, and peeling.

    The siding resists fading and damage but needs repainting every decade with exterior grade paint to stay looking its best. Follow manufacturer recommendations for surface prep and application.


    So, Is Fiber Cement Siding a Good Choice?

    Fiber cement siding is an excellent siding choice for homes, both old and new. Compared to wood, it needs little maintenance, retains its integrity much longer, and provides unrivaled protection from weathering year-round. It also resists rot, cracks, insects, fire, impact, and more. Plus, its 50-year durability provides extreme value over a home’s lifetime.

    While it doesn’t offer the design flexibility of real wood, profiles replicate many classic styles. Painted fiber cement is virtually indistinguishable from fresh wood to the eye. For beautiful, carefree, durable siding, fiber cement delivers reliable curb appeal and protection over the long run.


    FAQs About Fiber Cement Siding

    Does fiber cement hold paint well?

    Yes, fiber cement holds paint well. Its factory finish resists cracking and peeling for 15+ years. Repainting lasts decades, which is far longer than wood.


    Can you install over old siding?

    Sometimes, you can install fiber cement siding over old siding, but removing old siding is often better for performance.


    Is fiber cement environmentally friendly?

    Yes, fiber cement is eco-friendly. It utilizes recycled and sustainable ingredients like cement and cellulose. It also lasts much longer than wood or vinyl.


    What fasteners should you use with fiber cement?

    I suggest using corrosion-resistant fasteners made from stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized metal. Space them based on wind load, typically every 6 to 12 inches.


    How long does fiber cement siding last?

    Properly installed and maintained, fiber cement siding can last over 50 years, making it extremely cost-effective in the long term.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga is a professional roofer and carpenter with ten years of experience in residential and commercial construction. His expertise spans the breadth of the roofing trade from minor repairs to laying shingles to framing trusses. These days he spends most of his time writing about roofing and the roofing industry.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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