Cement Board Lap Siding Comparison

Price

• Because cement board lap siding is rated for a longer lifespan than vinyl siding, the cost of the material up front is significantly more. In most cases you can expect to pay double for cement siding compared with vinyl. While vinyl can range between $5 and $7 per square foot for the average type, cement board siding starts at $10 per square foot and go up from there. If your budget is constraining, your only option may be a vinyl or composite siding.

Durability

• The durability of cement board lap siding is unparalleled. While wood siding can rot and suffer damage from insects, and vinyl siding can dent or crack during hailstorms and high winds, cement board siding is nearly impervious to damage. Cement is one of the most durable building products in use today, with evidence in various ruins around the world showing how cement products can withstand the elements for thousands of years in the right conditions.

Installation

• Cement board lap siding is one of the hardest types of siding to install. While vinyls, composites and woods are relatively lightweight and can be installed by a sole individual, you generally need at least two people to install cement board siding. The inherent weight of cement board means that the siding pieces are far heavier than vinyl panels. Plus, there are a variety of preparatory steps and specialty tools required for cement board siding installations, leading to an installation cost that is double or more what wood and vinyl cost.

Gaurantee

• When you look at the durability of cement lap board siding, the average warranty is around 50 years. Woods and vinyls, on the other hand, tend to have only around 20 years on their warranties. Wood can rot, vinyl can crack and composites can mold. Cement, on the other hand, is nearly impervious to the elements. As a result, so long as you follow the installation methods recommended by the manufacturer, you can rest assured that your home’s exterior will last a lifetime.