Fiber cement and vinyl siding both make fine siding options for home exteriors—and they don’t chip like brick and stucco. Vinyl costs less to install but isn’t permitted on historic homes. Fiber cement looks more natural but tends to fade and requires more maintenance. Read on as we compare the differences between fiber cement and vinyl siding side by side.
What’s the Difference Between Fiber Cement Siding vs. Vinyl Siding?
Fiber cement and vinyl siding are both popular siding choices that safeguard the exterior of your property from the elements and improve your curb appeal. But knowing the differences between the two can help you make a well-informed decision for your home and budget.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic and is available in various colors and styles, including planks, shingles and shakes. Vinyl is a popular siding choice because it’s affordable and easy to install and maintain, making it good for DIY installation. Vinyl comes in insulated options, which can improve energy efficiency compared to non-insulated vinyl but is more expensive.
Fiber Cement (Hardie Board)
Fiber cement is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, cellulose fiber, and sometimes wood pulp. Its material is highly durable and comes in faux wood or stone finishes. Fiber cement siding is sustainable, environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. Unlike vinyl siding, you can paint and stain fiber cement with the proper application.
Hardie Board and Hardie Plank
Fiber cement siding, also called Hardie Board or Hardie Plank, is named after the manufacturer, James Hardie. James Hardie’s product is highly durable and made from Portland cement and wood pulp. The material mirrors wood and stone and is fire-resistant, low maintenance, weather-resistant and insect-resistant.
Which Is Best: Fiber Cement or Vinyl Siding?
To review, when you’re looking for a thicker, more durable product that provides an appearance close to the look of real wood and stone––and budget isn’t an option––choose fiber cement or Hardie Board.
On the flip side, vinyl is the way to go when you need affordable siding fast that requires little maintenance. By spending a little more on insulating vinyl boards and (or) a house wrap, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, which can cut down your heating bills.
Post time: Dec-13-2022