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Siding Options for Homes: Choosing the Right Material for Your Style
Along with your roof, your home’s siding material is the first defense line against weather hardships. It protects your walls, belongings, and supporting structures from rain, UV rays, bugs, moisture, and fires. Without it, your walls won’t last as long as they do. Hence, choosing between siding options for homes is not a matter to take lightly. Your home siding must be resistant, durable, and stylish to last decades without causing headaches.
However, if you’re not a builder or remodeler, choosing the right option for your home can get really challenging. You don’t only have to considerate your budget and taste but also the advantages and drawbacks of different types of siding materials and how well they stand against the climate in Greenville, NC; Jacksonville, NC; Newbern, NC; Beach, NC; Washington, NC; Goldsboro, NC; Kinston, NC; Atlantic, NC; Morehead, NC, Pitt County, Craven County, Onslow County, Lenoir County, Beaufort county and Wilson County.
If you want to ensure you get the best siding material for your project without spending the whole paycheck, working with licensed contractors will bring expert advice and help you find the most suitable material for your needs and wants among the several siding options for homes on the market. But, in the meantime, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of two of the most popular siding options: fiber cement and vinyl siding.
Fiber cement siding vs Vinyl siding: Which is better?
Fiber cement and vinyl are both long-lived and stylish options for home siding. They can last over 20 years and come in multiple colors and styles to match your taste and increase your property value over time. Hence, they are among the best types of siding materials for residential projects.
Still, their advantages and disadvantages differ since they’re made from different materials. Vinyl and fiber cement will naturally best suit different projects, budgets, and needs.
The benefits of vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a plastic polymer designed to withstand weather conditions and make homes fashionable. It can mimic wood siding and offers the most comprehensive suite of styles and colors.
Although its versatility is one of the most noticeable benefits of vinyl siding for homeowners, vinyl has other benefits for your home and wallet.
Cost-friendly material: Vinyl siding is around $2 cheaper than fiber cement because it’s easier to manufacture and install. This can reduce your costs when you add up the total prices for other siding options for homes. Fiber cement is heavier than vinyl, requiring more effort from contractors to maneuver and apply it to your home.
Requires little maintenance: Vinyl can last between 30 and 40 years, especially in cities with mild climates like Jacksonville or Greenville or colder climates, such as Washington or Morehead. Unlike fiber cement or other types of siding materials, it’s practically maintenance-free since it doesn’t require re-caulking or re-painting.
Durable and resistant: Another of the benefits of vinyl siding is its robustness. Vinyl is a flexible material that won’t warp under the rays on sunny days, and it’s rot, water, and insect-resistant. Fiber cement, on the other hand, is prone to absorbing moisture, which may lead to sooner deterioration and wall rotting.
Drawbacks of vinyl siding
Nothing is perfect, and vinyl siding is not the exception. As with other materials, vinyl has a couple of cons you should evaluate when choosing siding options for homes.
- Shorter lifespan: Although vinyl is noticeably durable, it has a shorter lifespan than fiber cement and other types of siding materials like brick or aluminum.
- Vinyl is less environmentally friendly. Its manufacturing uses many fossil fuels. Although there are recycling options available, the materials are usually burnt when disposed of, which can release toxic gases into the air and environment. However, some plants have more environmentally friendly practices, so researching before buying can help reduce the impact of vinyl siding.
- Less energy-efficient: Standard vinyl siding has less R-value than fiber cement and other types of siding materials. Hence, it can absorb more heat and increase indoor temperature, increasing your AC unit’s energy consumption. Still, some vinyl options have added insulation to improve their energy efficiency.
The fiber cement siding advantages
Fiber cement is a composite siding that, depending on the manufacturer, mixes different materials. These include Portland cement, wood pulp, cellulose fiber, fly ash, and silica sand. Also known as Hardie board, fiber cement is one of the most long-lived and fire-resistant types of siding materials, making it a significant long-term investment in your home.
- Longer lifespan: Fiber cement has been known to last up to 50 years; hence, it can be an excellent option for those looking for longevity. It’s fire retardant, mold, and insect resistant, so you can ensure your siding will last a long time and protect your home when such an emergency occurs.
- It’s sustainable: Fiber cement is made from natural materials and doesn’t require fossil fuels. Thus, it doesn’t produce hazardous gases when disposed of, lowering its environmental impact. Still, fiber cement is generally not recyclable, though you may find newer options that can be recycled. Fiber cement is an outstanding competitor if you’re looking for eco-friendly siding options for homes.
- Resistant to extreme weather and changing temperatures: Durability is among the most notorious fiber cement siding advantages. This material doesn’t warp or brittle under extreme scorching or freezing temperatures. Also, its color doesn’t fade due to exposure to UV rays, unlike vinyl siding.
Drawbacks of fiber cement siding
However, fiber cement also has a few disadvantages that may not make it the best choice for your home’s needs, conditions, and wants. Hence, it’s always recommended that you consider all its characteristics when choosing between different types of siding materials for your project.
- It requires more maintenance: Fiber cement requires re-caulking and re-painting every 10 – 15 years to ensure the seal is adequate and the siding doesn’t absorb moisture and water when it rains, reducing longevity and compromising your home’s structural integrity. Hence, if you live in cities prone to rain or don’t want to compromise with this maintenance, it’s better to look for other siding options for homes.
- It’s costlier than vinyl: The average cost of fiber cement is between $5,000 and $35,000, while the average price of vinyl siding is between $3,000 and $30,000. Although there are costlier options like wood and top-tier engineered wood, fiber cement may be outside the budget range of some homeowners.
- It’s harder to install: Fiber cement is heavy, weighing approximately 150 pounds for 50 square feet, and cutting it can release hazardous particles that contractors may inhale. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these sawdust particles can lead to silicosis. Hence, fiber cement requires more effort and safety measures from installers than other siding options for homes.
Fiber cement vs Vinyl siding: Recap
Choosing between fiber cement, vinyl siding, or other types of siding material will depend on your priorities, your planned budget for your home project, and environmental factors to consider if you want your siding to last for years. However, if you still cannot decide, don’t hesitate to contact reliable contractors to guide you through your options and help you determine the best deal for your money and expectations.
Siding option | Pros | Cons |
Fiber Cement | Longevity and resistance to extreme temperature changes | Harder to install. |
Fire, mold, and insect-resistant | Pricier than vinyl | |
Low environmental impact | Requires more frequent maintenance | |
Vinyl | Budget-friendly | Less energy efficient |
Rot, water, and insect-resistant. | It can produce toxic gas when disposed of | |
Requires less maintenance | It has a shorter lifespan than other options. |
Get superior siding with Advanced Building & Roofing.
Choosing the best siding options for homes is just the first step to ensuring high-quality siding that will last and protect your home for decades. It’s equally important to get the best team to install, repair, and maintain it, as improper installation or negligence can lead to structural damage and more money in the long run.
Hence, Advanced Building is your best option if you want to ensure the longevity of your siding. Our team prides itself on timely and thorough turnarounds. Call us today for your free quote!
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