If you’re looking for a quick recap of the benefits and drawbacks of fiber cement and vinyl siding, below is a quick rundown.
Fiber Cement Siding
Pros:
- Holds up to severe storms and extreme weather conditions
- Resists dents and dings
- Has waterproof, fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and insect-resistant construction
- High-quality fiber cement siding comes with 30- to 50-year warranties
- Can last up to 50 years with the proper care
- Available in a variety of colors, styles, and textures
- Looks like natural wood and stone
- Fire retardant material makes planks and boards fire-resistant
Cons:
- Difficult to install
- More expensive than vinyl
- High labor cost
- Some maintenance required
- Needs repainting and caulking over time
- Inexpensive
- Quick to install
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Doesn’t require repainting
- Insulated vinyl provides better energy efficiency than standard vinyl or fiber cement
- Easy to clean with a garden hose
- No maintenance needed
- Color is homogenous, not coated
Cons:
- Shows signs of age and wear in as soon as 10–15 years
- Painted and staining are not recommended due to peeling and cracking issues
- Damaged planks cannot be repaired and require replacement
- Siding fades quickly when frequently exposed to UV rays
- Pressure washing can crack siding and cause water damage
- Made from fossil fuels
- Can lower property value
- Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction that can cause planks to split and break
- Trapped moisture from clogged gutters and badly caulked windows can damage the polystyrene insulation board and leak into your home during expansion
- Releases greenhouse gasses during the manufacturing process
Post time: Dec-13-2022