Nearly 15 % of all new homes are now clad with fiber cement siding and they are indistinguishable from their vinyl or wood-sided neighbors.

With the look of wood siding but at a lower cost and with lower maintenance, fiber-cement siding provides an ideal facade for any home.

Durability. Fiber-cement siding will not rot, is capable of withstanding damaging effects of salt spray and ultraviolet rays, and cannot be penetrated by birds or insects. Once installed, the product stands up to bumps and direct impacts, unlike some other siding materials. Fiber-cement siding does not become brittle in freezing conditions or melt in the presence of heat sources such as barbeque grills, unlike vinyl siding. Products usually hold a class 1 (A) Fire Rating.

Low Maintenance. Most people buy fiber-cement siding that has been factory primed and sealed or is fully prefinished in the factory. Factory priming protects the product from moisture penetration on the job site and once the product is installed. Fiber-cement siding holds paint well, with some products warrantied to hold paint for up to 25 years, though on average 7 to 15 years can be expected. Insect nests and accumulated dirt can be easily removed by power washing.

Resource efficiency. By holding paint longer, less is needed to maintain a good looking finish.

Low Installed Cost. The total installed cost (including materials, installation, and paint or stain) for fiber-cement siding on a new home is about 75% less than natural stone, 35% less than cedar, 25% less than wood siding, and only slightly more than hardboard siding, according to R.S. Means data.

Design Versatility. Fiber-cement products are available in a variety of textures, profiles, and colors matching your design requirements. For example, one option is horizontal lap siding, which includes profiles such as Dutch, beaded, and traditional. Shaped fiber-cement siding is available as shingles, half rounds, octagons, and random squares (with either a straight or staggered edge). Vertical siding options include a traditional stucco appearance, smooth, or cedar. Matching low-maintenance composite trim materials and soffits can complete the architectural design.

Consistent Quality. Fiber-cement siding is manufactured under factory specifications and guidelines, providing consistent quality and dimensional stability.