Which is Better for Your Home: Fiber Cement or Vinyl Siding?
Jan 10, 2020Several considerations should be taken into account before choosing a type of siding for your home. It’s a significant decision, and with various options to choose from, it can be hard to decide to use fiber cement or vinyl siding.
In this article, Home Wizards discusses why you should select fiber cement siding over vinyl siding.
Look
If you’re aiming for a natural look without the expense and maintenance required for natural materials, siding contractors would likely recommend fiber cement siding for you. If you want a particular color, vinyl siding comes in a variety of shades. Fiber cement siding also comes pre painted, giving you an opportunity to use a unique custom color. By choosing a prepainted siding, it will cost more, but eliminates the need to paint in the future. Pre-Painted Fiber Cement Siding, also known as ColorPlus Siding, offers a touch up paint kit to use if needed. Unlike Vinyl Siding, Fiber Cement products can create unique exteriors. By adding Shake (shingles) to areas of the home, or a board and batten look, fiber cement is more attractive and can offer a more exciting and updated look for your home.
Durability
Fiber cement and vinyl siding are great alternatives to wood materials in terms of longevity. Vinyl siding, however might cost less, it is not as durable as fiber cement. Fiber cement siding resists water, will not warp or rot. It is also fire resistant unlike viny siding. Fiber cement siding is also easier to repair. You only need to replace the damaged part and not the entire panel.
Energy Efficiency
Vinyl Siding is a relatively thin material unlike fiber cement. On their own, they both provide a good amount of insulation for your home. However, Fiber Cement is more of an insulator than vinyl. If requested, siding contractors can offer to add a layer of insulation to both vinyl siding and fiber cement.
If you’re concerned about the environment, fiber cement siding is made from Portland Cement and Sand.
Maintenance
Fiber cement and vinyl siding are both easy to maintain. Although fiber cement siding fades over time and will require caulking at some point, keeping it in good shape doesn’t take much effort. Pressure Washing your home every year will keep both Vinyl and Fiber Cement Siding looking clean and fresh for years.
Replacing your home’s siding is a major investment. It is also one of the largest remodels which will recoup most of the cost when you sell your home. For that reason, Fiber Cement is the most popular choice when residing your home. In addition, it comes with a 15-30 year warranty that is transferrable.
Home Wizards is one of the top-rated siding contractors in the area. We ensure the quality execution of every project, promising you the best value for your money. Call us at (770) 998-1809 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.