How much does it cost to install fiber-cement siding?

More than a quarter of new homes are built with fiber-cement siding, a fairly new option that combines durability, style, and value into one effective siding product. Fiber cement is made with  cellulose fiber, concrete, and often recycled materials such as glass, which makes it eco-friendly. It is also made in a mold with real wood, so it takes on a natural wood texture. Moreover, one of the main advantages of this siding material is, in fact, the way it can be painted or stained like wood: the paint is applied under heat and pressure, which means that it won't peel as wood does.

However, the major advantage, for which many new homes are having fiber cement siding put on, is the fact that this material is currently reocuping about 84% of its cost at time of resale, which makes it one of the best home improvements in terms of investment for the last 7 years in a row, according to Cost versus Value reports by Remodeling Magazine.

The cost of installing fiber-cement siding on a new addition or a newly constructed home depends on a variety of factors, including the style of the siding and the size of the home. A typical 12'x16' addition will cost $4-$10 per square foot of fiber-cement siding. However, despite being more expensive than some types of siding, it pays for itself over time with the lower maintenance costs and the above-mentioned advantages. While it is possible to install siding yourself, it is recommended to hire a contractor for larger projects.

Cost breakdown

• Materials: fiber-cement siding averages $4 per square foot for standard siding, for a total of $770 for the project. However, insulated as well as more decorative options such as panels and fillers, board and batten, shingles ¹, octagons and half-rounds will cost approximately $6-$8 sq.ft. Additional materials such as nails, saw and caulk ² add at least another $300 onto a project of this size.
• Labor: an installer will typically charge $40-$50 per hour. Depending on the amount of siding and the detail required in your project, it can take a crew approximately 25-35 hours ($1,200-$1,700) to install your home's siding.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Fiber-cement siding can be made in nearly any style, such as shaker tiles or decorative embellishments, but it will increase the cost by up to $1-$2 a square foot to make it more detailed.
• If you want to lower energy bills, you may consider insulating your siding, which will add $2-$3 sq.ft. depending on the brand.
• Vapor barrier sheathing ³ installed underneath siding to reduce moisture entry will cost between $0.25 and $0.65 per square foot. There is also insulation available for fiber cement ⁴ siding, which is made just for this product, cut and molded to fit perfectly between the siding and the home. Insulation can add another $2-$3 a square foot, but will help keep energy bills lower.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.

² Caulk: A chemical sealant used to fill in and seal gaps where two materials join, for example, the tub and tile, to create a watertight and airtight seal. The term "caulking" is also used to refer to the process of applying this type of sealant

⁴ Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass