How Much Does It Cost To Install Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber Cement Siding Cost

Fiber cement siding costs $6 to $13 per square foot to install for Hardie board siding and labor. The average cost to install fiber cement siding is $8,000 to $24,000 for a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot home. Residing a house with fiber cement costs $1,000 to $3,000 more to remove the old siding.

*Costs may be higher for homes with two-stories or a complex architecture

Cost To Install Fiber Cement Siding

The total cost to install fiber cement siding depends on the type of materials (panels, shingles, lap siding), brand (James Hardie, Allura, Nichiha), and job complexity (two-story house or complex architecture).

Cement Siding Material Cost Per Square Foot

Fiber cement siding materials cost $3 to $6 per square foot for the cladding and supplies. Prices depend on the style, finish, brand, and size. Standard horizontal lap siding board costs $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot, for brands like James Hardie, Nichiha, and Allura.

• Cement siding clapboards, planks, and lap siding are the most popular and range from 4" to 12" wide, 4' to 12' long, with a thickness from 7/16" to 1". The finish is wood-grained, smooth, or rough-sawn.
• Fiber cement shakes and shingles, such as HardieShingle®, come in 4' to 12' strips with wood-grain or hand-split finishes. Shingles have Cape-Cod or cottage look and come in different courses, such as straight-edge, staggered, half-rounds, octagons, wavy, and thatched.
• Fiber cement log siding makes a home look like a log cabin without the cost of maintaining wood.

Labor Cost To Install Fiber Cement Siding

The average labor cost to install Hardie fiber cement siding is $3 to $7 per square foot, not including the materials. Prices depend on the complexity of the job, materials, brand, and local labor.

Fiber Cement Siding Replacement Costs

Replacing fiber cement siding requires removing the existing siding first. Removing old siding costs $0.25 to $1 per square foot or $1,000 to $3,000, including the labor and dumping fees.

• Siding replacement is considered major structural work that requires permits and inspections.
• Inspections are required to ensure the home's structural integrity is not compromised, and there is no mold, moisture, damaged insulation, or failing components.
• Older homes built before 1987 may contain dangerous asbestos, which must be disposed of properly.
• Local regulations from homeowner's associations may require a specific material or style to maintain neighborhood or historical consistency.
• If the house’s utility meter is in the way, contact the utility provider. Only the power company is allowed to remove the meter when installing panels.

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Fiber Cement Shingle Siding Cost By Manufacturer

The best fiber cement manufacturers and brands are James Hardie, Allura, and Nichiha, which cost between $5 and $13 per square foot installed.

James Hardie Board Siding Cost

James Hardie board siding costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average for the materials only. The average cost to install Hardie siding is $6 and $13 per square foot. Installing Hardiplank shingles on a 1,600 SF house costs $10,000 to $18,000 on average.

James Hardie is the most well-known fiber cement siding brand due to its longevity, appearance, fire-resistance, and weather-resistance. James Hardie Industries (JHI) was the first to introduce fiber cement siding to the market and has developed various products such as planks, panels, and shingles.

James Hardie Limited Warranties

• Lap Siding, Shingles, Panels, Soffits – 30 years
• Color and Finish – 15 years
• Exterior Cement Board – 10 years
• Weather Barrier – 10 years
• Trim – 15 years

Allura Fiber Cement Siding Prices

Allura siding prices range from $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials only. Allura Plycem, formerly known as CertainTeed, costs $5 to $10 per square foot for materials and installation, or 20% cheaper than James Hardie. Installing Allura on a 1,600 SF home costs $8,000 to $15,000.

Allura offers a 50-year warranty on product and a 15-year warranty on color coating.

Nichiha Siding Cost

Nichiha siding costs $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials only. Nichiha installation costs $7 to $10 per square foot for both materials and labor. Installing Nichiha fiber cement on a 1,600 SF home costs $11,000 to $15,000. Unlike other brands, Nichiha pours the fiber cement into a solid mold that creates higher durability. Plus, they offer more design options than other brands.

Hardie Board Siding Alternatives

There are various Hardiplank competitors and alternatives to Hardie Board siding, such as Nichiha, Allura Plycem, GAF WeatherSide, Woodtone, American Fiber Cement Corporation, and Finex.

