Fibre Cement Siding: A Durable, Stylish & Smart Exterior Choice

When it comes to choosing exterior siding, homeowners are often caught between aesthetic appeal, durability, and maintenance. Fiber cement siding checks all these boxes—and then some. At Quality Homes & Renovations, we’ve install fibre cement siding systems, always with a focus on long-term performance and building science best practices.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of fiber cement siding, its installation and maintenance, and how we at Quality Homes ensure a top-tier installation using rainscreen systems and ventilation strategies.

What Is Fibre Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, designed to mimic the look of wood, stucco, or masonry. It comes in planks, panels, and shingles and is often chosen for its low-maintenance durability and high-end appearance.

Pros of Fibre Cement Siding

Outstanding Durability

• Resists rot, insects, and fire better than wood or vinyl.
• Handles extreme weather well—perfect for Eastern Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Aesthetic Flexibility

• Available in many styles and finishes, including wood grain, smooth, and stucco textures.
• Comes pre-painted or primed for custom finishing.

Fire and Pest Resistant

• Non-combustible material, making it a safer option near BBQs, fire pits, or forested areas.
• Impervious to termites and carpenter ants.
• Low Maintenance

Eco-Friendly Choices

• Often made with sustainable materials.
• Long lifespan reduces waste.

Cons of Fibre Cement Siding

Higher Upfront Cost

• More expensive than vinyl.
• Requires specialized labour for installation, which can increase total cost.

Heavy Material

• Fibre cement is significantly heavier than vinyl, requiring two-person handling and more robust fasteners.

Complex Installation

• Must be cut with specific tools (such as a fiber cement saw blade or shears).
• Improper installation can lead to issues later on - making professional expertise essential.

Installation: How Quality Homes Gets It Right

At Quality Homes & Renovations, our installations follow manufacturer specifications and building science best practices, especially critical when working with fiber cement siding.

Step 1: Wall Preparation & Rainscreen

We always begin with a properly prepared wall assembly:

• WRB (Water-Resistive Barrier): Installed and taped to protect the sheathing.
• Rainscreen System: We use vertical 1x3 or 1x4 strapping to create a ¾” air gap behind the siding, allowing moisture to escape and improving ventilation. This is especially crucial in our climate where freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on improperly ventilated walls​.

Step 2: Flashing & Trims

All windows, doors, and penetrations are flashed and integrated with the WRB, just like shingles, ensuring water drains properly instead of getting trapped behind the siding. Trims in matching fiber cement or aluminum are used to finish corners, window edges, and joints, maintaining clean lines and long-term weather resistance.

Step 3: Fastening & Joint Treatment

We follow fastening patterns using corrosion-resistant nails or screws, either face-nailed or blind-nailed per product specs. All cut ends are sealed or painted on-site, and joints are staggered and flashed or caulked, depending on the siding type.

Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Cleaning: Once a year, wash with mild soap and a garden hose—no pressure washers needed.

Repainting: Expect to repaint every 10–15 years (depending on sun exposure), less often with factory-painted boards.

Inspection: Annually check caulking, flashings, and paint integrity, especially around high-exposure areas like corners and sills.

Why Choose Quality Homes & Renovations?

With our deep understanding of building science and decades of on-the-ground experience, we bring a systems-based approach to every fiber cement siding install. We’re not just putting up siding—we’re creating a ventilated, water-managed wall assembly that will protect your home for decades.

You can count on:

• Accurate estimates with detailed scopes of work​.
• Skilled carpenters trained in rainscreen construction and fibre cement handling.
• Post-installation walkthroughs and long-term support.

Fiber cement siding is an excellent investment for homeowners looking for durability, beauty, and peace of mind. When installed correctly with proper rainscreen techniques, it will outperform many other cladding materials for decades. At Quality Homes & Renovations, we’re proud to offer fiber cement siding installations that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.