Looking to replace the siding on your home? You may be considering the top two front runners in the siding industry: vinyl and fiber cement. Let’s look at each.
- Fiber Cement Siding: This is a synthetic siding that combines a mixture of Portland cement, water, sand, and cellulose fiber. This is a semi-rigid material that offers both durability and flexibility with a wood-like appearance formed into shingles or long boards. The most popular brand of fiber cement is James Hardie.
- Vinyl Siding: Made from PVC, vinyl is the most popular siding option in the United States for its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance.
So which one is right for you? Here are some considerations to factor in your decision.
Appearance
Fiber cement has a more natural look and it’s available in pre-painted designs in a wide range of colors. Vinyl siding has more of a manufactured look and also comes in a wide range of colors and styles, yet it can’t be painted.
Choose fiber cement siding if you’re looking to replicate a natural wood-like appearance, as its texture can easily replicate that of real wood or cedar shake.
If you want a manufactured, sleek, modern design, vinyl siding has the widest range of decorative styles, shapes and colors. It is available in finishes that replicate faux-wood grain, but it doesn’t have the authentic look of real wood or fiber cement. You have to carefully choose your color because you can’t paint it later.
Cost
Vinyl is more affordable to install than fiber cement, but it doesn’t last as long and will need to be replaced sooner. Vinyl siding ranges from $3 – $12 per sq. ft. while fiber cement ranges from $5 – $14 per sq. ft.
Upkeep
If you’re not a fan of maintenance, vinyl siding is your best bet. Just hose it down once in a while to clean it. Fiber cement needs a yearly scrubbing with periodic re-caulking. You will need to paint it every 10 years.
Durability
Fiber cement siding is a bit more durable than its vinyl counterpart.
Fiber cement is dense and fire-retardant and comes with a lifetime guarantee. It’s also mold- and insect-resistant, great for homes located in areas of extreme weather. It won’t warp in harsh storms and fares well with fluctuating temperatures – but only if well maintained.
Vinyl siding is robust as well, and it is rot- and insect-resistant. It’s flexible yet won’t warp under the sun. That being said, the color can fade over time. It can lose its flexibility and start to crack in freezing temperatures, and storm debris can dent it.
Installation
Vinyl is lightweight and could be a DIY job if need be. However, fiber cement must be installed by a professional. Fiber cement siding is very heavy and can weigh 150 pounds per 50 square feet. This rigid construction makes it easily breakable if mishandled. Failure to take proper safety precautions when cutting this siding can result in inhalation of hazardous dust.
Vinyl weighs just 30 to 35 pounds per square foot, with no caulking or painting required.
Life Span
It’s quite possible that you will never have to replace either type of siding IF you keep up with proper care. Fiber cement can last up to 50 years while vinyl can last up to 30.
In the end, the choice between fiber cement and vinyl is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons of each and your decision will be made easier.
Contact Allstar for Siding
The pros at Allstar install both vinyl and fiber cement and can help you make your decision on what’s best for your home and budget. Get a free online quote on siding replacement at 763-297-5100.