A Comparison Between Vinyl Siding and James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we often have customers ask us what type of siding we recommend for their home. We offer several types of vinyl siding as well as fiber cement siding and homeowners are often unsure of which type is right for their particular siding replacement project.

Although both vinyl siding and fiber cement siding deliver great performance at a great value, there are specific differences that each homeowner should consider before choosing one over the other for their home.

Vinyl Siding:

Although most people have a general idea what vinyl siding is, we’ll not assume everyone does. So, first off, what IS vinyl siding?

“Vinyl siding is plastic exterior siding for a house, used for decoration and weatherproofing, often imitating wood clapboard, and used instead of other materials such as aluminum or fiber cement siding. It is an engineered product, manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.” Here are some factors to consider about vinyl siding:

• A “green building product” product: Vinyl siding creates very little waste material, and hence its disposal cost is low. Insulated vinyl siding is also considered a “green” building product due to its ability to reduce energy consumption and landfill contributions, as it is manufactured to last 50 years or more.
• Can cover existing siding: Vinyl siding can be applied right over your existing wood siding (after it has been repaired and re-insulated, of course).
• Comes in a wide array of colors: There are literally hundreds of color and style options for vinyl siding to choose from.
• Requires little to no maintenance: The only maintenance necessary for vinyl siding is periodic washing with a pressure sprayer or even a simple garden hose.
• No painting! : While it’s great that vinyl siding doesn’t need painting, remember that the reverse of this is true also… that is, it cannot be painted.
• Economical: Vinyl siding is approximately 35% less expensive than James Hardie fiber cement siding for the initial installation.
• Consider insulated vinyl siding: Insulated siding is vinyl siding with rigid foam insulation that is fit and adhered to the panel. Insulated siding is the most energy-efficient option on the market today and is usually between standard vinyl and fiber cement in terms of price.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding:

Unlike vinyl siding, most people do NOT know what fiber cement siding or James Hardie siding is, so let’s first define what we’re talking about:

“Fiber cement siding is a building material used to cover the exterior of a building in both commercial and domestic applications. Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers.” James Hardie is the industry leader in fiber cement building products, and the only vendor we use for our fiber cement products here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc. Here are some factors to consider about a James Hardie siding replacement:

• Also a “green building product” product.
• Remove and replace: Keep in mind that, unlike with new vinyl siding, your old siding must be removed before fiber cement siding can be installed.
• Beautiful siding: Fiber cement siding comes in over 20 colors with multiple textures and styles from which to choose.
• Durable & Guaranteed: James Hardie siding comes with an outstanding 30-year limited, transferable warranty which offers non-prorated product coverage for the entire 30 years.
• Paint or not?: Though pre-finished colors come guaranteed for 15 years or longer, keep in mind that some fiber cement siding may need to be painted in the future. Make sure you understand how long your specific choice of colors will last before needing to be painted.
• Great investment: James Hardie siding has been Ranked #1 in ROI by Remodeling magazine for the 4th year in a row.

How Does Painting Stack Up Against Siding?

One of the first questions we always get is, “How does the cost of painting compare to the cost of new siding?” – As usual the answer depends on several factors.

For example, if your home had rotten wood that needs to be replaced, or lead-based paint that requires scraping and/or sanding for removal prior to re-painting … the cost of painting can very quickly become exorbitant. This is especially so when you consider that you’ll have to re-paint again in another five to seven years!

Conversely, if you plan to move within the next three to five years, painting may be the lower cost option because you will not reap the long-term financial rewards of not incurring future painting costs. However, keep in mind that new siding will increase the resale value of the home should you decide to sell the home when you move.

For most homeowners who plan to stay in their homes longer than five years, the ongoing costs of painting every five to seven years compared to a one-time investment in new siding is a no-brainer. Siding replacement is by far the better long-term value.

Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people.  If you have any questions about vinyl siding, James Hardie fiber cement siding, insulated siding, or siding replacement questions of any kind … feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!