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, the question you may be asking yourself is which material is the better buy.
The Construction Group offers siding installation for all types of homes in the Minneapolis area. Below is a brief comparison of vinyl and cement fiber siding. If you have any further questions or want to schedule siding installation, call us today!
Construction & Engineering
Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood pulp and Portland cement. It mimics natural and is reinforced with cement planks to give it added durability. Fiber cement siding is nailed to the surface. The attachment is permanent to withstand high winds and heavy rains.
Vinyl siding is hands down the most popular type of siding on the market. At least 36 percent of homes in the country are fitted with vinyl. Unlike fiber cement siding, vinyl is assembled around your home and attached around 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.
Style and Design
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. Vinyl offers variety and endless range of colors and styles to suit almost any home design.
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 will retain its finish and require far less maintenance. Your home will look beautiful much longer.
Efficiency and Sustainability
When combined with the wall’s framework, both vinyl and cement fiber do an excellent job of insulating your home from humidity & moisture, UV rays, wind, and hot & cold temperatures.
Contractors usually add a layer of insulation to vinyl siding. 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.
Since Fiber Cement is made from a combination of wood and cement, it offers a substantial barrier against the weather. It shields the house from any form air or temperature penetration. Fiber cement is also more sustainable than vinyl because it is made of recyclable materials.
Whereas vinyl is likely to end up in a landfill, fiber cement can be used over and again. 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.
Durability
When you install siding on your home, you don’t want to turn around and replace it in five years. Both vinyl and cement fiber are specially engineered to withstand the elements much longer than their all-natural counterparts.
Therefore, you’ll get a healthy ROI on both vinyl and fiber. The only downside to cement fiber is that it does absorb moisture. The combination of wood and cement does not allow the moisture to pass through the plank. So you don’t have to worry about wood rot or mold getting in the house.
Vinyl, on the other hand, repels moisture. When installed correctly, It is 100 percent water-resistant. The Minnesota climate, however, is ideal for both materials. So even if cement fiber siding gets a little wet, the moderate humidity in Minnesota will not damage the material. Therefore, you should expect fiber to last as long as vinyl with relatively low maintenance.
Cost
It’s difficult to pin down hard data on the cost of both vinyl siding and cement fiber siding. Many variables come into play such as:
● Installation cost
● Material cost
● Maintenance and replacement
● Efficiency
● Home design and layout
According to recent estimates, vinyl siding material costs around $200 per 100 square feet. Fiber cement comes in at $300 per 100 square feet. The reason for the margin is primarily due to installation and labor costs. Vinyl siding is easier to cut and install than fiber cement.
Long-term, however, you will come out ahead with fiber cement due to lower cooling and heating bills. Fiber cement is also likely to add considerably more market value to your home. So if you sell your house, you can add a little more to the price tag.
Where vinyl comes out ahead is 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 regards, cement is a wise investment that will give you a high ROI.
Siding Installation in 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 you can message us on our contact page.