Chicago Cement Siding

Of all of the options available for cladding your home in Chicago, cement siding is one of the more practical. Developed by James Hardie (and often called Hardie board), cement siding was designed to be a tough, weather resistant option for homes in harsher climates. Though it is not as popular as vinyl siding is in and around Chicago, cement siding may just be the better choice for your home. If you're looking to change the appearance of your existing home, or are considering options for a house you're building, cement siding is well worth a second glance.

Chicago Cement Board Siding vs. Vinyl Siding
One of the reasons why vinyl siding is so popular in the Windy City, and all over the country, is because of its extremely low maintenance requirements. Once it is up, there's little need to do much to it but rinse it off every once in a while. It doesn't rot or warp like wood siding, and it doesn't dent like aluminum. Basically, a home clad in properly installed vinyl siding will look good for a long time, with very little upkeep.

Unlike vinyl siding, cement siding must be painted to be effective (however, the material is designed to hold paint much more effectively than something like wood or aluminum). For all of the do-it-yourselfers in Chicago, cement board siding is one material that is generally installed only by professionals. Its handling and installation require special tools and techniques, making it a poor DIY project.

You might now wonder what makes covering a home with cement siding in Chicago such a great idea. The fact is, unless you're going with something very expensive like brick or stone, cement board siding is pretty much the toughest option on the market. In Chicago, cement board siding is even likely to reduce insurance rates because of its remarkable ability to hold up under so many different conditions.

Chicago Cement Siding Benefits
Cement siding is extremely resistant to moisture, and unaffected by temperature changes (which can be an issue with vinyl siding as it tends to expand and contract a great deal). It is wind resistant to such a degree that it is required in some locations where hurricanes and tornadoes are commonplace. It doesn't melt when exposed to heat or fade when exposed to sunlight (two other problems associated with vinyl siding), and is virtually fire-proof. No matter what time of year it is or what kind of crazy weather Mother Nature decides to throw at Chicago, cement siding is going to be able to handle it and keep handling it for many years to come.

Chicago Cement Board Siding Costs
Though far less expensive than brick or stone, price is often the reason why homeowners opt for vinyl over cement siding. Chicago residents should be aware, however, that the difference in cost might be well worth the added performance of this versatile, durable material. The average cost of installing vinyl siding in the Chicago area is a little less than $11,000, with prices ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. The average cost of installing cement siding in Chicago is just less than $14,000. The range in price from job to job is a lot smaller, however, and it is likely that you can have good quality cement siding installed on your home for less than the price of a high-end vinyl siding. As always, make sure to get several estimates from a few different contractors; as a homeowner, this is the best way to get the best quality job at the lowest price!