Modern fiber cement siding blends silica, cement, and natural cellulose fibers that is pressed into molds and cured, creating planks and shingles that are used as siding for a wide range of exterior products. This modern version replaced an asbestos based solution that was commonly used in the past.

Fiber cement siding can also be designed in a variety of ways, including different colors. It can be painted before shipping or painted on site if it has been given a primer coat. As such, fiber cement siding can come in any color as well as finishes that mimic other materials, such as wood.

As such, fiber cement siding is often chosen for having the strength and durability of concrete, but the aesthetic of other materials, acting as masonry while maintaining the look of shingles, brick, and stone. 

There has been a significant surge is the usage of fiber cement siding in the past two decades and for good reason. However, every material, including fiber cement siding, has its pros and its cons. Here, we’re going to look at both, with the aim of helping you understand how and why this material is so broadly used as well as applications that it might not be well suited to.

Fiber Cement Siding Pros

It’s a stronger option

Compared to vinyl, the strength of fiber cement should be clear from the name alone. It is the most resilient option when it comes to your siding choices. Not only is it sturdy, but the material has a natural resistance to commonly problematic elements: it doesn’t crack, it doesn’t rot, it’s resistant to UV rays, and it doesn’t warp in the heat. It’s weatherproof, too, able to resist rain, hail, snow, ice, and wind. As such, if you live in an area where bad weather is a common concern, it might be the option for you.

It’s pest resistant

Another issue that you might worry about when it comes to home materials is that of insects and vermin burrowing into it. However, pests rarely if ever show any interest in fiber cement siding. They don’t like chewing on concrete, after all.

It’s not flammable

House fires consistently rank near the top when it comes to what homeowners fear the most. 90% of the materials used in concrete fiber are completely inflammable, meaning they don’t catch fire easily, even in cases of extreme heat.

More environmentally sustainable

While not recyclable, fiber cement is environmentally neutral, meaning that it doesn’t release the same toxins on degrading that PVC siding, especially older varieties, can.

It’s long lasting

You can expect an average lifespan of 50 years for non-backcoated fiber cement siding and 75 years for the backcoated versions of the product. Warranties tend to cover any damage that happens within 40 years of that lifespan, which is practically half a lifetime. As such, you don’t need to worry about your siding’s condition for a long time indeed.

It realistically looks like other materials

If aesthetic quality is on your mind, you have nothing to worry about from your fiber cement siding. It’s something that has to be seen to be judged, but it’s much harder to tell this material from those that it’s mimicking when compared to vinyl, for instance. If you don’t like the look, you can always paint it.

It’s highly cost-effective

Working out the real costs of fiber cement siding can be a little tricky. The purchase price is low compared to the alternatives, but installation can be costly. However, it’s also got great value for money due to its longevity and low maintenance. As such, when looking at the overall lifetime costs, it’s perhaps the most cost effective option out there.

Cons of Fiber Cement Siding

Limited insulation

When looking at the insulation R-values (measuring how effectively materials stop the transfer of heat), fiber cement siding and vinyl are practically the same. Yet, fiber cement siding doesn’t have the extra-insulated option that you can get with vinyl, which means it does lose out in the end.

Not easy to install

Installing and replacing vinyl siding is comparatively easy and inexpensive next to fiber cement DIY projects. The weight of this cement-based siding is a significant barrier to many, so you might need to end up relying on professional help. As such, that can drive up the overall cost of installation, something to bear in mind when you’re looking at the price tag.

Repainting is necessary

Though fiber cement siding requires very little maintenance, you are going to have to repaint it at some point  This is usually done about every 15 years, so you have to schedule for that.

No independent testing

Unlike vinyl and it’s ASTM certification, fiber cement siding has no independent, centralized body that tests and attests to the quality of its products. There are still plenty of highly reputable manufacturers and name-brand companies selling it. You just have to do a little digging to make sure you’re getting a product that does what it promises.

Availability could be limited

Whilst it’s being used much more commonly, you might have some trouble finding a local supplier of fiber cement siding when it comes to a replacement. Furthermore, it’s often not available as a direct order from the manufacturer, so finding a supplier is crucial.

Is Fiber Cement Siding the right choice?

With the pros and cons above, hopefully you should have a much better understanding of why so many prefer to use fiber cement siding. Vinyl siding is still just as widely used, of course, so you will have plenty of options in both categories if one or the other doesn’t suit your purposes as well.

No matter how affordable one option is over the other, make sure to critically compare and contrast to find which makes for the better investment. Fiber cement siding can certainly be more affordable and resilient in the long term, but the installation costs can be higher. Still, its usefulness and aesthetic versatility will make it a popular option for decades to come.