The cost of fiber cement siding is significantly lower, in comparison to the other types. This is the main reason why many people opt for it. Read the following article to understand its benefits and the factors that should be considered before the installation.
Fiber cement siding is popular since the early 20th century. Initially, it was made using asbestos, but due to its side effects, it is now made using Portland cement, sand, and cellulosic fibers. Steam curing method that is used for preparing this material adds to its durability and stability only. It is formed in layers of sheet of the desired width and thickness.
It looks like a traditional wooden house siding, but it requires relatively low maintenance. As a matter of fact, the cost is also significantly lower comparatively. There are a few things that contribute in deciding this parameter, including purchase price, installation charges, and maintenance cost.
Advantages
The biggest USP of the fiber cement siding is its durability and low maintenance charges. It easily combats harsh weather, rot, burn, and insect attacks. It is also eco-friendly as it needs fewer trees during its creation. This material mostly comes with a warranty of minimum 50 years from installation, which is quite remarkable. It looks like the antique wooden siding that seems rich, but has no downfalls of the same. It is also available in various pre-made decorative shapes and trim applications, which make it more accessible and a prized material for home improvements.
One of its significant advantages is that it can hold the paint and exterior decorations for longer comparatively and resist elemental forces, penetration of birds, and the side-effects of sprays and the Sun’s rays considerably. Availability of this material is as per the demand of the consumers. One can have it in totally pre-finished form while others can do that later with the DIY way from priming, sealing, and finishing of the house siding.
Cost
Before estimating it, never forget to consider the removal cost of the existing house siding, regardless of its type. If it is not the fiber cement one, then you would like to think about its total removal, which can actually cost more money than what you previously estimated. The installation method also plays a key role in deciding the cost. If you want the installation to be done by the professionals, then the labor and handling charges in your area must be taken into consideration.
If you want it to be a whole and sole DIY project, then make sure to consider the charges that you will need to pay for the installation tools and other necessities such as goggles, gloves, dust masks, and other tools. There are professionals who can guide you for the same, and in that case, never forget to count their consultation charges, too. Before the installation, also consider the local rules and regulations regarding the same.
Considering the aforementioned factors, the cost per square foot ranges from USD 4.50 to USD 9. With this in consideration, 1,250 exterior square feet would require USD 5,600 to USD 11,500. However, the cost comparison tells us a whole new story. Total removal of the exterior siding and installation of a new one for about 1,250 exterior may cost within the range of USD 12,865 to USD 13,540. Considering the DIY materials, the average cost would be about USD 1,200 to USD 2,000 (for 1,250 square feet). The DIY installation must also consider the cost of cutting this material as per the requirement.
Thus, all in all, you can reduce on the cost provided you consider and analyze all the things beforehand. If someone in your neighborhood is also thinking about getting the fiber cement siding, then there are chances for you to get discount while buying the material by placing the order for both. So, give it a try.
