Will Do It Yourself Installation Cut Down on Fiber Cement Siding Prices?

It might be tempting for homeowners to install their own fiber cement siding, but is it really a good idea? This type of siding, though designed to be installed by professionals and homeowners alike, requires more precautions than other types of siding might, as well as certain tools that you might not have lying around in the workshed.

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Installing Siding on Your Own? What You Need to Know

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Before you make the decision to do the installation yourself, consider these points:

This type of siding contains silica, or sand. Inhaling the silica dust while cutting the siding can be hazardous to your health, so proper precautions must be taken. Not only should you wear goggles and a mask, but you should also consider a saw attachment that sucks the dust away, much like a Shop Vac would. A carbide-tipped blade will be necessary to cut through the tough siding with a jigsaw. Electric shears can also be a good option. Circular saws should be fitted with a polycrystalline diamond toothed blade. Installation must be up to local codes, and depending upon your area, the codes might be different for fiber cement siding than they are for vinyl siding. Check with the codes to determine exactly what must be in place for a do-it-yourself installation. Keep in mind that this type of siding often comes with a hefty warranty on the material itself. You might get a longer warranty or other perks if you opt for professional installation of your fiber cement siding. Speak to your local contractor or siding dealer to find out more.

Before you take the time to install the siding yourself, consider the perks of letting someone else handle the work.

Will Do It Yourself Installation Cut Down on Fiber Cement Siding Prices?

Ryan Stinson is a freelance writer with general home improvement knowledge, and expertise in fiber cement siding, specifically in fiber cement colors.

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Fiber Cement Prices Vs Vinyl Siding Cost: Consider This

Remodeling decisions always have a price tag consideration in the mix. The exterior of your home may need to be re-sided and you're not sure which type of siding to choose. Vinyl is tremendously popular but there's a new type of exterior covering available that's easy to clean and maintain.

Fiber cement siding has been around for about a century but is a relative newcomer to the American housing industry. Compare the cost of vinyl siding with fiber cement prices and the result is a toss-up. But the bottom dollar isn't the only thing that counts.

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Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Prices

The cost of vinyl siding runs from .00 to .50 per square foot. Cement fiber prices range from .50 to .00 per square foot. These are industry estimates. As far as the initial cash outlay, the cost of using either is about the same.

Secondary Cost Factors

The actual overall cost of using either type can differ significantly over a period of several years. There are several considerations that affect your bottom line.
Versatility. Fiber cement can be made to look like stucco, masonry, or wood. Vinyl siding comes in various styles and colors. Ease of cleaning. Both types of siding get passing grades here. A stiff brush and a bucket of water at the minimum, and a power washer for convenience, get the job done. Durability. Vinyl lasts a long time but fiber cement manufacturers are offering warranties that last half a century. Installation. Cement fiber siding weighs about 50% more than its vinyl counterpart. Getting it on your house is messier and more difficult than installing vinyl siding.

All things considered, homeowners do well to choose either siding type. The deciding factors are your own needs, preference, and length of time you plan on owning your home.

Fiber Cement Prices Vs Vinyl Siding Cost: Consider This

Ryan Stinson is a freelance writer with general home improvement knowledge, and expertise in vinyl siding prices and installing vinyl siding.

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