Fiber Cement Siding Takes a Front Seat
Not just a wood or vinyl substitute, fiber cement is a stellar siding choice in its own right for modern home exteriors
John Hill
March 12, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor... More
Fiber cement contains a mix of cellulose fiber material, Portland cement, silica, sand, water and other additives, according to Victoria Ballard Bell's helpful book Materials for Design. Panels made with it are also called Hardie board, after the name of their number-one manufacturer. Fiber cement replaced the asbestos cement sheeting of Hardie board used until the 1980s, when it was banned for obvious reasons.
This history has not stopped Hardie board and other manufacturers' fiber cement products from becoming a commonly used siding for houses. More than just a heavy-duty replacement for wood or vinyl siding (fiber cement panels are termite and rot resistant and virtually maintenance free), this material can have its own aesthetic, owing to larger panel sizes and the various color treatments that can be used. The following examples show some of the design variations possible with fiber cement panels.
This history has not stopped Hardie board and other manufacturers' fiber cement products from becoming a commonly used siding for houses. More than just a heavy-duty replacement for wood or vinyl siding (fiber cement panels are termite and rot resistant and virtually maintenance free), this material can have its own aesthetic, owing to larger panel sizes and the various color treatments that can be used. The following examples show some of the design variations possible with fiber cement panels.
This photo of the popular Moontower Residence in Austin, Texas, illustrates the versatility of fiber cement relative to traditional siding. One volume is covered with horizontal siding, while the other is board and batten; both are capped by the same corrugated metal roofing and treated with a similar color palette.
The 100K House — a pilot project in Philadelphia for entry-level urban homes — is a simple box that garners attention from the vertical random vertical striping of two colors of fiber cement panels. Note how the windows are the same width as the panels, therefore becoming part of the overall pattern — or lack thereof.
This house shows a jump in scale in terms of panel sizes, but also how fiber cement can be used alongside other materials. It acts as a frame on this facade, wrapping around volumes covered with materials of a finer scale and different color. I like the way the door is tucked in the gap between the panels and the white volume.
While the materials in the previous example were similar in color and tone, this project is about contrast. Fiber cement panels and wood planks are articulated in a way that the former read like two-dimensional pieces layered over the latter.
Fiber cement panels in this prefab house cover a small volume, while cedar siding is used for the larger bar. The slate-blue color is carried into the space between the windows on the second floor.
A closeup of the slate volume shows the exposed fasteners that ring the perimeter of each fiber cement panel.
Two sizes and colors of fiber cement panels cover this guest house. Dark floats above light. This is an inversion of what we might expect, but one that is "righted" by the size of the siding and the panels, small above large.
More variation in fiber cement panels: vertical board and batten in the foreground (note the way the front door matches), and larger rectangular panels in the back.
And now for something slightly different. This last example uses a horizontal board and batten configuration. The orange color fits with a palette that includes red mullions and a smaller yellow-green volume.
More:
9 Top Siding Materials
Metal Works Wonders With Home Exteriors
More:
9 Top Siding Materials
Metal Works Wonders With Home Exteriors
Related Stories
Working With Pros
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Workbook
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Create a vision, make a budget, choose your style and materials, hire the right pros and get the project done
Full Story
Bathroom Design
How to Prepare for a Bathroom Remodel
By Becky Harris
Ease the disruption of a bathroom renovation with these 10 tips
Full Story
Decorating Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
Kitchen Workbook
How to Remodel Your Kitchen
Follow these start-to-finish steps to achieve a successful kitchen remodel
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
How to Survive a Major Remodeling Project
By Eva Byrne
Get expert tips for improving your home while preserving your sanity
Full Story
Working With Pros
10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics
Full Story
Life
9 Secrets to Successfully Remodeling a House Together
By Laura Wheat
Learn how to put your stamp on a project while avoiding unnecessary conflicts
Full Story
Modern Architecture
How to Improve the Comfort of Your Midcentury Modern Home
By Colin Flavin
You can maintain the era’s signature style in your home while improving its thermal performance
Full Story
Materials
5 New Trends in Flooring for 2024
By Julie Sheer
See the latest looks in luxury vinyl, engineered wood, porcelain, laminate and other products debuting this year
Full Story
We were planning on using Hardie board until we saw online the huge class action suit against them - world wide Big mess.
In your experience, how does the installation cost for cement panels compare to that for lap siding?
The thing about fiber cement is if your siding is in 4’ x 8’ sheet panels, it’s brutal on the installers...the stuff is heavy. If you’re installing lap siding (row by row) it’s very manageable.