Fiber cement siding or also known as hardie siding is composed of cement, cellulose fiber and sand. All of these components are pressurized with steam in order to produce a solid piece of material. Fiber cement may be a less common choice for consumers, but there are several advantages of fiber cement siding. Fiber cement looks great and is widely available in different colors and patterns which are either horizontal or vertical. Fiber cement siding gives homeowners a chance to create their preferred look for their house exteriors. Fiber cement is also solid that allows it to withstand different weather climates which some other kinds of siding cannot declare. Fiber cement siding is resistant to molds but it does not rot or attract any insects. This leads to a clean product that offers an attractive look just like what wood can give.

When it comes to the maintenance of a hardie siding, it requires some but not a lot. The material is best in holding paint, fading and wear and tear after many years.  A lot of manufacturers also offer a warranty of 15 years on the fiber cement siding. This is also considered as an environmentally friendly product than other siding materials. The kind of caulking used also determines the life expectancy of the siding. Most would recommend a permanently flexible caulk. As the temperature outside changes, the flexible caulking would expand and contract without causing any tearing or cracking. If one has chosen a pre-painted fiber cement siding that does not require further painting. If one has chosen to go with a white or other caulking, they will be able to see every seam. Compared to the vinyl and wood material, fiber cement is more fire resistant. It is also tougher and stronger than vinyl.

Fiber cement siding has its advantages; it also has its disadvantages. First is that it is expensive than vinyl and wood. Fiber cement siding also does not have insulating properties that is why it is not the best way of saving energy for years.  Another disadvantage is that it is not a do-it-yourself job. This material needs the help of a professional. Each type of siding material has its own advantages and disadvantages on some point and fiber cement siding is not an exception.

Before considering the cost of the fiber cement siding, do not forget to include the cost when removing the existing siding. Usually the removal of the cement siding cost a lot more that the installation.  A lot of factors can affect the cost of the fiber cement siding. A fiber cement siding can cause from a range of $4.50 to $10 per square foot. With this, if one has an exterior square feet of 1,200 then it would require the person to spend almost $6,000 to $12,000.  On the other hand, the fiber cements siding cost a lot. The total removal or installation cost of the fiber cement siding or the hardie siding can cost a range of $13,000 to $14,000.