Fiber Cement Siding Houston
Tired of repainting rotted wood or replacing termite-damaged boards? Fiber cement holds up to humidity and pests with less upkeep.
Call (832) 924-3926- Lap, panel and shingle looks
- Factory-painted or primed boards
- Dust-controlled cutting on site
Cement Board Siding for Humid Summers
Fiber cement is made of cement, sand and wood fibers pressed into boards and panels. It doesn't rot, warp in the heat or burn easily, and it takes paint well. The trade-offs are weight, cost and the dust it makes when it's cut.
It's a common replacement for wood and hardboard on homes across Houston, Texas, especially above brick on ranch houses and on newer two-story homes.
Termites and Humidity
Formosan subterranean termites have been in Harris County since 1956, according to Texas A&M, and they go after more kinds of wood faster than native termites. Fiber cement isn't food for them, which is one reason homeowners in Houston, TX switch.
That doesn't make a wall termite-proof. They can still travel behind siding to reach the framing, so the bottom edge needs to stay clear of the soil and mulch, and any damaged sheathing should be replaced while the wall is open.
Concrete Board Siding Installation Details
Most problems with fiber cement come from how it was put up, not the boards themselves. Details worth checking in a bid:
- Clearance between the bottom boards and the ground, and between the siding and roofs or decks
- Flashing behind butt joints, or joints placed over studs as the manufacturer requires
- Nails driven flush, not overdriven, in the spots the instructions call for
- Cut ends sealed or painted
- Gaps at trim filled with the right caulk, not left open or packed solid
Cutting Dust and Safety
Cutting fiber cement releases silica dust. OSHA's silica rule for construction requires crews using handheld saws on fiber-cement board outdoors to use a saw with a dust collection system, or follow other approved controls.
In practice, that means a saw hooked to a vacuum or shears for many cuts, done away from open windows. Ask how the crew handles cutting if you have kids or pets home during the job.
Repainting rotted trim every few years? Ask about fiber cement.
Call (832) 924-3926Factory Paint or Primed?
Boards come one of two ways:
- Factory-finished: painted at the plant. Colors are limited, but the finish usually lasts longer and the job wraps up sooner.
- Primed: painted on site in any color you like, with a repaint needed sooner.
Either way, plan on touch-ups at cut ends and nail heads. See how the full replacement siding Houston process works if you're replacing every wall.
Questions Before You Switch
How much does fiber cement cost compared to vinyl?
It usually costs more. Whole-house siding replacement in Houston typically runs about $10,000 to $25,000, and fiber cement jobs tend to land in the middle to upper part of that range.
How long does fiber cement last?
With proper installation and paint, it lasts for decades. Most early failures trace back to missing clearances or flashing.
Will fiber cement crack in a storm?
It can crack from a hard impact like a falling branch, but single boards can be replaced without redoing the wall.
Can fiber cement go over brick?
Not directly over the brick face. It's usually installed above brick on the upper walls and gables.
Does it need special nails?
It needs corrosion-resistant fasteners of the type and size the manufacturer lists. The wrong nails can void the product warranty.
Is my part of Houston covered?
Yes. Call (832) 924-3926 and enter your ZIP code when asked.
Ready for Less Upkeep?
Call to get a local contractor's take on your walls and trim.
Call (832) 924-3926