Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a heavier, more fire-resistant board than vinyl or wood, made from cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, and it holds paint significantly longer than traditional wood siding.
Fiber cement siding sits between vinyl and cedar in terms of both cost and character, a manufactured board made from cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that's engineered to resist fire, rot, and insect damage better than wood while holding a painted finish far longer than wood siding typically does.
How we approach fiber cement siding
It's noticeably heavier than vinyl, which means more labor to install and specific fastening requirements, but the payoff is a board that doesn't dent, warp, or fade the way vinyl can, and doesn't require the ongoing maintenance cedar does. It's a strong fit for homeowners who want the look of painted wood siding without wood's maintenance schedule.
What makes fiber cement siding different
More fire-resistant than wood or vinyl
Fiber cement's cement and sand composition makes it noncombustible in a way wood siding and vinyl aren't, a real consideration for some homeowners and insurers.
Holds paint far longer than wood
A quality fiber cement board finish commonly outlasts a painted wood siding finish by a significant margin before repainting is needed.
Resists rot and insect damage
Unlike wood, fiber cement has no organic material for rot or insects to attack, which matters most in damp, shaded areas of a home's exterior.
Heavier, more labor-intensive install
Fiber cement's weight and density mean it needs different fastening and cutting approaches than vinyl, correctly installed it's a durable, long-term board.
What to know before you commit
Fastening pattern is different from vinyl or wood
Fiber cement requires specific fastener types and spacing to avoid cracking the board during installation, this isn't a material where the same techniques used for vinyl or wood transfer directly.
Cut and installation dust requires real precautions
Cutting fiber cement generates silica dust that requires proper dust control and protective equipment during installation, we follow manufacturer safety guidance on every job, not just when it's convenient.
Field-cut edges need to be primed and painted
Every field-cut edge on fiber cement siding needs to be primed and painted before installation, an unsealed cut edge is a common point where moisture gets into the board over time.
Manufacturers set specific installation clearances
Minimum clearance from grade, roofline, and other siding transitions varies by manufacturer spec. We install to the specific product's published requirements rather than a generic fiber-cement standard.
Questions about fiber cement siding
For homeowners prioritizing fire resistance, durability, and a more authentic painted-wood look, generally yes. It costs more than vinyl but less than real cedar with better longevity than either.
Considerably less often than wood siding, the exact interval depends on the specific product and finish. We can walk through manufacturer specifics for the brand you choose.
Yes, noticeably heavier than vinyl, which is part of why it costs more to install, the weight is also part of what makes it more durable and impact-resistant.