Adding fiber cement siding to your home can grant you a return on investment (ROI) of 87% should you ever sell your home. However, if it is the wrong siding for your situation, you may not get an ROI at all. You have to perform careful research when you are deciding on siding for your residential property in Maryland.
This article will help you get started with this research. Read on to learn the differences between fiber cement siding vs wood siding.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement is relatively new compared to many other types of siding. It is made from a combination of wood pulp and cement fibers.
Manufacturers can shape these materials into various forms of siding. These include anything from lap siding to batten and board.
Why Homeowners Choose Fiber Cement Siding
Many homeowners choose fiber cement siding because it offers the appearance of painted wood while standing up well to changing weather conditions. It is designed to resist moisture, insects, and rot, making it a popular option for homeowners who want an exterior material that requires less routine upkeep than traditional wood.
Fiber cement siding is available in a variety of profiles, textures, and colors, allowing homeowners to complement everything from traditional Colonial homes to more modern architectural styles. For many Maryland homeowners, it provides a balance between appearance, durability, and long-term value.
What Is Wood Siding?
In contrast to fiber cement, wood siding is one of the oldest forms of siding. It’s also very popular because it looks beautiful and is versatile.
Manufacturers use many different types of wood to make wood sidings. These include pine, cedar, oak, and more. You can also get wood sidings in many styles, such as jointed horizontal siding.
Why Homeowners Continue to Choose Wood Siding
Although newer siding materials have become increasingly popular, wood siding continues to have a loyal following. The natural grain and character of real wood create a look that many homeowners simply cannot replicate with manufactured products.
Wood siding can also be painted or stained in nearly any color, making it a good option for homeowners who enjoy updating the appearance of their home over time. Historic homes throughout Maryland are also commonly restored with wood siding to maintain their original architectural character.
Differences Between Fiber Cement Siding vs Wood Siding
Out of these two Maryland siding options, one is not necessarily better than the other. Either of them can be the better or worse option. It all depends on how much work you can put in and what the climate is like in your area.
Fire
Fiber cement siding is more resistant to fire than wood siding. There are some treatments you can put on wood to make it less weak to fire. However, this can only do so much.
Pests
Wood is vulnerable to insects such as termites, and fiber cement siding is not. However, certain treatments can help keep insects away from wood. You may have to keep applying this treatment yourself, however.
Installation
Wood is usually easy and thus cheap for siding companies in Maryland to install. Fiber cement is more difficult for companies to install. The installation process usually requires installers to use several specialized tools.
Energy Efficiency
Wood does a better job of keeping heating and cooling from escaping a home than fiber cement. Thus, an HVAC in a home with wood siding will work less hard and save the homeowner on energy costs. The owner of a home with fiber cement siding will need to find other ways to insulate his or her home.
Maintenance Requirements
One of the biggest differences when comparing fiber cement siding vs wood is the amount of maintenance each material typically requires over the years.
Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance
Fiber cement siding generally requires less ongoing maintenance. Homeowners should still inspect it periodically, clean the exterior when needed, and repaint it when the finish begins to show wear, but it is less susceptible to many of the issues that commonly affect natural wood.
Wood Siding Maintenance
Wood siding should be inspected regularly for peeling paint, cracked caulking, moisture damage, and signs of insect activity. Depending on the finish and exposure to the elements, it may also need to be repainted or restrained periodically to help protect the wood.
Which Siding Is Better for Maryland Homes?
Maryland experiences humid summers, cold winters, heavy rain, and changing temperatures throughout the year. These weather conditions make moisture resistance an important consideration when choosing new siding.
Fiber cement siding is often selected for its resistance to moisture, insects, and rot, while wood siding remains a favorite for homeowners who value its natural appearance and timeless style. The best choice depends on your home’s architecture, your maintenance preferences, and your budget.
For homeowners planning to stay in their home for many years, it can also be helpful to consider long-term maintenance costs in addition to the initial installation price. While fiber cement siding may cost more to install, some homeowners find that the reduced maintenance balances out the investment over time. Others prefer the timeless appearance of real wood and are comfortable with the upkeep that comes with it.
We’ll Install Your Choice of Siding on Your Home
In conclusion, when it comes to fiber cement siding vs wood siding, wood siding may require more hands-on maintenance to stay in good shape. However, it can still provide a lot of things that fiber cement cannot. Be sure to check out some other features of these and other sidings as well, as this list does not include everything.
Choosing Between Fiber Cement Siding vs Wood
When comparing fiber cement siding vs wood, there is no single right answer for every homeowner. Both materials offer distinct advantages, and selecting the right one depends on your priorities. Some homeowners prefer the lower maintenance requirements of fiber cement, while others appreciate the authentic beauty and warmth that only natural wood can provide.
Working with an experienced contractor can help you evaluate your home’s existing exterior, discuss your long-term goals, and choose the siding material that best fits your property, budget, and lifestyle.
When you have decided on the siding you want, contact us. Siding is just one of the many home renovation products that we offer in Maryland. Tell us your contracting and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fiber cement siding better than wood?
Neither material is universally better. When comparing fiber cement siding vs wood, fiber cement generally requires less maintenance and resists moisture, insects, and fire more effectively. Wood siding offers a natural appearance that many homeowners prefer but typically requires more routine maintenance.
How long does fiber cement siding last compared to wood?
Both fiber cement and wood siding can last for decades when properly installed and maintained. The lifespan depends on factors such as climate, installation quality, maintenance, and exposure to the elements.
Does wood siding require more maintenance than fiber cement?
Yes. Wood siding typically requires periodic painting or staining, inspections for moisture damage, and protection against insects. Fiber cement siding generally requires less routine maintenance, though it should still be inspected and repainted as needed.
Which siding is better for Maryland weather?
Maryland’s humid summers, rainy seasons, and freezing winters make moisture resistance an important consideration. Many homeowners choose fiber cement siding because it stands up well to changing weather conditions, while others prefer wood siding for its traditional appearance and are willing to perform the additional maintenance it requires.
Can fiber cement siding look like real wood?
Yes. Many fiber cement products are manufactured with wood-grain textures that closely resemble traditional wood siding. This allows homeowners to achieve the look of wood while reducing some of the maintenance associated with natural materials.
Should I hire a professional to install fiber cement siding?
Yes. Fiber cement siding is heavier than many other siding materials and requires specialized tools and installation techniques. Working with an experienced contractor helps promote proper installation and long-term performance.
Rich Nelson, an Annapolis resident for 34 years, has been a vital part of Bohan Contracting since 2017, bringing over two decades of construction experience. Starting his career in 1994, Rich has developed a deep understanding of the industry, from project management to customer-focused solutions. His leadership roles and commitment to delivering high-quality results make him an essential member of the team.