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Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement gives you the look of painted wood with far more toughness. It resists fire, rot, insects and hail, and holds paint well for years.

Close-up of painted sage green fiber cement lap siding with wood grain and a white corner trim board

What is fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement is made from cement, sand and cellulose fibers, pressed into planks, panels and shingles. It's dense and rigid, so it lies flat and holds crisp lines, and it can be embossed with a realistic wood grain or made smooth for a modern look.

Because it's cement-based, it doesn't burn, rot or attract insects, and it stands up well to hail and wind. Many products come with a baked-on factory finish that resists fading, and it can be repainted later if you ever want a new color.

It's heavier than vinyl and needs specific tools, cutting methods and fasteners, so experienced installation is important. Done right, it's one of the longest-lasting siding choices for a Chicago home.

Why homeowners choose fiber cement siding.

  • Very durable

    Resists fire, rot, insects, hail and wind.

  • Looks like wood

    Wood-grain or smooth finishes with crisp shadow lines.

  • Paintable

    Factory finishes last, and it can be repainted later.

  • Adds value

    A premium exterior that buyers recognize.

Is fiber cement siding right for your home?

A great fit for

  • A premium painted-wood look

    Without wood's rot and insect problems.

  • Hail and storm exposure

    Holds up better than many lighter sidings.

  • Fire safety

    Fiber cement is noncombustible.

  • Long-term homeowners

    A durable exterior for the long haul.

Good to know

  • Heavier to install

    Needs an experienced crew, proper tools and fasteners.

  • Paint maintenance

    Even long-lasting finishes eventually need repainting.

  • Higher upfront cost

    Costs more than vinyl, though it lasts very well.

Fiber Cement Siding: common questions

Something we didn’t cover? Call (630) 901-6361 and ask Anna directly.

Is fiber cement better than vinyl siding?

It depends on your priorities. Fiber cement is more durable, fire-resistant and looks more like painted wood, but it costs more and is heavier to install. Vinyl is more affordable and never needs paint. We can show you both side by side.

Does fiber cement siding need to be painted?

Factory-finished boards arrive painted and hold their color for many years. Eventually, like any painted surface, they'll benefit from a fresh coat, and you can choose a new color then.

Is fiber cement siding good for cold climates?

Yes. It's dimensionally stable, so it doesn't move much with temperature swings, and it handles freeze-thaw cycles well when installed with proper clearances and flashing.

What brands of fiber cement do you install?

We install leading fiber cement products, including James Hardie. We'll walk you through the colors and textures available during your estimate.

Get a free estimate on fiber cement siding.

We’ll measure, walk you through options and send a written quote, usually within 48 hours. No pressure, no obligation.