Deciding on the material to use for your home’s exterior is a difficult decision.
Not only does it have to look good to look at it, but it needs to be able to withstand the elements. You need to know that it will hold up during the wettest storms and the sunniest days. It also needs to remain intact no matter what insects come to visit.
Two of the most common types of siding include vinyl and fiber cement. Either one is an excellent choice for your home. But how do you know which is the best choice for your situation?
If you’re on the fence as to whether to go with vinyl or fiber cement, why not take a closer look at each type of siding here. You might uncover the right one for your style, climate, and budget.
What is the Difference Between Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement?
The purpose of both vinyl siding and fiber cementt is the same. They’re designed to improve the appearance of your home and provide protection to your property. However, they do this in different ways.
Vinyl siding is made from durable polyvinyl chloride or PVC. It mimics natural materials such as tiles, wood, or stone, similar to what is used on flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. The siding comes in vertical and horizontal planks as well as shingles and log shapes. You can even get insulated vinyl siding if you live in a colder area.
Fiber cement consists of sand, water, cellulose fiber, cement. It’s very durable and also environmentally friendly. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it’s very easy to clean and maintain. You can also paint and stain it if you want to change the color of your home.
What are the Benefits of Vinyl Siding?
There are plenty of good reasons to choose vinyl siding for your home. Some of the most common reasons why homeowners decide to install it include:
- You don’t need to paint vinyl siding
- It’s a lot cheaper compared to other types of material
- Cleaning and maintenance is easier
- There are a variety of styles and colors available
What are the Benefits of Fiber Cement?
Choosing to go with fiber cement siding also comes with several benefits. Here are just a few of the factors that make it the best option for many homes.
- Fiber cement can withstand almost all weather conditions
- It’s waterproof and resistant to pests, insects, and fire
- Warranties are in the 30 to 50-year range
- The colors can last up to 50 years with proper care
- Can mimic other materials such as wood, tile, and stone
- It is environmentally friendly and made from sustainable products
- Very difficult to dent or damage
What are the Best Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement Products?
As you narrow down your decision between vinyl siding and fiber cement, you’ll begin looking into the different brands and products. There are plenty of options to choose from, but two stand out as the best when it comes to siding.
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding
For vinyl siding, it’s hard to look past Certainteed, particularly their MainStreet products. It comes in seven styles, including brushed finish and woodgrain. In addition to this, you’ll also have a choice from over two dozen colors.
While vinyl siding isn’t known for being environmentally friendly, the Certainteed range is. It is Home Innovation NGBS Green Certified, and it meets the criteria for sustainability. Combine this with the low maintenance and resistance against the elements, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular vinyl siding products around.
James Hardie Lap Siding
On the fiber cement side, James Hardie Lap Siding has proven time and time again that it’s the go-to product. Don’t let the low costs fool you. Despite being cheaper than vinyl siding, it is five times thicker and more durable to hailstorms and strong winds.
Colors and styles remain vibrant for longer too. It has a 30% better fade resistance compared to vinyl or wooden materials. It also comes with a finish warranty making it the only pre-finished and painted product that has one.
But the best feature is that it will help reduce your power bills significantly. The additional insulation benefits mean you won’t need to run heaters or air conditioners as frequently. So you’ll actually be saving money by installing fiber cement siding.
Who Can Install Siding on Your Home?
You can’t go wrong with installing either vinyl siding or fiber cement on your home. Both have their benefits and what it will end up coming down to is which one suits your style and budget better.
Vinyl siding is often the most cost-effective option. It’s also easy to clean, simple to install, and comes in various styles and colors. If you want your home to look like a log cabin in the middle of the woods, then vinyl siding can make this dream come true.
Fiber cement might cost you a little extra, but it can also help you save on energy bills. It’s a more durable material and can withstand extreme weather. Plus, in a decade, the colors will still be as vibrant as ever.
Still not sure which siding is best for your home? Why not get in touch with The Elite Exteriors for a free estimate? We can talk you through both options and help you decide which one is best for your home. Contact us today!
