Is Fiber Cement Siding Better Than Vinyl Siding?

Choosing the right type of exterior siding is important when it comes to looks and longevity. If you’re having a tough time deciding between vinyl siding and fiber cement siding, here’s a quick comparison of the two to help you out.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding has been a popular choice for exterior siding for many years because it’s affordable and it keeps its color for longer than other types of siding. However, there are also numerous downsides that come with vinyl siding which you simply can’t avoid. Some of the biggest reasons to avoid vinyl siding include:

• Flammability: Vinyl siding is prone to melting and catching fire if it’s too close to a grill or fire, which creates a fire hazard in your home.
• Appearance: While it does look alright, it’s hard to find vinyl siding that provides the same unique look as natural wood or other types of siding.
• Durability: Even though vinyl siding is pretty solid when it comes to resisting weather, it’s one of the less durable types of siding overall.

Fiber Cement Siding

If you’re looking for something a little bit tougher than vinyl, fiber cement siding is a good option. Where vinyl has its problems when it comes to durability, fiber cement siding is one of the toughest choices on the market because it’s thicker and more solid. Plus, fiber cement siding is closer to natural wood in appearance, so a lot of homeowners prefer it for their siding. You can even find fiber cement siding with long-term warranties, which means you don’t have to worry about replacing your siding if it’s damaged well before the end of its life.

You have a lot of difficult decisions to make as a homeowner, but choosing the right siding is a little more straightforward. If you value durability, aesthetics and fire safety, fiber cement siding is always a better choice than vinyl.