How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?

Fiber Cement Siding Installation

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How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?

On average, fiber cement siding costs between $4.70 and $8.50 per square foot of siding installed. The average cost to install fiber cement siding on a 2,500 square foot home is $19,350. In terms of cost, it is considered a low- to mid-range type of siding with a high return on investment potential, as it lasts 30 to 50 years or more.

In order to estimate the cost of your siding project accurately as possible, use the Modernize Siding Cost Calculator. You will be able to view a close estimate of your siding project cost, as well as compare a fiber cement installation with other siding types.

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Types of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement board is most often made of cellulose fiber, cement, sand, and water. Typically, it is manufactured to imitate the look of wood, but fiber cement siding is actually more durable because of its resistance to moisture, pests, and fire.

Fiber cement siding comes in quite a few types that are popular amongst homeowners. The main five types of fiber cement siding include:

1. Shingles
2. Clapboard
3. Panels

Fiber cement also comes in a variety of styles including lap, plank, vertical, shake, curved-shake, and in a variety of geometric patterns. This type of siding is also available in a wide variety of textures and colors. New fiber cement siding can also convincingly imitate the look of natural fieldstone, stacked flagstone, or brick at a fraction of the cost.

1. Fiber Cement Shingles

Fiber cement shingles and shakes come in a quite a few shapes and sizes with different colors and stains. Typically, you will find that they come in 4, 8, and 12-foot strips of shingles or individual shingles prior to installation. Shingles typically have a wood-grain texture with either a straight or staggered design.

Fiber Cement Shingles

Fiber cement shingles create an elegant exterior appearance for your home and are often designed to appear like natural wood or cedar

• Can be painted, stained, or finished

• Can mimic real wood siding

• Straight or staggered designs

Average Costs per sq. ft:

$2 - $9

Fiber cement shingles can be finished in a variety of ways depending on the color and look you are going for. You can even finish your shingles to look like natural wood or cedar siding if you prefer. Fiber cement shingles and shakes vary in cost from as little as $2 per square foot to $9 per square foot to install.

2. Fiber Cement Clapboards

Another option for types of fiber cement siding are clapboards, also known as lap siding.  Clapboards are a form of fiber cement boards, and typically come in horizontal lap style boards. They are quick to install and can be painted or stained to achieve the color and appearance you are going for. Finishes for clapboards include smooth, wood grain, and rough sawn textures.

Fiber Cement Clapboard

Fiber cement clapboard usually comes in a horizontal lap style. It is quick, easy, and affordable to install.

• Can be painted or stained

• Standard board length of 12 feet

• 5/6 inch to 5/8 inch thick

• Suitable for any climate

Average Costs per sq. ft:

$2 - $5.25

Fiber cement clapboards are typically 5/6 inch to 5/8 inch thick, and the standard length is 12 feet. They are suitable for a wide variety of climates, from the Northeast to the Southwest. You can expect fiber cement clapboard to cost between just $2 and $5.25 on average to install.

3. Fiber Cement Panels

Fiber cement panels can come in stone, brick or stucco material options. This allows homeowners to get the look of higher end siding like natural stone or brick without having to pay the hefty price tag.

Fiber Cement Panels

Fiber cement panels can be made to mimic high end siding types such as stucco, brick, or natural stone.

• Customizable appearance

• 5/6 inch to 5/8 inch thick

• Looks great with decorative trim

Average Costs per sq. ft:

$5 - $13

When opting for fiber cement panels, you can choose to cover the joints with a trim or leave them as is. Panels typically come in sizes of 5/6 inches to 5/8 inches thick. Keep in mind that because fiber cement panels often mimic high end siding, they are usually more costly to install compared to shingle and clapboard alternatives. Be sure to ask your siding contractor about the best fiber cement panels for your climate and style preferences.

Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding

While they are similar in many ways, fiber cement is a different type of siding than vinyl. In terms of composition, fiber cement is made of cellulose fiber, cement, sand, and water. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is made of PVC, which is a durable type of plastic.

Fiber cement siding is also known to be one of – if not the most – durable and weather-resistant siding types. While vinyl is also weather-resistant, fiber cement typically outlasts vinyl in lifespan. While vinyl siding can show signs of aging within 10 to 15 years, fiber cement can last 30 to 50 years or more.

In terms of designs and styles, fiber cement and vinyl have a lot in common. They both come in horizontal lap, vertical, board and batten, Dutch lap and many other styles. They also both can be made to mimic other types of siding, such as real wood, natural stone, and brick.

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Can Fiber Cement Siding be Installed DIY?

Fiber cement siding is not a DIY project. The installation requires extensive prep work, specialized tools, carpentry skills, fastening, trim installation, and finishing with painting and caulking.

While DIY installation is possible, lack of experience can increase costs and time significantly. Homeowners who attempt it often face higher repair costs later. Hiring a professional installer is highly recommended.

Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance Tips

A large part of the appeal of fiber cement siding is that with relatively low maintenance, your siding could last the lifetime of your home.

Siding Warranties

Taking advantage of siding warranties is a great way to keep your fiber cement in the best condition for the longest time possible. Most manufacturers offer a 30 to 50 year warranty. Refinishing is typically required within 15 years of installation in order to maintain your warranty as well as the look and effectiveness of your siding.

Keep in mind that there are also contractor warranties for siding installations, which protects you against the contractor’s workmanship during the installation process. Before starting an installation, be sure to review all of the available warranties to you. It is best to choose a siding brand that offers a 30 to 50 year limited warranty.

How to Clean Fiber Cement Board

Clean your fiber cement siding every 6 to 12 months. Depending on your location, you may need to clean more often to remove dirt, dust, mold, and debris. Before cleaning, wear protective eyewear and gloves to avoid respiratory issues from particles like dust, mold, or mildew. Use a tarp to protect nearby landscaping.

To clean, use a soft brush to scrub the surface, removing dirt and debris, then rinse with a garden hose. For oil or grease, apply dish detergent with a wet cloth and rinse thoroughly.

In warm, humid areas, mold may form on the siding. Light mold is not a concern; just clean it with soapy water and rinse. For extra mold protection, add a diluted mildew cleaner to your cleaning routine.

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Is Fiber Cement Siding Eco-Friendly?

Because fiber cement siding will last the lifetime of your home, it is a preferable option to wood siding and other types that need to be replaced more often. Generally, the more often siding needs to be replaced, the more waste accumulates in local landfills and the more manufacturing and transportation emissions to create new siding product.

Many fiber cement manufacturers are becoming more eco-friendly with a commitment to using locally sourced material, recapturing water used in their facilities, and recycling 100% of the scrap created during the production process. If reducing your family’s environmental footprint is important to you, make sure to investigate the sustainability practices of various fiber cement siding brands before purchasing.

In terms of energy-efficiency, the good news is that new siding installations help decrease the amount of air that moves in and out of your home. This in turn helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Investing in energy efficient windows and quality roofing and/or attic insulation can also significantly decrease your monthly energy bills.

Finding a Siding Professional

When looking for a contractor, look to get 3 to 5 estimates on the project prior to committing to a contractor. Estimates are free, and you may find that prices vary widely between various contractors.

Pro tip: If you can wait until late fall or early winter, you may experience some discounts as this is typically a slower time for contractors.

Modernize can help you find local contractors in your area offering the best pricing on fiber cement siding. Use our network of quality contractors to compare 3 to 5 quotes and choose the best professional for the job.

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