For homeowners looking for a durable, attractive, and low-maintenance exterior, fiber cement siding is a great choice. It is also known for withstanding harsh weather events, pests, and fire, making it an ideal choice to protect your home while still maintaining its aesthetic appeal. But, as you know, investing in a home improvement project doesn’t come cheap, with material costs, labor rates, and other miscellaneous charges impacting your budget. So, understanding the costs involved before getting started is very important.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything related to fiber cement siding costs and how to calculate a budget for your project.
Understanding the Costs of Fiber Cement Siding
The first thing you need to understand is not all fiber cement siding costs the same. The cost of fiber cement siding depends on the manufacturer, the style of material used, your location, and the contractor you choose. But on average, homeowners spend $2 to $15 per square foot for fiber cement siding alone.
Installation costs for this material range from $2 to $9 per square foot, though the cost depends on your siding contractor’s rates and the complexity of the project. Together, this means the total cost per square foot for material and installation can fall between $5 and $24. While this might seem steep compared to other siding materials, the long-term benefits of fiber cement siding make it worth considering.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s consider the costs for homes of different sizes:
Small Home (1,500 square feet): Total costs range from $7,000 to $18,000.
Medium Home (2,000 square feet): Expect to pay between $10,000 and $25,500.
Large Home (2,500 square feet): Costs can go from $12,500 to $31,500.
Keep in mind these figures are averages. If your home has unique architectural details or if you live in an area with higher labor rates, your costs may be higher.
What Influences the Cost of Fiber Cement Siding?
There are several factors that can affect the final price of your fiber cement siding.
1. Material Choices and Brand Options
When it comes to choosing the right fiber cement siding, you can choose from different finishes, styles, and thicknesses. Some brands, like James Hardie, offer premium products that are priced at the higher end of the spectrum. These often include factory-applied finishes that mimic wood or stone, giving your home a custom look without the associated maintenance costs. If you opt for a simpler, unpainted style, the upfront costs may be lower, but you’ll need to account for additional painting expenses.
2. Installation Complexity
The second most important thing that needs to be considered before your siding installation is the design of your house. It not only determines the amount of materials required for the project but also helps you calculate the total cost for your fiber cement siding installment.
Homes with multiple stories, irregular shapes, or architectural features like dormers or bay windows require more labor and can raise the cost compared to homes with simple and easy designs. Another aspect that adds complexity to the project is the weight of the material. Because fiber cement is heavier than other materials like vinyl, it can raise the labor cost and increase the budget for the project.
3. Additional Expenses
Beyond the materials and installation, you’ll need to budget for other potential expenses. Removing old siding, for instance, can add $1,000 to $3,000 to your project, depending on the size of your home and the condition of the existing material. If you decide to add insulation or a weather barrier beneath the siding, these upgrades will also increase the total cost.
How Does Fiber Cement Compare to Other Siding Options?
While fiber cement siding usually costs more than vinyl or wood siding, its durability and strength outrun any weather events, making it a good investment.
For example, vinyl siding costs between $2 and $7 per square foot, making it a more affordable option for homeowners. However, vinyl is prone to warping and fading over time, which can lead to additional replacement and maintenance costs.
Wood siding is another alternative, costing between $3 and $10 per square foot, depending on the type of wood. Although wood provides a classic and natural look, it requires regular maintenance, like painting or sealing, to prevent rot and pest damage.
Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, does not require much attention or maintenance and can last 30 to 50 years.
Long-Term Value of Fiber Cement Siding
One of the key features of fiber cement siding is its low maintenance. Unlike wood, it doesn’t need frequent repainting or sealing, and it won’t warp, crack, or rot under extreme weather like vinyl. This feature of fiber cement siding makes it a perfect choice for homeowners looking for a hassle-free siding choice.
Fiber cement siding also offers a higher ROI (return for investment) for your home. New homebuyers often look for siding that can provide durability and won’t need unnecessary redos and installments in the near future. In fact, homeowners can recoup up to 87% of their investment in fiber cement siding upon resale, making it a smart financial decision if you’re planning to sell your home.
Tips to Save Money on Fiber Cement Siding
There are several ways to cut down the cost of your investment in fiber cement siding. For example, you can usually buy the siding during the off-season (during winter) for cheaper due to the lower demand. Off-season purchases often come with sales and discounts that allow you to purchase the material at a much lower price compared to the busy season.
Choosing pre-finished panels can also save on painting or staining, and working with a reputable contractor ensures the job is done efficiently, cutting down on labor costs. Trustworthy contractors may also offer warranties on their work which cover the cost of repairs within a period of time.
If you’re looking for expert siding installation services, we are here to help.
Conclusion
Fiber cement siding is a perfect option for homeowners who prioritize durability, long-term value, and the curb appeal of their homes. Even though the price of fiber cement siding might seem high, the minimal maintenance requirements and extended lifespan make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
So, if you want to give your home a complete makeover with fiber cement siding, give us a call at (920) 791-0414 to get a personalized estimate and start your siding project with confidence. Our experienced consultants at Prestige Roofing LLC will help you choose the right siding for your home.