Yes, engineered wood siding (such as LP SmartSide) is typically cheaper to install than traditional fiber cement (such as James Hardie). This price difference is driven by several key factors:
- Lower Material Cost: Engineered wood generally has a lower upfront material price per square foot.
- Reduced Labor Expenses: Because engineered wood is lighter and easier to work with, it requires less labor for placement. In contrast, fiber cement is dense and heavy, requiring specialized diamond-tipped blades and more installation time.
- Weight and Complexity: Fiber cement installation costs are often 20-30% higher because the material’s weight and specialized cutting requirements demand trained crews and additional labor hours.
While engineered wood is the more budget-friendly initial choice, there are long-term cost considerations to keep in mind. Fiber cement offers superior fire resistance and a longer service life of 40 to 50 years with painting needed only every 10 to 15 years. Engineered wood offers excellent impact resistance against hail but may require more frequent refinishing (every 5 to 10 years) to maintain its rot and termite resistance.
Related FAQs
-
Why do some Foundation Experts Recommend Steel Piers over Polyurethane Foam for Structural Issues?
Read More »: Why do some Foundation Experts Recommend Steel Piers over Polyurethane Foam for Structural Issues?When evaluating polyurethane foam vs steel piers foundation repair, foundation experts often recommend steel piers because they offer a permanent structural solution that addresses the root cause of settlement in Centennial’s expansive clay soils. While polyurethane foam is an effective,…
-
Is Polyurethane Foam Injection a Permanent Solution for Foundation Lifting?
Read More »: Is Polyurethane Foam Injection a Permanent Solution for Foundation Lifting?Whether polyurethane foam injection is a permanent solution depends heavily on the specific application and your property’s soil conditions. In the Centennial area, where expansive clay soils are common, it is important to distinguish between lifting a surface slab and…
-
Can Polyurethane Foam Stabilize a Settling Home without Underpinning?
Read More »: Can Polyurethane Foam Stabilize a Settling Home without Underpinning?Yes, polyurethane foam can be used to stabilize and lift settled concrete, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific nature of the settlement. In our experience with the expansive clay soils common in Centennial, it is important to distinguish…
-
Why might Cracks in Drywall or Masonry Appear in a New House During the First Few Years?
Read More »: Why might Cracks in Drywall or Masonry Appear in a New House During the First Few Years?It is quite common to notice cracks in drywall and masonry during the first few years of a new home. Most of these occurrences are simply the result of materials drying, expanding, and contracting as the house acclimates to its…
-
What are the Most Common Early Warning Signs of Foundation Settlement in a New Construction Home?
Read More »: What are the Most Common Early Warning Signs of Foundation Settlement in a New Construction Home?While minor settling is a normal part of the construction process as soil adjusts to the weight of a new structure, certain early warning signs indicate differential settlement that may require professional attention. In the Centennial area, our expansive clay…
