What should be included in a fiber cement siding bid?

The must-haves

• Removal and disposal of the existing siding
• Weather-resistive barrier by name, plus seam taping
• Flashing at every window head, sill, door, and horizontal transition, plus kick-out flashing at roof-wall intersections
• Trim product and thickness — fiber cement, PVC, or composite — at corners, windows, and doors
• Blind nailing vs. face nailing, fastener type, and corrosion rating
• Clearance at roofs, decks, and grade (typically 1–2 inches at roofing, 6 inches at grade)
• Caulk joints, joint flashing behind butt joints, and whether joints are gapped per instructions
• Factory finish vs. field paint, and how many coats on cut ends
• Per-unit rot and sheathing repair allowance

The details that void warranties

Manufacturers publish specific clearance, fastening, and joint requirements. Caulking butt joints where the manufacturer calls for joint flashing, nailing too close to the edge, or setting the bottom course tight to a roof are common installation errors that can void the product warranty and are all decided at install time — not on the bid.

Cost sanity check

Fiber cement installed commonly runs about $10–$20 per square foot of wall area, higher with extensive trim, multiple stories, or difficult access. A bid meaningfully below that range usually reflects thinner scope — reused flashing, no weather barrier, field-cut unpainted edges — rather than a better deal.

Frequently asked

Is prefinished fiber cement worth the extra cost?

Factory finishes are applied in controlled conditions and typically carry a longer finish warranty than field paint. The tradeoff is touch-up matching and lead time. Either can be right; the bid should say which one you are buying.

Should the bid include house wrap?

Yes. Siding is a rain screen, not a waterproof layer. A bid that omits the weather-resistive barrier and its flashing details is incomplete regardless of price.