What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
Fiber cement siding is a composite building material manufactured from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber reinforcement. The result is an exterior cladding product that delivers the look of traditional wood siding with dramatically superior moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and fire performance. For commercial and multi-family construction in the Pacific Northwest, fiber cement has become the dominant cladding choice at the mid-market price point.
Exteriors Design LLC has installed fiber cement siding on hundreds of commercial and multi-family projects throughout Portland, OR. Our certified installation teams follow manufacturer guidelines precisely — protecting the building's warranty and our clients' long-term investment.
Fiber Cement Installation Process
Commercial fiber cement installation begins with a properly detailed weather resistant barrier and drainage plane. All cladding is installed over the WRB with a minimum 1/4-inch drainage gap, typically created with rainscreen mat or furring strips. Fiber cement is cut using fiber cement shears or specialized saws with vacuum dust collection — a critical job site safety requirement.
Horizontal lap siding is installed from the bottom up, with each course overlapping the previous by a minimum of 1.25 inches. Panel systems are installed with manufacturer-specified reveal dimensions and sealed at all vertical joints with caulk or backer rod and sealant. All exposed cut edges are primed in the field before installation. End-of-course cuts and window/door trims are sealed against water entry.
Paint finish is applied after installation — typically two coats of 100% acrylic exterior paint over factory primer. Color selection, sheen level, and paint system compatibility are coordinated with the architect and building owner before installation begins.
Benefits of Commercial Fiber Cement Siding
- Durability: 30-50 year service life with proper maintenance
- Moisture resistance: Does not rot, warp, or swell from water exposure
- Fire resistance: Non-combustible — critical for Type III construction and proximity to property lines
- Design flexibility: Available in lap siding, panel, shingle, and reveal system profiles
- Paintability: Can be painted any color on-site — no factory color limitations
- Cost effectiveness: Lower installed cost than metal panels or architectural panel systems
Why Choose Exteriors Design for Fiber Cement Installation?
We are certified installers for James Hardie's commercial product line and work regularly with Nichiha, CeraClad, SwissPearl, and Equitone fiber cement products. Our teams complete annual manufacturer training and maintain all required certifications. This protects the manufacturer's warranty and gives general contractors confidence that the installation will meet spec.
Ready to spec fiber cement on your next commercial project? Call us at (503) 914-0200 or request a project estimate.