How to Compare Cement Board Siding

Fiber cement siding can have a wood grain look.

Cement board siding is made from fiber cement which a mixture of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. When compared to other types of siding products, cement board is a great deal less expensive but a great deal heavier to install.

Thickness

Cement board siding varies in thickness from 1/4 inch to ¾ inch. Regardless of thickness, all brands are not created equal. They offer sound, water, insect, rot and fire resistance to varying degrees.

Finish

Cement board siding products may come factory sealed and primed or completely finished. Completely finished siding obviously costs more. Most manufacturers offer a variety of surface textures, such as a wood grain or stucco.

Warranty

Siding made of cement board is very durable and you should be able to get a minimum of a 50-year warranty. This type of siding is fairly new in the construction industry and has not been tested to see how it holds up more than 50 years from now. For this reason warranties may be limited in some states with extreme weather histories.

References

• Construction Index: Cement Board Siding
• Hardie Plank: Fiber Cement Siding