When it comes to replacing the siding in your home, it can be daunting on which material to choose. In reality, fiber cement and vinyl siding are both beneficial and beautiful to have on your home. Both however, come with different benefits that a homeowner might want to be aware of prior to having it installed.
As you’re considering new siding, weigh the pros and cons that come with each of these options.
Durability
Both options are able to last much longer than wood would and provide years of protection. Both types of siding have the potential to last for a 100 years with the proper care. However, fiber cement siding usually comes with the longer, more reliable warranty to fix problem areas. However, even with this, it is important to keep in mind that fiber cement is also heavier and should stand up to damage better than vinyl. But a severe impact could cause chipping and breaking that might just result in a dent or bend in vinyl.
Color
You can choose from a lot of different color options with fiber cement siding – generally more than is available with vinyl. But since the finish is baked on, that color is permanent. It’s the same with vinyl. However, if you opt for primed fiber cement and then paint the siding in a color of your choice, it can last for 25 years or more. And since the color isn’t baked on, repainting it in a different color is always an option. Vinyl siding can also be painted (check with your paint manufacturer for their list of vinyl-safe colors; not every paint color will work), but the paint job won’t stand up as well as it would on fiber cement siding.
Maintenance
Maintenance levels are around the same for both fiber cement and vinyl. They require a low amount of maintenance; a simple cleaning is usually sufficient to keep it looking good.
Costs
Vinyl is one of the most cost effective siding choices on the market. When vinyl siding was first introduced, it was a cheap product that didn’t stand up well. However, it has come a long way since the beginning. Even compared to high quality vinyl siding, fiber cement still provides a bit more durability and a different look than what you’re able to find with vinyl siding. Costs should not be a big factor in considering which siding to go with – first consider what elements are the most important to you and see which siding product delivers those benefits.
Here is more information to help you decide which you might want to go with. And if you still can’t decide, we’d be happy to schedule an appointment in our Savage showroom so you can look at your options in person.
Speak with us here at Window Outfitters to find out more regarding the siding that you’d like to put on your home. We provide a number of options to go with, all that come with the right warranties to ensure that you’re covered when it matters the most.
Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota home remodeling contractor, and we install siding in the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. We offer James Hardie fiber cement, Craneboard insulated vinyl, and Boral cultured stone.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
