Fiber cement siding is a relatively new building material that was invented in the 1980s by one of the industry’s leading manufacturers. Fiberboard is made from a mix of amorphous powder from materials such as sand, cement, and wood pulp. When you squeeze these ingredients together with chemicals under a high-pressure industrial process, you get fiber cement siding.
While many new construction homes in the U.S. feature fiber cement coverings, they’re not one of the most popular siding choices in the states (it comes with some downsides). Below, I’ll explain some of the reasons that fiberboard cement siding may not be the best siding choice for your home.
The Top 5 Most Common Problems With Fiberboard Cement
Fiberboard cement has some downsides — read on to understand more about why this type of siding may not be for you.
1. Expensive
Fiber cement siding carries a premium price tag due to extensive labor and special equipment needed for proper installation. It’s as expensive or more expensive than natural materials when you factor in the higher labor costs.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a siding that you can install yourself. When it comes to fiber cement boards, it’s best to hire a professional. This is because the cement boards are basically concrete. They’re heavy, difficult to handle, and require special cutting tools. If you try to use a regular circular saw to cut these boards, the blade can dull after only one or two cuts.
Fiber cement boards also create a lot of dust during the cutting process. Silica dust is dangerous to breathe in, and prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness.
2. Needs Waterproofing
Moisture infiltration behind fiber cement siding can lead to expensive repairs if the material is not properly sealed and flashed. While it is water resistant, concrete siding isn’t waterproof, and neither are fiber cement boards. Moisture can seep into the wall cavity and lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other expensive repairs if you don’t properly waterproof it.
Fiber cement siding requires a waterproof system, such as house wrap or building paper, behind it to protect the frame framing and drywall on the inside of the house. This additional requirement is what increases the cost of fiber cement siding installation. The siding must also be flashed properly around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent water ingress.
3. Can Be Hard To Paint
The texture and porosity of fiber cement create painting challenges you may not have when painting other siding materials. When you buy fiber cement boards from the factory, you can buy them either pre-primed or painted with one of a limited selection of factory colors. I recommend using one of these pre-finished options since paint doesn’t adhere well to the surface of the boards, and brushing can leave marks.
If you do make the decision to paint the boards yourself, I recommend opting for a factory-primed material. Fiber cement siding soaks up a lot of paint, and lap marks can often result. This is because concrete products require special prep work, primer, and paints to get an even and consistent appearance. Plan to do paint touch-ups if you decide to paint the boards yourself.
4. Has Almost No Insulation Value
Uninsulated fiber cement siding boards have an R-rating of less than 0.5, meaning that you must factor in the cost of extra insulation to get to the minimum wall insulation rating required by most local building codes. While you can supplement fiber cement siding with insulation to help prevent energy loss and moisture condensation issues, extra insulation will add to the cement.
Heat can easily transfer through uninsulated siding and could lead to higher energy bills. This is because your HVAC system will have to work harder to heat and cool your home.
Consider adding rigid foam insulation behind the siding to boost efficiency.
So, Is Fiber Cement Siding Worth It?
While fiber cement siding has some downsides, such as cost and painting challenges, it can still be a durable and low-maintenance choice for your home’s exterior. However, correct installation is key — when done properly, it resists rot, fire, termites, and impact damages far better than wood or vinyl. It’s also long-lasting and requires very little upkeep.
If you don’t mind the synthetic look and are willing to pay a premium for resilience, fiber cement is a contender. Just weigh the pros and cons carefully relative to your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of adding proper insulation and boosting the energy efficiency of your home since the boards themselves provide little insulation.
FAQs About Fiber Cement Siding
How long does fiber cement siding last?
Fiber cement siding can last at least 30 years if it’s installed correctly. Some estimates state that well-maintained siding will last 100 years or more, as it isn’t susceptible to rot, corrosion, or insect damage.
Does fiber cement siding hold up in extreme weather?
Yes, fiber cement stands up very well to extreme cold, heat, rain, and wind when correctly installed. It resists hail damage better than vinyl.
Is fiber cement siding high maintenance?
Fiber cement is low maintenance once installed. It may need repainting every 10 to 15 years, depending on climate and exposure levels. Annual cleaning is recommended.
Is fiber cement siding energy efficient?
Fiber cement itself has a low insulation value, so additional insulation should be used underneath to improve energy performance.
Is fiber cement siding expensive to install?
Yes, fiber cement typically costs around $5 to $10 per square foot installed, with some estimates up to $15 a square foot. The labor is intensive, requiring special cutting tools and careful attention to detail.
