If your home’s exterior has been through more than one Pittsburgh winter, you already know it’s not exactly kind. One day it’s snowing sideways, the next it’s 45 and raining. By mid-July, it’s hot, humid, and your siding feels like it’s sweating. So when homeowners come to us looking for durable siding options, we usually start by talking about what’s built to handle all that—and then some.
Enter: fiber cement siding.
At New Look Exteriors, we work with homeowners every day who are tired of patching up old vinyl or repainting wood. And in Pittsburgh, where the weather likes to keep you guessing, fiber cement siding checks a lot of boxes: it’s strong, low-maintenance, and looks great without being high-maintenance.
What We’ll Cover (And Why You Should Keep Reading)
- Why Pittsburgh fiber cement siding holds up better than wood or vinyl
- What to know before you commit (budget, materials, permits)
- How fiber cement compares to other popular siding options
- What we’ve seen it do for Pittsburgh homes like yours
- Answers to common homeowner questions about siding
Not sure where to start? Schedule your free inspection with New Look Exteriors.
Why Fiber Cement Siding Makes Sense in Pittsburgh Weather
So, What Is Fiber Cement Siding?
It’s a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers that’s molded into boards or panels. It looks like wood—without the rot. It holds paint like a dream. And unlike vinyl or aluminum, it doesn’t warp, dent, or melt when the temperature gets dramatic (which, let’s face it, is half the year in Pittsburgh).
We install Hardie Board siding, one of the most trusted names in fiber cement, because it performs well in wet, windy, and wildly inconsistent weather. (Sound familiar?)
Why Pittsburgh’s Climate Is a Siding Stress Test
Here’s the short list of what your siding has to handle in this city:
- Freeze-thaw cycles that crack cheaper materials
- Summer humidity that warps and swells anything porous
- Wind gusts that rip off poorly installed panels
- Hail, snow, sleet, and surprise rainstorms
In other words, if your current siding wasn’t built for these conditions, it’s only a matter of time before you’re looking at repairs. Fiber cement is built for this.
Know Before You Replace: Budget, Materials & Other Details
You shouldn’t have to guess your way through a siding project. Here’s what you’ll want to know upfront.
What Does Fiber Cement Siding Cost in Pittsburgh?
On average, $10–$14 per square foot installed. That’s higher than vinyl, but it’s not just about price per square foot—it’s about how many years of use you’re getting. Fiber cement can last 30 to 50 years. That’s two to three decades of not thinking about siding. We think that’s worth it.
Do You Need Permits?
Usually, no. In most Pittsburgh neighborhoods, siding replacement doesn’t require a permit. But if you’re in a historic district or under HOA guidelines, there might be rules about colors or materials. Don’t stress—we handle all that for you.
What Products Do We Recommend?
We use James Hardie fiber cement siding. It comes in:
- Pre-finished colors that don’t fade easily
- Primed options if you want to customize your color
- Styles like lap, board-and-batten, and shingle
It’s also paintable if your tastes change later.
Why Installation Quality Matters (A Lot)
Fiber cement is strong—but it’s heavy. It needs to be installed precisely, following manufacturer guidelines. If not, you risk voiding your warranty. Our crews are VSI Certified, and we follow Hardie’s specs to the letter. Because your warranty should mean something.
Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement: Which Durable Siding Option Is Better?
Let’s Compare
| Feature | Vinyl Siding | Fiber Cement Siding |
| Handles humidity & freeze-thaw | Okay | Excellent |
| Fire-resistant | No | Yes |
| Pest resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Paintable? | No | Yes |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 30–50 years |
| Cost (installed) | $6–$10/sq ft | $10–$14/sq ft |
Real Example: Dormont Makeover
We helped a homeowner in Dormont replace old wood siding that had started splitting and absorbing water. They chose HardiePlank lap siding in Arctic White. We added trim and stone veneer accents. Three years later, zero swelling, no peeling, and they haven’t picked up a paintbrush once.
What You’re Really Paying For: Longevity, Protection, and Peace of Mind
Let’s Talk Longevity
When properly installed, fiber cement siding lasts 30 to 50 years. It stands up to moisture, pests, and temperature swings. You won’t be replacing it in 10 years—or 20. That’s what durability looks like.
Warranties You Can Count On
- Manufacturer warranty: 30 years from James Hardie
- New Look Exteriors workmanship warranty: 10 years on premium installations
You get both—no fine print or finger-pointing.
Energy Efficiency and Paint Retention
ColorPlus® finish (baked on during manufacturing) means better UV resistance and longer-lasting color. Plus, fiber cement insulates better than vinyl, which can help keep heating and cooling costs in check.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly weather-resistant | Higher upfront cost |
| Long lifespan (30–50 years) | Requires professional installation |
| Fire and pest resistant | Slightly more complex installation process |
| Paintable/customizable | Needs repainting eventually if not pre-finished |
Bottom line: If you want siding that keeps up with Pittsburgh’s climate, this is the gold standard.
Pittsburgh Siding FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions
Why is fiber cement siding a good choice for Pittsburgh?
Fiber cement siding is a good choice for Pittsburgh because it resists moisture, extreme temperature swings, and wind. It doesn’t warp, rot, or fade easily, which makes it one of the best long-term siding options for our region.
How long does fiber cement siding last?
Fiber cement siding lasts 30 to 50 years with proper installation and minimal upkeep. It outlasts vinyl and wood in Pittsburgh’s climate.
Does fiber cement siding need a lot of maintenance?
Fiber cement siding is low-maintenance. If pre-finished, you won’t need to paint for 10–15 years. It only needs occasional cleaning with a hose or soft wash.
Is it more expensive than vinyl?
Yes, fiber cement costs more upfront than vinyl, but it often pays off over time. You’ll replace it less often and spend less on repairs and upkeep.
Can I paint fiber cement siding?
Yes, you can paint fiber cement siding. It holds paint well, and you can repaint it every 10–15 years if needed.
Do you install fiber cement siding?
Yes, New Look Exteriors installs fiber cement siding across the Pittsburgh region. Our team is trained in manufacturer specifications to ensure performance and protect your warranty.
Ready for a Siding Upgrade That Lasts?
Fiber cement siding isn’t about trends. It’s about long-term performance, smart value, and peace of mind—especially when you live in a city where winter starts early and ends late.
At New Look Exteriors, we help homeowners like you make informed decisions about their homes. We don’t just install siding. We show up on time, keep you in the loop, and do the job right—because that’s what we’d want for our own homes.
Schedule your free siding inspection today and let’s talk about what makes the most sense for your home and budget.