• GAF WeatherSide – GAF specializes in fiber cement siding shingles, or shiplap profile siding, made here in the USA. WeatherSide's and sub-brands such as Purity, Profile, and Emphasis are available at Home Depot and Lowe's.
• Nichiha – Nichiha is a Japanese company that specializes in fiber cement for commercial properties. For residential products, Nichiha offers traditional shakes and shingles, and modern large-format boards and panels. Nichiha products must be purchased through an architect or contractor.
• Allura Plycem – Allura, also known as CertainTeed, is well-known for its vinyl siding products. Their fiber cement products include shingles, vertical siding, lap siding, and large-format architectural panels in over 30 colors.
• Woodtone – Woodtone offers a fiber cement siding with a realistic wood-look and ultra-embossed wood grains. Woodtone products include lap siding, shakes, extensive panels, and matching trim.
• American Fiber Cement Corporation – AFCC specializes in commercial fiber cement products for stadiums, universities, and other large buildings.
• Finex – Made in Canada, Finex makes fiber cement strips and large-format panels. Finex panels include an easy mounting system with flared screws.

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Fiber Cement Siding Options

Fiber cement siding comes in various options such as boards, planks, panels, logs, and shingles. Fiber cement siding styles mimick the look of wood, stone, brick, and stucco so accurately that the material is often accepted in historic districts.

When choosing an option, select a weather barrier from the same manufacturer as the siding to prevent moisture. Fiber cement products are also available in soffits, fascia, and trim.

Options from James Hardie

• HardiePlank® Lap Siding
• HardieShingle® Siding
• HardiePanel® Vertical Siding
• HardieTrim® Boards
• HardieSoffit® Panels
• Aritsan® by James Hardie
• HardieBacker® Cement Board
• HardieWrap® Weather Barrier

Fiber Cement Siding Colors

Fiber cement siding is available in a wide variety of 26 factory-primed color options and may also be purchased unfinished.

• Most factory-painted products come with a 15-year warranty to protect against flaking and fading.
• All unfinished products must be painted within 3 to 12 months of installation, depending on the manufacturer. Exterior grade 100% acrylic latex paints are recommended.

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Fiber Cement Siding Pros and Cons

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

• Suitable for all climates from the Mid-Atlantic to the Southwest. Withstands freeze-thaw cycles, winds up to 130 MPH, and is durable.
• Preferred type of siding on homes in areas with extreme temperatures or risk of wildfires.
• Has an average 77% return on investment and resale value.
• Resistant fire, moisture, warping, termites, UV rays, insects, rodents, impact, and rot.
• Most products meet the ASTM E119 standard test, which withstands at least an hour of high heat before melting.
• Lasts 50 to 100-years with professional installation and proper maintenance.
• Most manufacturer warranties last between 15 and 30 years.
• Comes in a variety of styles and colors with matching soffits, fascia, and trim.
• Eco-friendly material made from raw, natural materials.

Fiber Cement Siding Problems

• Fiber cement siding manufactured before 1987 may contain dangerous asbestos, which must be disposed of properly.
• It's 2 to 3 times more expensive than vinyl siding.
• Installation is difficult and requires at least two trained and experienced installers due to the material's weight.
• It's heavy, weighing 2 ½ pounds per square foot and requires two people to install a plank. Some homes need additional material to support the weight.
• Contractors must wear eye, nose, and mouth protection when cutting fiber cement siding to protect from respirable crystalline silica, a human carcinogen known to cause cancer.
• Panels can absorb moisture, leading to damage, rot, and mold problems.
• Panels can crack if not handled properly or when the building settles.
• Requires regular maintenance of painting, caulking, and cleaning to protect the panels.
• Not as energy-efficient as insulated vinyl siding and requires a foam sheathing insulation to improve the R-value.
• Although it's made from eco-friendly materials, the production process and shipping weight makes it harder on the environment than vinyl siding.

Fiber Cement Siding Return on Investment (ROI)

Fiber cement siding has an average 77.6% return on investment. The typical fiber cement siding job costs $17,000, which adds $13,000 in home resale value.

Fiber Cement Siding Life Expectancy & Warranty

Fiber cement siding has a 50 to 100-year life expectancy when installed by a professional and maintained regularly. Most fiber cement siding products have a 30-year product warranty and 15-year color-coating warranty when installed to the manufacturer’s specifications.

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Fiber Cement Siding Alternatives

Fiber cement siding alternatives are vinyl, wood, aluminum, brick, and stucco. Siding costs $3 to $15 per square foot to install on average, depending on the material, job size, and complexity.

