Fiber cement siding has been growing in popularity for both residential and commercial buildings as of late. The search for a siding material that is not only weather-resistant but also visually attractive and low-maintenance may seem never ending, but fiber cement siding may come pretty close to an overall "perfect" siding.

Homeowners, particularly those that know they'll be selling, need to consider how their choice of siding will affect the value of their home. In other words homeowners need to ask themselves, "Will this material be a good investment in the long run?". Fiber cement siding is certainly becoming more common nationwide but before you settle on this material you should consider a few things.

Why Choose Fiber Cement Siding?

For the most part fiber cement siding reviews are largely positive, especially from the viewpoint of being a homeowner that now has a beautiful exterior that doesn't need to be babied. Some of the main reasons fiber cement siding is chosen include:

Ease of Care - The less care siding needs, the better. Not only does this save homeowners' time but also means the easier the care the more likely it is to be done. Fiber cement siding can easily be hosed off annually and only needs repainting every 12 to 15 years.  

Resistance to Harsh Weather - If you live in a region that experiences harsh storms you will already be well aware how important siding it. Fiber cement siding is one of the best types for this regions as it is tough enough to protect the home from high winds, heavy rains, hail or even hurricanes.

Ability to Resist Fire Damage - Hurricanes and tornadoes aside, wildfires are often one of the biggest concerns for homeowners. The siding of your home is the first line of defense and fiber cement siding does an incredibly impressive job. These siding planks or panels are made of roughly 90% inflammable material, depending on the manufacturer.

Variety of Color and Texture Options - Some homeowners continue trying to make wood siding work, even though they don't enjoy the care and shorter lifespan that comes with it. Fiber cement siding can easily be found in various colors and in plank form that looks just like wood. Unlike vinyl faux wood siding that still looks obviously plastic, faux wood fiber cement really looks like the real thing.

Largely Resistant to Insects and Other Natural Damage - Another reason fiber cement siding is such a great choice is that it isn't susceptible to damage from insects, wildlife or other forms of natural damage. Insects and wildlife like woodpeckers won't be attracted to this siding. Also, since this siding doesn't have overlapping seams you don't need to worry about trapped moisture growing mold or fungus under the boards.

Overall there are many reasons why homeowners are making the switch to fiber cement siding. More and more contractors are recommending fiber cement options to their clients, especially for those going through a remodel or are focusing on increasing curb appeal and overall value of their home for an eventual sale.

Why Avoid Fiber Cement Siding?

There really are very few potential downsides to fiber cement siding that may make homeowners balk at this potential investment.

The first concern is often budget, though this downside can be argued. For the most part you can expect fiber cement siding to be anywhere from half as much to twice the cost of other sidings. For example, vinyl siding is a popular choice and one that may be competing against fiber cement. You can expect fiber cement to be upwards of $5-8 per sq. ft. installed versus vinyl costing about $3 to $6 per sq. ft. That being said, with the added longevity of fiber cement many will agree that value-wise it is actually more budget-friendly.

The main thing to think about when investing in this material is how you must install fiber cement siding. It is not recommended for DIYers to attempt to install this material and cutting these boards has the potential to release silica dust. The added weight of fiber cement panels also means a professional should really be the only on installing it. For these reasons it makes it easy to see why fiber cement siding is more costly to install.

Should You Invest in Fiber Cement Siding?

The simple answer is if you find it appealing, then yes. For the most part there really isn't any major reason to completely avoid fiber cement siding as it checks out as a reliable, long-lasting material. However it is still important to weigh possible pros and cons before investing in any kind of remodel. Fiber cement really does offer a beautiful option for exterior home finishing that will perform well in nearly any number of circumstances. Remember to take your time searching for an experienced, reputable contractor and compare quotes before coming to a final decision.