What this covers
Fiber cement is a mix of cement, sand and cellulose fiber pressed into planks, panels and trim boards. It does not burn, rot or attract insects, and it holds paint far longer than wood. The installer cuts it with shears or a dust-collecting saw, blind-nails each course over house wrap and flashing, leaves a small gap where boards meet trim and seals it with a flexible sealant, and finishes with factory color or paint. Because the material is heavy and brittle until fastened, careful handling and correct nail placement matter more than with vinyl.
When to call
- You want a painted look without repainting every few years.
- A home in a wildfire-prone or termite-prone area where wood is a concern.
- Siding being replaced after storm or fire damage, with a chance to upgrade.
- A modern farmhouse or board-and-batten look you want to achieve.
What to expect
- PlanProfile, exposure and trim details are chosen and the walls checked for flatness and rot.
- PrepareOld siding comes off, sheathing is repaired, and wrap and flashing go on.
- InstallPlanks or panels are cut with dust control, blind-nailed into studs, gapped at trim and sealed.
- FinishFactory-finished boards are touched up, primed boards are painted, and you review the result.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Is fiber cement heavier than other siding?
Yes, noticeably. A plank can weigh two to three times a comparable vinyl panel, which is why two installers handle long boards and why fastening into studs matters.
Factory finish or site paint?
Factory color is cured evenly and comes with the maker's terms for fade. Site paint lets you choose any color and is applied over factory primer. Both are common.
Does cutting it make dust?
Yes, and the dust contains silica. A careful crew uses shears or a saw with dust collection, wears respirators, and keeps the cutting station away from open windows.
Related: Vinyl siding · Engineered wood siding · Exterior painting · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.