Here s what you need to know may 12 2020 john mccarter when you re considering how to boost the value of your home exterior choosing the right siding can make all the difference.
Hardy board vs vinyl.
While both vinyl and fiber cement are rot resistant and pest resistant unlike traditional wood planks hardie board siding is inflammable warp resistant engineered for climate and impact resistant.
On the other hand vinyl is more susceptible to warping and cracking.
Like vinyl it s very durable.
By contrast james hardie fiber cement siding is more durable and up to 5x thicker than vinyl siding.
Which one is right for your home.
Contractors sometimes complain because the fiber cement board kicks up clouds of cement dust.
Hardieplank is composed of cement like materials and about 10 percent to 5 percent cellulose wood fibers.
It is also quickly becoming a popular option for housing exteriors.
Compare costs easy of installation colors painting options durability thickness r value length of life and more to decide which is the best siding for your home.
It is made from more sustainable materials and doesn t require the use of fossil fuels like vinyl siding does.
Vinyl siding is more affected by fire and extreme heat than hardieplank.
It easily stands up to the elements resisting damage from wind rain freezing temperatures and hail and gives homes years of protection with low maintenance.
Vinyl siding will typically come with a 25 year warranty.
Fiber cement planks are formed by combining wood pulp with portland cement.
According to the rsmeans 2014 residential cost data report the installed cost of vinyl siding is on average 201 per 100 square feet while fiber cement totals 300 for the same area.
Additionally vinyl siding is predisposed to warping due to heat.
Homeadvisor s siding comparison guide explores the differences pros and cons of fiber cement and vinyl including information on james hardie s hardie board hardiplank fiber cement.
Eco friendliness hardie board is more eco friendly than vinyl siding.
It can expand and contract with the weather causing it to buckle.
Lower price point vinyl siding has a lower price point than hardie board but it doesn t carry the life span of hardie board siding.
As a result the planks or individual shingles do an excellent job of mimicking the look of traditional wood siding.