Think of any home you've ever stopped on the side of the road to admire. What was the first thing you noticed? The driveway? Maybe the door? How about the roof? More often than not you first notice the facade of the house, its exterior, meaning, the siding. Whether you remember it or not, siding is one of the first impressions you have of a person's home. Not only does siding cover the majority of a home's exterior, it also greatly affects whether you think of it as an architectural masterpiece or just another run of the mill home.
So, whether you're a new homeowner, a renter, or simply looking to spruce up your home with new siding, it is important to know what options are available out there. While seemingly unimportant, coming to a decision on siding is no easy matter, and one that should not be taken lightly. As you read on, weigh the pros and cons in order to come to a decision that best suits your needs.
What is Siding?
Siding is the material that's attached to the exterior walls of your home. It serves as a barrier, by protecting your home from the elements and unwanted pests. Additionally, it also serves to spruce up your home by adding to its aesthetic appeal. Some popular choices for siding include:
- Brick and stone veneer
- Engineered wood
- Fiber cement
- Metal
- Vinyl
- Wood
What is Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a type of exterior siding made up primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Vinyl siding is the preferred siding option for many homeowners due to its affordability, wide-customization options, its low maintenance requirements, and the ease of installation.
What is Fiber Cement Siding
Another popular option for siding is fiber cement, which is made up of a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement siding is popular among homeowners for its low maintenance, its resistance to the elements, pests, and its wide range of options that can mimic brick, wood, and even stone.
Fiber Cement Siding vs Vinyl
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Fiber Cement Siding |
Vinyl Siding |
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Durability |
FIber cement is known for its exceptional durability. Being made of a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers allows it to withstand heavy rains, hail, and strong winds. Additionally, fiber cement siding is non-combustible, making it an excellent option for fire-prone areas. |
While vinyl siding does have a lot to offer homeowners in terms of durability, it still falls short when compared to fiber cement siding. Vinyl siding is known to crack in cold temperatures, and it can fade or warp when under direct sunlight. |
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Lifespan |
Fiber cement siding has an extremely long lifespan, especially if properly cared for. On average, fiber cement siding can last anywhere between 50-100 years. |
Vinyl siding does tend to have a much lower lifespan when compared to fiber cement. Homeowners can expect their vinyl siding to last anywhere from 20-40 years. |
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Maintenance |
Fiber cement siding does not require much maintenance. In fact, it requires significantly less cleaning and painting than wood siding, but it still should be painted every 5-15 years. |
While fiber cement siding has minimal maintenance requirements, vinyl siding requires even less maintenance. Whereas you have to paint fiber cement siding every few years, vinyl siding requires occasional cleaning with some water and dish soap/detergent. |
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Aesthetic Appeal |
Fiber cement siding offers a wide range of customization options, mimicking many different styles and textures, many which include: wood, brick, stone, and stucco. |
While it is readily available in various different colors and styles, allowing homeowners to match their vinyl siding to their aesthetic or architectural style, vinyl siding is seen as the "cheaper" option. |
Concrete siding cost vs vinyl
The price of fiber cement siding tents to be on the higher end, with many factors affecting the total cost. This includes: the complexity of the project, brand, siding style, and the size of your home. The average cost and installation ranges from $5-$14 per square foot, or $7,500-$21,000 for a 1,500 sq ft home.
The cost of vinyl siding greatly depends on the size of your home, labor rates, as well as the type of vinyl installed, but generally homeowners can expect to pay less for vinyl siding. The price of vinyl siding ranged from $3.50-$6.5O per square foot, $6-$10 for premium vinyl, and $7-$13 per square foot for insulated vinyl. The cost for a 1,500 square foot home typically ranges from $7,500 to $15,000.
Choose SuperiorPRO!
Ultimately, whether you decide to install fiber cement siding or vinyl siding, it's important to choose a reliable contractor to handle the job. At SuperiorPRO we stand above the competition by providing you with long lasting solutions at unbeatable prices. So, for all your home decor needs, don't settle, choose the superior option!