Get Up Close And Personal
Want to see a color up close or feel the texture in person? Order as many complimentary finishes as you need to find the perfect option for your project.
Calculating fiber cement siding costs is an important step in the project planning process. The more details you know ahead of time, the better since we all know how quickly expenses can add up during a home project.
When determining the cost of fiber cement siding, there are several elements that should be taken into consideration, including the type of siding selected, the installation method used and the long-term performance of the product.
After all, maintenance costs and upkeep can detract from lifetime value and ROI, so the strength and durability of the siding will also play a role in cost calculations. Other factors are also necessary to consider, including the cost of labor, materials, installation and delivery fees to get the product to the job site.
As you start making plans for your next building project with fiber cement, use this guide to help break down the potential costs involved.
Because of its unique composition of sand, cellulose fibers and cement, fiber cement is recognized as an incredibly durable exterior option. Sometimes people forget the fact that this superior siding choice is available in more than one style. In fact, there are many types of fiber cement siding on the market that can provide plenty of design and pricing options for homeowners.
Fiber cement shingles capture a quaint, rustic look that is often found in cabin-style structures, cottages and barn-inspired homes with a modern twist. The advantage of having a shingled exterior crafted from fiber cement is that the installation process is much simpler than with traditional shingle materials. Fiber cement shingles are often sold in large segments with several shingles per panel. This speeds up the entire installation process and also helps with maintenance and stability.
Fiber cement planks can be used to create a classic look with horizontal lap consistently proving to be popular in both urban and rural areas alike. Fiber cement planks are crafted with corrugated and smooth styles as well as wood-grain designs in order to offer plenty of choices for builders to bring their vision to life.
Also referred to as architectural wall panels (AWP), fiber cement panels can mimic the look of wood, concrete or brick. Their large sheet-style form makes them ideal for both commercial and residential properties, with a range of fresh, modern design possibilities. Fiber cement panels tend to be pricier than other siding styles.
It’s important to note that there are multiple types of installation methods available for fiber cement siding. Depending on the contractors performing the installation, the methods used may affect the time and labor needed for the task, which ultimately means that it may be an important factor in fiber cement siding pricing estimates.
The two most common installation systems used for fiber cement are face-fastened products and those installed on a track system. As the name suggests, face-fastened systems are much like traditional approaches to siding, in which planks are fastened to the wall one-by-one using nails or screws. Hidden track systems are more commonly used for architectural wall panels.
Fiber cement siding prices don’t always tell the whole story when it comes to estimating project costs from start to finish. If you really want to get an accurate estimate for the cost of fiber cement siding, it’s important to recognize each area where expenses are assumed. Here’s a quick breakdown of fiber cement siding prices:
For the siding alone, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $10 per square foot for fiber cement siding. With that said, the true range of cost possibilities is much more expanded, falling anywhere between $5 and $14 per square foot.
Why so much variation? It really comes down to the siding style selected. Homeowners have an abundance of fiber cement siding styles to choose from. While this is certainly one of the advantages of fiber cement siding, it can make pinning down an exact price point more difficult.
Additional materials will need to be added to the cost of fiber cement siding. In addition to safety equipment, a nail gun, cutting tools, blades and a cordless drill are some of the recommended tools needed to successfully complete the installation.
Correct installation is absolutely essential when it comes to fiber cement siding, as even the smallest gaps and mistakes can compromise the strength of this heavy-duty material. Installation is estimated to fall around $13,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home, but there is certainly some give and take in this area.
Contracting teams may price labor and installation differently which can cause some fluctuation. While professional installation is recommended, ambitious homeowners who think they can take on the job may be able to save on installation costs by doing the heavy lifting themselves.
Want to see a color up close or feel the texture in person? Order as many complimentary finishes as you need to find the perfect option for your project.
Get Up Close And Personal
Shipping to the building site will also likely add to the total cost of fiber cement siding. This is an area where there is a lot of variation. It’s always best to check with the supplier first and inquire about shipping, availability and product weight, as well as how each of those items factor into the final cost of the purchase.
Maintenance is an area where fiber cement siding really shines and proves to be worth its weight in gold. Because it is resistant to warping, rotting and pests, fiber cement siding offers optimum durability. Compared with other exterior materials, fiber cement siding is fairly low-maintenance, and it is not likely to require as much money to maintain as other materials like wood or vinyl. Here are a few factors to consider with the ongoing maintenance costs that are necessary for fiber cement siding to keep up its appearance:
Painting is a common aspect of maintenance for homes. Fiber cement siding is great at maintaining its original allure season after season, but most homeowners will want to apply a fresh coat of paint every few years or so.
There aren’t any fancy gadgets needed to keep fiber cement siding clean. A basic power washer can be a great tool for removing basic debris and dust from the surface of the siding, but it’s not vital.
Always clarify the warranty with the manufacturer prior to purchasing the siding. Different providers offer varying levels of protection, and you’ll want to get precise details on what’s covered and what’s not, as this can affect your fiber cement siding costs down the line.
Due to its enhanced durability and performance engineering, fiber cement siding offers impeccable long-term value. Homeowners can expect to deal with much less damage, deterioration and emergency repairs thanks to the strength and high-quality construction of fiber cement. This long-term value should also be considered when determining fiber cement siding costs compared with other material options.
For some manufacturers, location can influence the cost of fiber cement siding. This is most relevant when discussing the shipping and delivery fees involved in getting the siding to the building site.
Fiber cement is a heavyweight material, and that weight contributes to its overall strength. With that said, the weight can also make it more expensive to transport. Be sure to research where the materials are being shipped from and consider how choosing a local manufacturer may affect the delivery costs of fiber cement siding.
Unlike vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is not a plastic-based material. Instead, it is made from a unique composition of water, sand, cement and cellulose fibers, making it a better choice for the environment than plastic or composite materials that are difficult to produce and impossible to recycle.
When you consider the extended performance and consistency that you get with fiber cement siding, it becomes clear that it is a high-quality product that you can count on to protect and beautify your home or business. For property owners who value durability, strength and aesthetics (particularly those in regions with turbulent weather) the cost of fiber cement siding is certainly worth it.
$10 per square foot is the average cost of fiber cement siding but there is a lot of variation in pricing since there is a wide range of available styles. Depending on the style, it is possible to find fiber cement siding for as affordable as $5 per square foot, as well as some selections that cost closer to $14 per square foot. The architecture of the home may also influence the cost estimates if unique shapes or extra materials are needed for dormers, bump-outs and additional features.
Installation costs are highly dependent on the contractor as well as the style and complexity of the siding being installed. Ballpark estimates for fiber cement siding fall around $13,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home with simple architecture. Remember, this is for installation costs, not materials, tool rental or other gear needed to complete the installation.
Be sure to clarify if the fiber cement siding requires standard face-fastened installation or features a hidden track system. While professional installation is strongly recommended, experienced homeowners may be able to save on the installation costs of fiber cement siding if they are capable of doing it on their own.
With this breakdown of fiber cement siding, you can better plan for your next building project. Ready to explore styles and colors? Download our Custom Homes Lookbook to see what’s possible with fiber cement siding.