Home Siding: Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl
Choosing the best siding for your home is a decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. After all, you want something that’s affordable, long-lasting and beautiful-looking. What kind of siding you choose will even impact your home’s resale value. With all these considerations, many homeowners are having the debate about vinyl siding vs. fiber cement. Let’s take a look at which might be the best choice for your home.
Fiber cement siding
This kind of siding is made of a mixture of wood pulp and Portland cement. It’s then formed into shingles or long boards and affixed to the home using nails. Whether you choose boards or shingles is dependent on the look you’re hoping to achieve.
Fiber cement can be painted or stained, so it can be whatever color you’d like. Pre-painted fiber cement is now available, which means you can skip this step entirely and get exactly what you’re looking for.
Fiber cement siding will be able to withstand the elements and protect your home from rain, snow and ice; however, it’s a relatively thin material that won’t provide much in the way of energy efficiency.
It is possible that, over the years, fiber cement will absorb water, which can lead to problems with rot. Additionally, fiber cement does come with some maintenance hassles, as it needs to be periodically painted and caulked. Lastly, fiber cement runs at about $300 per 100 square feet, which is $100 more than vinyl.
Vinyl siding
This is made mostly from PVC and is attached to the home in a way that allows the vinyl to expand and contract with changes in temperature. For the last 20 years, vinyl siding has been a market leader.
It’s cheaper than fiber cement, running at about $200 per 100 square feet. It offers a wide range of decorative options and colors that go with any style home, from historic to modern. You can even get vinyl siding that is a convincing—but cheaper and easier to maintain—replacement for wood.
Vinyl is known for being durable with little possibility of chips and cracks. It’s also the only siding material that comes with a certification program via an independent, quality-control agency. Lastly, maintenance is a cinch, requiring simple, periodic spraying with a garden hose.
The verdict
Vinyl siding is the leader across the country for a reason. It’s less expensive, easier to maintain and more durable than fiber cement. You might choose another siding material for aesthetic reasons, but in most cases, vinyl siding is a functional and practical option for homeowners.
We hope this guide to vinyl siding vs. fiber cement has helped you learn more about these options. Tri City Remodeling is a family-owned and -operated remodeler that is ready to help you create the home of your dreams. Our team of dedicated staff is ready to provide outstanding service and only consists of dedicated craftsmen with decades of experience. Give us a call today to receive a free estimate and get started on your project!
Categorised in: Siding Company
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