Fiber Cement Siding Pros and Cons

Fiber cement siding has a lot to offer your home’s exterior, mainly that it’s long-lasting and durable. Before you nail down your final decision, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of fiber cement siding and measure how it stacks up against other alternatives.  

What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

If you’ve looked up information about fiber cement siding, you’ve no doubt come across Hardie Board, which is a major manufacturer of this material by James Hardie™. Fiber cement siding was introduced in the mid-1980s as a replacement for siding containing asbestos, which was discontinued in 1989 due to safety concerns.

While Hardie Board was the first, it’s certainly not the last. Several other manufacturers now make fiber cement siding from a mixture of cellulose fibers, sand, and cement, but every manufacturer has their own composition. Consult a local siding contractor to determine whether fiber cement is the right siding material for your home.

Pros of Fiber Cement Siding

Check out the benefits of installing fiber cement siding on your home’s exterior.

1. Long-Lasting

Fiber cement siding is extremely durable and holds up well against the elements. It can last up to 50 years if you keep up with maintenance, and some manufacturers' warranties can be about that long. 

2. Durable

Durability is often the main appeal of this material. Fiber cement siding is so strong that it can withstand hurricane-strength winds and other extreme weather conditions like hail. It will not dent, warp, or rot.

3. Non-Combustible 

Fiber cement is resistant to fire and heat, making it a smart choice if you live in an area with wildfires. It has a 0 flame spread rating, and because it’s listed as a Class 1 material, it doesn’t actively fuel a fire.

4. Pest and Animal Resistant 

Pests like termites and beetles can’t chew or drill through fiber cement siding. It’s also safe from small animals and birds. Fiber cement siding doesn’t expand and contract either, so it doesn’t invite nesting insects. 

5. Versatile

One of the benefits of fiber cement siding is that it can mimic the look of nearly all types of siding, and most manufacturers also carry traditionally colored architectural siding to meet historical society specifications. It can be installed vertically, horizontally, or as trim and comes in various shapes, thicknesses, and textures. 

Cons of Fiber Cement Siding

Check out the problems with installing fiber cement siding on your home’s exterior.

1. Cost

Costing between $5 and $14 per square foot, fiber cement siding is more expensive than most other siding types. The price of fiber cement siding will depend on the manufacturer (Hardie Board is more expensive than other manufacturers), and the type—shingles are the cheapest, followed by planks and panels. Its installation may also cost more. You’ll want to reach out to a local fiber cement siding company for a more accurate estimate.  

2. Environmental Impact 

Fiber cement siding is not recyclable, which means it’s not eco-friendly. However, once installed, it’s inert and non-toxic. And because it lasts for decades, it has a low carbon footprint.

3. Difficulty of Installation 

Fiber cement siding installation can be difficult. It’s heavy—50 square feet weighs about 150 pounds, and its rigidity makes it easily breakable. Cutting fiber cement releases crystalline silica, which is hazardous when inhaled. 

4. Maintenance

Once fiber cement siding is installed, you’ll need to clean and paint it every decade to keep it looking fresh. While the material itself is moisture resistant, proper installation and regular maintenance are important to keep mold at bay. 

Types of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement's ability to imitate other popular siding options is one of its greatest perks. The material gives homeowners the chance to add the look of brick, stone, or wood veneer without the high price tag or maintenance issues that come with the real thing. Here are some of the most popular types of fiber cement siding.

Shingle Panels

Some of the top brands of fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie, offer panels of shingles that mimic wood and vinyl siding shingles in a full range of paintable colors.

Wood Lap

Wood lap, or clapboard, imitates the most classic style of home siding. Long planks line up horizontally and give the appearance of classic painted wood.

Stucco Panels

Fiber cement comes in panels that imitate stucco, offering a highly durable option for modern homes and commercial buildings. While they are still complicated to install, fiber cement requires less maintenance and repairs over the years than stucco siding.

Brick and Stone Veneer

Homeowners can get that rustic charm with fiber cement by chiseling it to look like brick or stone siding. Choose from a range of brick colors and styles as well as a stone design that imitates a masonry wall.

Alternatives to Fiber Cement Siding

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of fiber cement siding and are still not convinced it’s for you, there are several other siding varieties to choose from. These are some of the most popular options. 

1. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding comes in many colors, textures, and styles. It’s low cost, at about $3 to $12 per square foot. It lasts up to 40 years and only needs to be cleaned with water from a garden hose. 

2. Wood Siding

Wood siding costs about $1 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type, and is also available in many finishes, styles, and textures. It does require paint or a stain, and it’s not impervious to moisture, pests, or weather extremes. 

3. Metal Siding

Aluminum siding costs about $3 to $6 per square foot, and steel costs $4 to $16 per square foot. Metal siding compared to fiber cement is low maintenance but is prone to denting. It’s available in a wide range of styles, including shingles, panels, vertical strips, and shingles.

4. Brick Siding

Brick masonry and brick veneer siding both offer a classic home style with a material trusted for centuries. You'll pay anywhere between $5 and $20 per square foot for either option, though building brick masonry walls is more common during initial construction. 

5. Stone Siding

Similar to brick, stone siding comes either as a stone veneer or, less commonly, as a stone masonry wall. Choose between natural and manufactured stone, including fiber cement. However, you can pay up to $42 per square foot for the most sought-after stone siding materials.

6. EIFS Siding

EIFS siding, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, has been a popular alternative to stucco since the 1970s. Its multilayered system offers durability, strong insulation, and a lighter-weight option compared to stucco.

Is Fiber Cement Siding Right for You?

Fiber cement siding is a great option for homeowners looking for a durable, long-lasting siding solution. Whether it’s right for your home mostly depends on your budget and your desired exterior aesthetics.

Fiber cement siding may not be the best choice if you prefer to DIY—the weight and complex installation process means this is a job best left to the pros. Hire a siding contractor who specializes in fiber cement to ensure it’s installed correctly to protect your home for decades to come. Improperly installed siding can lead to water damage, mold growth, and serious damage to your home’s exterior.