You have a lot to consider when you invest in siding: cost, efficiency, ease of installation, longevity, and maintenance.
Two of the leading siding products in the industry are vinyl siding and cement fiber. Although both have their merits, you may ask yourself which material is the better buy.
The Construction Group offers siding installation for all types of homes in the Minneapolis area. If you have any further questions or want to schedule a siding installation, call us today!
Here’s our side-by-side comparison of vinyl vs. fiber cement siding!
Comparing Construction & Engineering: Both Solid Materials
Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood pulp and Portland cement and is reinforced with cement planks to give it added durability. Fiber cement siding is nailed to the surface. The attachment is permanent and can withstand high winds and heavy rains.
Unlike fiber cement siding, vinyl is assembled around your home and attached to the framework. The panels are connected to one another and not nailed down.
The construction and installation of vinyl allow it to expand and contract in hot and cold temperatures.
Comparing Style & Design: Vinyl Is the More Popular Choice
If you have a distinctive taste and love the natural look, then cement fiber may be more to your liking. Since cement fiber emulates the natural look of wood, it will add a timeless dimension to your home exterior.
Unlike natural wood, fiber cement retains its finish and requires far less maintenance. Your home will look beautiful for much longer.
How well each product looks around your home is a matter of personal taste. For instance, if you’re looking for variety and something to make your home stand out, you may want to go with vinyl siding because it offers an endless range of colors and styles to suit almost any home design, from farmhouse to contemporary.
This may be one reason why vinyl siding is very popular!
Comparing Efficiency & Sustainability: Fiber Cement Wins
When combined with the wall’s framework, both vinyl and fiber cement siding do an excellent job of insulating your home from humidity and moisture, UV rays, wind, and hot and cold temperatures.
Let’s take a quick glance at how the different products are reinforced to provide that extra layer of environmental protection.
When it comes to vinyl siding, contractors usually add a layer of insulation. Be sure your contractor explains this process. The added layer reinforces the insulation inside your walls and blankets the entire house.
The insulation also adds to your home’s overall R-Value (insulation value). Vinyl material does not absorb heat during the summer. Instead, it reflects it. It will reduce thermal transference.
Because of fiber cement’s combination of wood and cement, it offers a substantial barrier against the weather. It shields the house from any form of air or temperature penetration.
Fiber cement is also more sustainable than vinyl because it is made of recyclable materials. Fiber cement is reusable, whereas vinyl is likely to end up in a landfill. The material is made from wood waste instead of harvested trees.
Therefore, fiber cement is a more sustainable product that is easy on the environment.
Comparing Durability: Both Ideal for Minnesota’s Climate
When you invest in anything for your home, you want it to have longevity. That being said, you don’t want to turn around and replace siding in five years.
Both vinyl and cement fiber are specially engineered to withstand the elements much longer than their all-natural counterparts.
Fiber cement’s minor flaw is that it can absorb moisture. However, it doesn’t pass through the plank, eliminating the worry of mold or wood rot becoming a problem.
Both fiber cement and vinyl siding are ideal for Minnesota's climate. So even if cement fiber siding gets a little wet, the moderate humidity in Minnesota should not damage the material.
Vinyl, on the other hand, repels moisture. When installed correctly, It is 100% water-resistant. Therefore, you should expect fiber to last as long as vinyl with relatively low maintenance.
It also has slightly lower maintenance costs. Vinyl comes out ahead in maintenance costs – but only by a fraction.
Most homeowners who are considering fiber cement are doing so as an alternative to natural wood, not vinyl siding. In that regard, fiber cement is a wise investment that will give you a high ROI.
Comparing Return On Investment: Slight Edge for Fiber Cement
If and when you’re ready to list, you should get a healthy ROI on both vinyl and fiber, with fiber cement holding a slight edge due to its sustainability and energy efficiency overall.
Most homeowners who are considering fiber cement are doing so as an alternative to natural wood, not vinyl siding. In that regard, fiber cement is a wise investment that will give you a higher ROI.
Comparing Cost: Highly Variable
It can be difficult to pin down hard data on the cost of vinyl siding and cement fiber siding due to fluctuating inflationary costs.
Many variables come into play, such as:
Fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $14 per square foot, with an average cost of $10 per square foot. Exact prices will depend on the residential region, the siding’s brand and quality, and the size and shape of your home.
For hard-to-reach areas, customized siding may cost more.
The average vinyl siding cost in 2023 is $4 to $5 per square foot, not including labor and added materials for installation, according to Forbes.com. And, of course, the cost depends on what type or style of vinyl siding you purchase and current vinyl prices in the region.
A square is a common unit of measurement for vinyl siding. One square covers 100 square feet of exterior wall and is how retailers sell siding – either by the square or by the box. A box is equal to two squares.
You can calculate how many squares you need by determining the square footage of exterior walls you want to cover and dividing that by 100. Vinyl is also easier to cut and install than fiber cement.
Schedule Siding Installation Near Woodbury, Minnesota
No matter what type of siding you want for your home, The Construction Group offers complete siding installation and replacement. We can help you improve the look of your home while providing a more energy-efficient interior.
To schedule a consultation or pre-job installation inspection, call us today at 651-731-5857 or message us on our contact page.