Welcome back, folks. In tonight’s main event, fiber cement siding and brick step into the ring for the heavyweight title of home exteriors. Both contenders are formidable, but their fighting styles couldn’t be more different—a modern drawler versus an old-school bruiser.
The choice of exterior material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make to protect your home and boost its curb appeal. Fiber cement siding and brick both offer durability and a timeless aesthetic. If you’re weighing your options, this guide will help you figure out which material is the better match for your style and budget.
Let’s explore how each stacks up in terms of performance, maintenance, cost, energy efficiency, and design flexibility, so you can make a confident decision and feel ready to contact brick or fiber cement siding contractors to get the ball rolling.
What Are You Working With?
Before diving into pros and cons, it helps to understand what each material brings to the table.
Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie products, is made from a powerhouse mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Think of it as the protein shake of siding materials: tough, blended just right, and surprisingly versatile. This combination creates a weather-resistant warrior that mimics the appearance of wood, stucco, or even brick, minus the maintenance headaches those traditional materials throw your way.
Brick is the more seasoned veteran when it comes to building materials. Made from fired clay, it’s been showing up strong for centuries. You can spot it flexing its muscles in historic homes, castles, and cozy neighborhoods alike. Thanks to its sense of permanence and curb appeal, brick is a popular choice for new builds. It never goes out of style, like the little black dress of home exteriors.
Durability and Weather Resistance
If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, like Utah, where snow, wind, and temperature shifts are the norm, you need siding that can stand its ground. Fiber cement is engineered for durability. It resists cracking, swelling, pests, and moisture damage.
When you search for “residential siding contractors near me,” select a company that has experience installing fiber cement. When installed right, you may find that fiber cement is one of the most reliable materials for long-term performance in extreme climates. From blizzards to blazing sun, fiber cement shrugs it off.
Brick also offers exceptional durability, particularly against fire and heat. It’s non-combustible, which makes it a safe option for areas prone to wildfires. However, brick can be susceptible to moisture issues over time, especially if mortar joints start to fail. And in colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can sneak in like little wrecking balls, causing frost damage where you least expect it.
Maintenance Requirements
When you’re thinking about life after installation, consider the upkeep involved. Brick is relatively low maintenance, but over time, the mortar between bricks can deteriorate. Fixing these gaps requires tuckpointing, a tedious, time-consuming repair can take a big bite out of your budget. You’ll also want to keep an eye on water absorption, which can impact insulation and mess with your home’s bones.
Fiber cement siding also ranks high in the low maintenance category. It doesn’t rot, warp, or attract pests like wood. And with baked-on finishes like James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, you get rich, fade-resistant color that sticks around like a loyal friend. A simple cleaning with a garden hose is usually enough to keep it looking great.
If weekend chores aren’t your thing, fiber cement offers the “set it and forget it” experience most homeowners dream about.
Cost and Installation Considerations
Budget plays a significant role in most renovation projects, and the material you choose will impact both your upfront investment and the installation process. Brick tends to be more expensive because installation is labor-intensive and materials aren’t cheap. It’s the luxury sedan of siding that’s built to last but will cost you more to drive it off the lot. It also requires a strong foundation to support its weight, which could mean additional expenses.
Fiber cement siding generally costs less per square foot to install, especially when you factor in labor time. It’s lighter than brick and easier to transport and handle, so no forklifts or fanfare required. Plus, with trained professionals handling your siding installation, you can count on efficient service without sacrificing craftsmanship.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Both fiber cement and brick offer decent insulation, but their performance varies. Brick has natural thermal mass, meaning it absorbs and slowly releases heat. It’s like a thermal sponge, soaking up warmth during the day and letting it trickle back out when the sun goes down. Depending on your climate, this can help keep your home cooler in the day and warmer at night.
Fiber cement, while not as dense as brick, can be paired with rigid foam sheathing or other types of continuous insulation to improve your home’s energy performance. Many homeowners find that this combination delivers excellent efficiency, especially when working with modern, high-performance siding systems.
So if you’re trying to boost your energy savings and keep your HVAC system from working overtime, both materials have merit.
Design Flexibility and Curb Appeal
Here’s where things get personal. Your home’s exterior should reflect your taste and style, not just blend in like wallpaper. When it comes to versatility, fiber cement comes out swinging. You can choose from various profiles, such as lap, board-and-batten, or shingle styles, and match your aesthetic, whether you’re going for modern farmhouse, artisan, or coastal.
Brick delivers an unmistakably traditional look. It’s elegant, long-lasting, and offers a sense of permanence, like it’s been there for generations and plans to stick around for a few more. However, you’re somewhat limited in terms of color and texture. While you can paint brick, doing so changes its maintenance profile and can lead to peeling or flaking over time.
Snapshot Comparison
Fiber Cement Siding
- Lower upfront cost
- Customizable style and color
- Moisture and pest resistant
- Easier installation
- Needs occasional painting or touch-ups
Brick
- Long-lasting and fire-resistant
- Excellent thermal mass
- Timeless, classic appearance
- Requires a strong foundation
- Higher upfront cost and maintenance for mortar
Which Is Right for You?
If you’re building a forever home and love the classic look of brick, the added investment may be worth it for the charm and longevity. But if you’re looking for a modern, durable, cost-effective siding that mimics the look of other premium materials and fits a wide range of styles, fiber cement is hard to beat.
The choice is about which one suits your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. Both offer unique strengths, but fiber cement’s balance of beauty, durability, and affordability makes it a compelling choice for many modern homeowners.