Is Fiber Cement Siding More Expensive?

james hardie fiber cement siding
The first step in deciding whether to install new outer wall cladding or re-side your home is to determine the cost. Knowing what to expect can help you with budgeting and deciding which cladding material you can afford.Are you considering fiber cement siding but heard it’s expensive? Cost varies depending on the brand, color, and profile. Not to mention that every Seattle siding contractor, including the team at KV Construction LLC, will provide you with a slightly different quote, reflecting their unique services and expertise.

Here’s what you need to know about fiber cement pricing.

Factors That Influence the Total Cost

The final cost of installing cement siding depends on factors like the size of your home including the number of doors, windows, and other openings the contractor must work around.Is there preliminary work that has to be done prior to installing the siding? Do you have old outer wall cladding that needs to be removed? Do you need to add a weather-resistant barrier? This will affect the final cost of fiber cement siding installation.Other factors include:

•          The time of the year you want it installed
•          The kind of trim you need
•          The color or profile you select
•          Whether you need extra features to protect your house against pests or moisture damage
•          The r-value (energy-saving rating) of the insulation you want
•          Qualifications of the Seattle siding company: insured, bonded, licensed?

Fiber Cement Pricing Guidelines

Fiber cement cladding is made from cellulose fibers, cement, and sand. It’s available in flat boards, shingles, and planks for vertical installation.

The cost of fiber cement doesn’t differ much from insulated vinyl or engineered wood, but it is far higher than traditional vinyl. However, fiber cement is a top-contender because of its weather-resistant properties. It doesn’t warp, dent, or crack easily. It can even withstand hurricane-level storms!Be prepared to spend anywhere from $5 to $13.5 per square foot. The cost is determined by the brand, quality, accessories, and the siding company in Seattle that installs it.
For a better idea of how much you’ll spend, start by calculating how much material you’ll need. Take accurate measurements of the area that needs to be covered. It’s always advised to contact a Seattle siding contractor to ensure accurate measuring.•          For rectangular and square walls multiply the height x width to give you the total area per wall. Don’t subtract doors or windows unless they’re considerably large. If you have a garage door, subtract this area.
•          For gables (the triangular portion of the wall) multiply the height x width x 0.75. This will give you the total area per gable.
•             For dormers, multiply the height x width x 1.5 to get the total area per dormer.

Add the area of all walls to give yourself an idea of how many square feet of fiber cement siding you’ll need. Multiply this number with the cost per square foot of the material. You can then add the cost of any add-ons you need, plus the installation cost. Experienced siding contractors in Seattle can help you with these measurements and calculations.

Final Thoughts

While fiber cement isn’t more expensive than insulated vinyl or engineered wood, it’s worth noting that cost is affected by several factors like the size of your home, type of trim you need, or the contractor you hire.

​Siding companies in Seattle make the process of determining how much a siding installation will cost simple. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get a free quote and compare your options.