Okay, let's talk about cement siding. You've probably heard it's a solid choice, especially for homes right here in Sandy. It's tough, looks good, and really stands up to our wild weather. But once you decide on cement, you hit another crossroads: do you go with boards that are already painted (prefinished) or primed ones that get painted right on site?
That's a question I get a lot, and honestly, there's no single "right" answer for everyone. Still, for most folks in Sandy, particularly with our harsh winters and brutal summer sun, one option usually makes a lot more sense. Let's dig in a bit.
The Upfront Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
Let's not beat around the bush; cost is always a huge factor. Generally, prefinished cement siding costs more per board than primed siding. Why? Because it's already got several coats of high-quality paint applied in a controlled factory setting. You're paying for that labor and material upfront, plus that superior application process, you know?
Primed siding, on the other hand, is cheaper per board. But here's the catch: it still needs painting. And that painting isn't cheap. You're paying for labor, paint, primer (if it's needed), and all the prep work that goes into painting a house. Often, once you factor in a quality paint job done on site, the total installed cost for primed siding can actually be pretty close to, or even more than, the cost of prefinished. Sometimes it's a little less, sure, but you're trading that initial savings for potential compromises, which we'll get into shortly.
Durability & Longevity: Built to Last
This is where prefinished really shines, especially for our climate. Factory-applied finishes are done under perfect conditions: consistent temperature, humidity, and multiple thin coats baked right onto the board. This creates a much more durable, flexible, and long-lasting finish than what you can typically get with on-site painting.
Think about it: when we paint a house in Sandy, we're constantly battling the elements. Dust, wind, sudden temperature drops, humidity changes – all these things can mess with how well the paint sticks and cures. A factory finish is designed to resist chipping, peeling, and fading for a much longer time. I've seen factory finishes hold up beautifully for 15-20 years, even on homes that face the full brunt of our sun in places like Willow Creek.
Primed siding, painted on site, is only as good as the painter and the paint product they use. A good painter using premium paint can get a decent result, but it's still tough to match the consistency and durability of a factory finish. You're simply more likely to see fading or need a repaint sooner, maybe in 7-10 years.
Maintenance: Keeping It Looking Good
Less maintenance is always a win, right? With prefinished siding, you're looking at minimal upkeep for a long time. An occasional wash to keep it clean, but you won't be thinking about repainting for a good decade, maybe even two. That's a huge time and money saver, believe me.
Primed siding, painted on site, will demand more frequent attention. You'll need to keep an eye out for peeling, cracking, or fading, and plan for repainting sooner. This isn't just about the cost of paint and labor; it's the hassle of having painters around your house again, moving furniture, dealing with overspray, and everything else that comes with it.
Appearance: The Curb Appeal Factor
Both options can look fantastic right after they're installed. Prefinished siding offers incredible color consistency across every single board. You won't see variations in shade or brush strokes. The colors are also often baked in with UV inhibitors, meaning they'll stay truer for longer.
With primed siding, the appearance depends entirely on the painter's skill. A good painter can make it look great, but there's always a slight risk of uneven coats, lap marks, or color inconsistencies if the paint isn't mixed perfectly or applied consistently. You do have a wider range of custom colors to choose from if you go with primed and paint, which is a plus if you have a very specific shade in mind that isn't offered prefinished, I suppose.
My Recommendation for Sandy Homeowners
Look, I've been doing this a long time with Absolute Siding Inc. For homeowners in Sandy, given our climate – those hot, dry summers and freezing, snowy winters that really test a home's exterior – I almost always recommend prefinished cement siding. The upfront cost might be a bit more, but the long-term durability, significantly reduced maintenance, and superior, consistent appearance make it a much better investment.
You'll save money on repaints, you'll have a home that looks fantastic for years without worrying about fading or peeling. It just holds up better to what Mother Nature throws at us here in Utah. If you're building new or replacing old siding, it's the smart play.