• Vinyl siding costs $3 to $11 per square foot to install. Vinyl siding has a large variety of styles, is easy to install, lasts up to 60 years, and requires minimal maintenance.
• Stucco costs $3 to $9 per square foot to install. Stucco is durable, easy to install and repair, fire-resistant, blocks heat and noise, and lasts 50 years.
• Wood siding costs $2 to $6 per square foot to install. Wood clapboard or cedar shakes are eco-friendly, easy to repair, energy-efficient, and has better insulation than other materials. Wood is harder to install and maintain, and is subject to rot and insect damage.
• The cost to brick a house is $8 to $18 per square foot installed. Real brick is durable, resists fire and pests, doesn't rot, mold, or mildew, but is expensive.
• Stone veneer siding costs $10 to $45 per square foot to install. Stone siding is durable and lasts 20 to 100 years, but may crack in extreme freeze-thaw cycles.
• Aluminum or metal siding costs $3 to $10 per square foot to install. Metal is durable, nearly maintenance-free, fire-resistant, does not crack or peel, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

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Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance

Fiber cement siding is a high-quality material that requires minimal maintenance of cleaning, caulking, painting, and general upkeep.

• Cleaning – Wash every 6 to 12 months with a garden hose or low-pressure power washer. Start at the roofline and work your way down to remove contaminants, grime, and insect nests. Pressure washing prices are $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot.
• Caulking – Inspect caulked joints ever few years in all places where two or more pieces come together. Recaulk or use patching compound on any holes, cracks, dents, chips, and scratches.
• Repairs – Fiber cement siding repair costs $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the damage.
• Painting – Painting siding costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot. High-quality, factory prime paint lasts 7 to 15 years on fiber cement before requiring a repaint. All exposed field cut edges, joints, and corners must be coated with primer, paint, or sealant.
• Reducing Moisture – Keep plants trimmed and pruned back away from the siding, clean the gutters and downspouts twice a year, and adjust sprinklers to avoid spraying on the siding. This allows the siding to dry out and reduces moisture.
• Ground Clearance – Ensure a ground clearance of 6" and maintain drainage slopes by preventing mulch, stone, or dirt from building up.

Most maintenance can be done yourself or hire a local handyman to help.

How Often Should I Paint My Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding should be painted every 7 to 15 years, depending on if the paint was applied correctly and if the siding was adequately maintained. Most fiber cement siding manufacturers offer a 15-year warranty covering paint and labor, protecting against peeling, cracking, and chipping.

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What Is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting material used to cover the exterior of residential houses. Fiber cement is a semi-rigid material made of sand and cement reinforced with cellulose fibers that maintains flexibility. Fiber cement is not considered masonry.

When Was Fiber Cement Siding Invented?

Fiber cement siding was invented in the late 19th century by the Austrian Ludwig Hatschek. Hatschek used 90% Portland cement and 10% asbestos fibers and ran the mixture through cardboard machines to form strong, thin sheets. Hatschek called his product Eternit from the Latin word for “everlasting.”

Today's fiber cement siding products don't contain harmful asbestos and instead are composed of fly ash, wood pulp, water, and Portland cement. Fiber cement is currently installed on 15% of all new construction homes.

Is Fiber Cement Siding Fire Resistant?

Fiber cement siding boards are fire-resistant with a “Class A” fire rating, which means it can withstand high heat for hours before melting. Beyond being fireproof, fiber cement siding is also resistant to moisture, termites, UV rays, insects, rodents, impact, and rot.

Areas with higher risks of wildfires provide an insurance discount by installing fiber cement siding.

Is Fiber Cement Siding Energy-Efficient?

Fiber cement siding is a relatively thin material that's not as energy efficient as insulated vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding board has an R-value of 0.15 to 0.50 compared to vinyl siding at 2.0 to 3.5. Although, fiber cement can be insulated with foam sheathing to improve the overall R-value.

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DIY Fiber Cement Siding

Installing fiber cement siding is not a DIY project, unless there's only a small section that needs replacing. Fiber cement weighs 2½ pounds per square foot, can crack if mishandled, and requires specialized tools to install. Plus, some brands void the warranty if not installed by certified professionals.

Professionals should refer to the manufacturer's installation guides:

• James Hardie
• Certainteed
• Nichiha
• Allura
• Cerber

Fiber Cement Siding Cutting & Installation Tools

Cutting and installing fiber cement siding requires tools such as Pneumatic Production Shears, saws and saw blades, a nail gun, and stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails.

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Hiring A Fiber Cement Siding Installer

Fiber cement siding is difficult to install and requires trained professionals. Follow these steps to find the best contractor for the job:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for a written contract and warranty. This is different than the manufacturer's material warranty.
• Get a full breakdown of all costs involved in writing.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask Siding Installers

• How long have you been installing siding?
• Can you provide references and reviews of past work?
• Does your company do the work, or will you use subcontractors?
• How long will the project take?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What warranties or guarantees does your labor and product include?
• What other costs might be associated with the installation?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• What is your payment schedule?

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