Is fiber cement siding cheaper than vinyl?

From an initial installation standpoint, vinyl siding is definitely cheaper. According to an RSMeans 2014 Residential Cost data report, vinyl siding costs $201 per 100 square feet to install while fiber cement costs around $300.

Is fiber cement siding a good choice?

Fiber cement is a material that does not warp, crack, or dent easily. It can withstand very hot and sub-freezing temperatures. Fiber cement siding holds up against heavy rain, hail, sleet, snow, and windstorms. It can even withstand hurricane-level storms.

How long does fiber cement siding last?

50 years
Fiber cement siding typically lasts up to 50 years if it is properly installed and well maintained. The initial investment in this strong siding pays off for decades. It will beautify your home and protect it from the elements.

Does fiber cement siding increase home value?

If homeowners are wondering whether fiber-cement siding is a good investment for their home, the answer is yes. Homeowners can recover as much as 76 percent of the upfront cost, making fiber-cement siding the third best exterior renovation project for adding value at resale.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Types of Siding and How Long They Last
  • Vinyl Siding: 60+ years (warranties last between 20-40 years)
  • Fiber Cement Siding: 50+ years.
  • Stucco Siding: 50-80 years, depending on how it is backed.
  • Metal Siding: Up to 40 years.
  • Wood Siding: 20-40 years.

Does fiber cement siding require maintenance?

Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance and Longevity

The siding stands up, not only to the elements but also to hazards like insects and noise pollution. Repainting is necessary after 10 to 15 years, but maintenance duties are light otherwise.

Can fiber cement siding rot?

Fiber cement siding will not rot as long as it is installed properly. Because it requires a certain level of expertise to install, you should hire a professional. If you hire a contractor with limited experience, they may leave cracks and other openings that allow moisture to get in and rot to grow.

How often does fiber cement siding need to be painted?

every 10 years
However, to keep your fiber cement siding looking and working its best, it’s essential to repaint it every 10 years or so and performing basic repairs to cracks or splits in the fiber cement and caulking regularly.

Why does fiber cement siding crack?

Nails driven below the panel surface and directional nailing can cause cracking and splitting of fiber cement. Nailing too high or close at an edge. This can create a small crack which leads from the nail to the edge of the siding board.

Is fiber cement siding waterproof?

The HardiePlank siding is made with a human-made mix of strong materials and wood fiber for years of worry-free, maintenance-free service. Fiber cement siding is waterproof, fire-resistant, and insectproof.

Is James Hardie siding worth it?

James Hardie siding is a great, environmentally friendly choice for overall curb appeal and home value. It will give your home a new look and feel to it. It is an attractive choice with guaranteed durability and quality. It provides an amazing return on investment.

Is fiber cement siding too heavy?

Will HardiePlank siding be too heavy for my house with its normal wall framing? Durability and strength can come with a cost in weight. Fiber-cement siding can weigh as much as 300 lbs per square (100 square feet) versus about 25% of that for vinyl siding.

Does Hardie board sag?

Long-lasting

James Hardie® fiber cement siding resists moisture damage, swelling and rot. It is also more resistant to bending, sagging, dents and damage than vinyl siding.

Does Hardie board break easily?

Its resistance to the elements makes it fit seamlessly into almost any climate. Hardie siding is waterproof, fire resistant, and pest and insect resistant, which means that not only will the siding last, but it will protect the interior of your home for longer, without warping or breaking.

Is fiber cement siding eco friendly?

Eco Friendly Siding Advantages

Although fiber cement siding is not a natural material, it has a number of advantages over renewable resources like wood. With rapid deforestation being a major environmental issue, wood siding can fuel unsustainable forestry practices.

How long will Hardie plank siding last?

50 years
With the proper care, your James Hardie fiber cement siding will outlast its 30-year warranty. It can even last up to 50 years if cared for properly.

Does Hardie board absorb water?

Hardie siding does a great job of wicking moisture when it is installed on the wall, but when it’s uncovered and flat on the ground it will absorb water. If your contractor installs Hardie siding when it’s saturated, it may show signs of shrinkage or even staining over time.

How do you maintain fiber cement siding?

How to Maintain Fiber Cement Siding
  1. Fiber Cement: A Low-Maintenance Material.
  2. Inspect the Caulking Regularly to Keep Moisture Protection High.
  3. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts.
  4. Keep Siding Clean to Prevent Problems Down the Line.
  5. Fiber Cement Must Be Repainted.

What are the cons of Hardie board?

Hardie board is close, but the one drawback of Hardie board siding is upfront costs. This material is heavier than vinyl, which means installation requires more labor and specialized installation. The material itself is also more costly than most vinyl options.

Does Hardie board get mold?

It is highly susceptible to mold and mildew. Hardie Plank has many seams and the seams must be sealed or water can infiltrate behind the siding. It can crack and if it does, you must tear the whole wall down in order to replace just one plank.

Can you power wash fiber cement siding?

Do not use a high-pressure hose to clean fiber cement siding. This is one of the few ways that you can damage it. If you feel that you need to use a pressure washer, especially on harder to reach locations, only use it at a low pressure — under 1500 psi — with a wide tip.