Are you tired of the constant maintenance your current siding requires?
Perhaps you’re thinking of giving your home’s exterior a fresh new look?
If so, you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll explore the cost, benefits, and ROI of fiber cement siding.
By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and elevate the look of your home.
Let’s get started!
How Much Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost?
When it comes to the cost of fiber cement siding, there are several factors to consider, including your choice of colors, textures, and the complexity of the installation.
The cost per square foot can range from $7.50 to $13.50, which includes both the material and installation costs.*
*Note: Many internet sources about fiber cement costs do not include the cost of installation, giving you an inaccurate total cost estimate.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost ranges:
| Size Of Home | Total Cost* |
|---|---|
| Small To Average (1500 sq. ft) | $10k – $15k |
| Average To Midsize (2000 sq. ft) | $15k – $20k |
| Large To Extra-Large (4000 sq. ft) | $25k – $35k |
*Keep in mind that these costs can vary based on factors like the complexity of your project and the specific type of fiber cement siding you choose.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a durable and versatile material made from Portland cement, ground sand, cellulose fiber, and other additives.
It can mimic the look of traditional wood grain texture, but fiber cement siding comes with many benefits that natural wood doesn’t offer.
Available as long planks, large panels, shingles, or lap siding, fiber cement siding offers a variety of style options to fit your home’s unique look.
What Is The Return On Investment For Fiber Cement Siding?
Investing in fiber cement siding not only enhances the beauty of your home’s exterior but also adds considerable value.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, you can expect a return on investment (ROI) of 84.2% from a fiber cement siding replacement project in Green Bay.
How Do You Calculate How Much Fiber Cement Siding You Will Need?
The amount of fiber cement siding you’ll need depends on the size and shape of your home.
Let’s break down how to measure different areas of your home:
Square and Rectangular Walls
For square and rectangular walls, simply measure the height and width of each wall, then multiply these two measurements to find the area.
No need to subtract for windows or doors, unless you are dealing with an especially large window or a garage door.
Gables
For gables, measure the width and height of the gable at its peak, then multiply these measurements and divide by two.
Dormers
For dormers, you’ll need to measure the height and width of each wall individually to get the area, then add all those area measurements together.
After you’ve calculated the area for each section of your home, add these numbers together to get the total square footage.
This is the amount of fiber cement siding you’ll need.
Popular Fiber Cement Siding Manufacturers
Here’s a brief overview of popular fiber cement siding manufacturers and their products:
James Hardie: HardiePlank
James Hardie is perhaps the best-known manufacturer of fiber cement siding, with HardiePlank being one of their flagship products.
HardiePlank is often referred to when speaking about fiber cement siding, and it comes in a variety of styles and finishes.
The product is known for its durability, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and sound transmission due to its thickness and density.
James Hardie fiber cement siding products include a 30-year warranty.
Urban Exteriors is proud to offer James Hardiefiber cement siding installation to our customers. One of the biggest benefits of James Hardie siding products is their proprietary HardieZone System.
This means that the HardiePlank siding we install on your home in the Green Bay and the northeast Wisconsin area is specifically engineered to withstand our climate.
Allura
Allura makes a variety of fiber cement products for homes, including lap siding, panels, trim, shakes, soffits, and backer boards.
Allura backs up its fiber cement siding with a 30-year warranty from the date of purchase.
GAF WeatherSide
GAF, a company primarily known for its roofing supplies, also has a niche in the fiber cement siding business, particularly focusing on fiber cement siding shingles.
The company’s offerings in this area come under the WeatherSide brand. One of their most popular products is the shiplap profile siding, a market in which GAF has significant dominance.
One of the major advantages of WeatherSide products is their availability – they can easily be found at Home Depot and other home centers, eliminating the need for homeowners to order through a contractor or architect.
Woodtone
Woodtone is a small, yet prominent manufacturer in the fiber cement siding industry.
Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, they specialize in producing superior fiber cement products that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Their fiber cement siding offers the classic look of natural wood while offering the modern benefits of fiber cement, such as resistance to rot, fire, and insect damage.
What sets Woodtone apart is their focus on providing a variety of options for homeowners, including a range of colors and finishes to suit different architectural styles.
Nichiha
Nichiha may not be a household name, but this Japanese company established in the mid-1950s has been quietly manufacturing fiber cement siding products for years, mainly for commercial properties.
On the residential side, Nichiha offers a range of traditional shakes and shingles.
However, the company truly shines when it comes to providing modern-style homes with large format fiber-cement boards and panels.
Unlike some other manufacturers, Nichiha products can’t be purchased directly from retail outlets.
Instead, you’ll need to request Nichiha fiber-cement board through your architect or contractor.
American Fiber Cement Corporation (AFCC)
The American Fiber Cement Corporation (AFCC) primarily caters to the commercial segment of the fiber cement siding market.
That being said, AFCC offers a variety of fiber cement cladding products that feature exceptional colorfastness, resisting fading over time.
Their product lineup includes through-body color fiber cement cladding products, as well as painted panels, cladding, and accessories.
However, they primarily serve those needing larger quantities of high-quality, durable fiber cement siding products.
Cost Of Fiber Cement Siding Alternatives
There are many different types of siding available for your home.
Here’s how much they typically cost, as well as the main benefits and drawbacks of each type.
| Material | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $7.50 – $12.50 |
| Engineered Wood | $9.50 – $15.50 |
| Aluminum Siding | $5 – $9 |
| Wood Siding | $11.50 – $18.50 |
| Brick Siding | $13 – $28 |
| Stone Siding | $20+ |
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is a popular choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and relatively low cost.
It is available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to customize their home’s appearance.
On the downside, some vinyl can crack in extreme cold or warp in intense heat.
It’s also less environmentally friendly than some other options due to the manufacturing and disposal processes.
Urban Exteriors offers a variety of high-quality vinyl siding designed to withstand the harsh Wisconsin winters and protect your home from the elements.
You can learn more about how vinyl compares to fiber cement siding here.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding is made from wood fibers and resin, offering the look of natural wood without the high maintenance. It’s resistant to termite damage and rot, and it can be painted or stained.
Here at Urban Exteriors, we are proud to offer LP SmartSide, a premium engineered wood siding product.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding is durable, fire-resistant, and not prone to rot or termites.
It can be painted, although the color may fade over time.
While it doesn’t mimic the look of wood as closely as some other materials, it’s a cost-effective option that requires little maintenance.
On the downside, aluminum can dent and scratch more easily than some other siding materials.
Wood
Wood siding offers a rich, natural look that many homeowners love.
It’s also highly customizable, as it can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it takes paint and stains well.
However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent issues like rot, insects, and warping.
Wood siding is also generally more expensive than synthetic materials.
Brick
Brick siding is extremely durable, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance, with a classic look that can add value to your home.
It’s also energy-efficient, helping to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
However, brick is one of the most expensive siding options and requires a skilled mason for proper installation.
Stone
Stone siding, whether natural or faux, offers a high-end, timeless look.
It’s very durable, resistant to many common siding issues, and requires little maintenance.
Stone siding also provides excellent insulation.
However, as seen in the table above, it is among the most expensive siding options and requires professional installation, which can be a significant portion of the total cost.
Contact Urban Exteriors For All Your Siding Needs In Green Bay And Northeast Wisconsin
In this blog post, we have taken an in-depth look at fiber cement siding and its alternatives, providing you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision for your home.
We’ve explored the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of each material, helping you weigh your options and find the perfect fit for your style and budget.
Urban Exteriors is committed to providing top-notch siding installation services.
Our team of skilled professionals will ensure your siding is installed correctly and efficiently, adding value and beauty to your home.
We understand that home improvement decisions are significant investments, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin areas.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior with beautiful, durable siding? Don’t wait any longer!
Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call. Let Urban Exteriors bring your vision to life!