When you’re trying to choose a siding material for your home, it can be tough to find good, objective information. Vinyl siding companies will tell you that vinyl is hands-down the best. Fiber cement siding companies will try to persuade you that their product is better. So, which is it? Is vinyl siding or fiber cement siding the better option?
The truth is, neither siding material is the clear winner. Both vinyl and fiber cement siding have their benefits. Which one works best will depend on your tastes, preferences, and budget. In the fiber cement siding vs. vinyl siding debate, we find it’s most useful to look at the benefits of each. Then, you can decide which set of benefits you would rather have.
The Benefits of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is really popular, and for good reasons. There are a few notable vinyl siding companies, and they have a great reputation for making products that are attractive and durable. Setting brand preferences aside, here are the key benefits of vinyl siding for residential homes.
Very Low Maintenance
You don’t want to spend all summer stripping and painting your home. With vinyl siding, you don’t have to. This is a very low-maintenance siding material. All you have to do is clean it from time to time. And if you skip cleaning it for a while, there are no serious consequences other than a dirty-looking home.
Termite and Insect-Proof
Termites are not a concern when you have vinyl siding. They have zero interest in the material. You won’t have to worry about carpenter ants or wood bees, either. If any of these insects are prevalent in your neighborhood, then vinyl siding is a smart choice for your home.
Many Color and Style Options
Whether you want a white home, a navy blue home, or a rust-colored home, you can achieve your desired color scheme with vinyl siding. Companies are releasing new color options every year. You can keep up with the latest trends, or go with something timeless.
Vinyl siding also comes in multiple styles. Horizontal siding is the most common, but you can also find vertical vinyl siding, styles made to look like clapboard, and even some styles with a wood-grain appearance.
Affordable
Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable siding options on the market. Not only are the materials inexpensive, but installation is affordable. Installing vinyl siding is rather straightforward – at least from the perspective of professionals who side homes every day.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding does share some benefits with vinyl. Like vinyl, it is termite-resistant. It also comes in many colors, although choices may be slightly more limited. The downside to fiber cement is that it’s more costly than vinyl, and it takes longer to install. Here are some other unique benefits that it offers.
Non-Combustible and Won’t Melt
If a fire breaks out in your home, the last thing you want is for your siding to light on fire. This would allow the fire to spread very rapidly. Despite being made from a mixture of wood fibers and concrete, fiber cement siding does not burn. It’s highly fire-resistant, and it also won’t melt when exposed to heat or flames. This can give you peace of mind, especially if a fire breaks out in a neighboring home. You won’t have to worry about it melting your siding or setting it ablaze.
Paintable
Fiber cement siding comes in various colors. But if you decide you want to change the color of your home one day, then you can paint over your fiber cement siding. This gives you so much more flexibility. You’re not married to the color you choose forever. You also won’t have to invest in all new siding if you decide to change your home’s exterior design.
Shrink Resistance
Fiber cement siding is not only resistant to weather and changes in weather. It’s also really resilient in areas where the humidity level changes throughout the year. It won’t shrink or distort when exposed to fluctuations in humidity. Changes in humidity also don’t weaken it or make it more brittle. Through heavy winter snow, spring showers, and dreary fall days, fiber cement siding will stay straight and true. In Indiana’s temperate climate, that’s a real asset.
Long Lifespan
While fiber cement costs more than vinyl, you do get more years out of it. Most fiber cement brands back their products with a 30-year warranty, and it often lasts much longer than that. Vinyl siding may only be under warranty for 10 or 20 years.
Is vinyl siding or fiber cement siding the better choice for your home? It depends on what you value the most. Vinyl is attractive, affordable, and low maintenance. But if fire resistance and paintability are important to you, then fiber cement may be a better choice. Contact Moss Roofing in Indianapolis, IN for more information. Our knowledgeable contractors can take a look at your home and make more personalized recommendations for siding.
