Are you trying to decide on the best siding option for your home? If you have a couple of options in mind but are unsure of which to choose moving forward, it’s important to take your time in making your decision. Fiber cement and vinyl siding are two popular cladding materials for exterior walls, but both offer different benefits. How do you decide between the two? What sets them apart? Factors like durability, quality, cost, and upkeep are important to assess before settling on a choice. Let’s discuss the differences between fiber cement siding and vinyl siding.
Siding Components
Fiber-cement siding is composed of cellulose fibers, cement, and sand, and is usually shaped into long boards or shingles that resemble natural materials, such as stone and wood. Fiber-cement siding is attached to the exterior wall of a home directly with the use of nails.
Vinyl siding comprises PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, a firm plastic material that can resemble cedar, stone, or tile. It’s installed on your home’s exterior wall, generally with an emphasis on creating room for it to expand and contract based on temperature changes.
Style Options
Fiber-cement siding is available in a few styles, such as half-round boards, long plank boards, and staggered or square shingles. You can customize your fiber cement siding by painting or staining it in any color of your choosing, or you can opt for pre-painted fiber cement siding that is available in a wide range of colors.
Vinyl siding comes in a variety of decorative options, from traditional and historic siding options to clean and modern styles. You can find shingle and plank styles, along with panel designs, like board and batten, clapboard, and Dutch lap. Vinyl siding with a grain-finished surface is a very popular option for homeowners today.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl and fiber-cement siding are both weak when it comes to insulation capabilities. These poor insulators can keep the elements at bay, but to increase their R-value, purchasing insulated versions that feature a layer of foam can help to increase the insulating ability of the siding. This contributes to keeping the house warm in the cold months and cool in the warmer months, which can reduce energy costs.
Durability
Vinyl siding and fiber-cement sidings are durable exterior cladding solutions. Vinyl siding is flexible because it’s a synthetic material, which makes it resistant to insects, mold, and rot, as well as cracks and chips.
Fiber-cement siding isn’t easily damaged by extreme conditions, like fire. However, it doesn’t quite stand up to vinyl siding since it’s prone to rot if it absorbs water, which affects the walls underneath. It also cracks a bit more easily.
Maintenance
If your fiber-cement siding isn’t the pre-painted version, after installation, it will need to be caulked and painted. After a while, fiber-cement siding will need a fresh paint job since fading will occur, and the caulking will need to be checked to prevent water intrusion. A yearly power wash can keep it looking vibrant.
Vinyl siding doesn’t need to be repainted unless you want to make a color change. A periodic garden hose spray cleaning will suffice to keep the vinyl siding looking great.
Cost
The average installation cost of vinyl siding is about costs $7.50 per square foot, while fiber cement runs from $2.45 to $12.85 per square foot for installation. In the long-run, you’ll save money opting for vinyl since no repainting and recaulking are necessary over its lifetime.
Contact Us Today
Deciding between vinyl and fiber-cement siding will be dependent on the factors that are most important to you. From home style to budget, your ultimate choice will boil down to your specific needs. When in doubt, you can always seek guidance from knowledgeable professionals.
If you’re ready to replace your home’s siding this year, our team at DLM Remodeling is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us, or filling out our online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding installation needs!
