Benefits Of Vinyl And Fiber Cement Siding

When deciding on new siding for your home, there are a number of options: vinyl, fiber cement board, aluminum, stucco, and cedar wood. Vinyl and fiber cement are popular choices to brave the elements of Central New Jersey, having distinct advantages.

Fiber Cement Siding:

Fiber cement siding offers distinct advantages over other siding materials. The boards do not absorb water, and therefore, will be resistant to rot. It can withstand high temperatures, is not affected by termites or wildlife, and is fire resistant. Fiber cement, sturdy with thick boards, is also quite durable, and can hold up during the New Jersey Nor-easters.

Fiber cement boards also have aesthetic advantages. For one, they have an elegant look that mimics natural wood. Second, fiber cement accepts paint well, meaning homeowners can change the siding color over time.

There is a price to pay for these advantages, however, as fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl siding. With that said, it is a long-term solution with warranties of up to 30 years.

Carl’s is well-versed in installing fiber cement siding from James Hardie, a premier manufacturer of fiber cement that is often synonymous with the product. Some of their notable style include the Select Cedarmill lap siding, showing a natural wood-like texture, and the Hardie Shingle siding, which replicates individual cedar shingles.

Vinyl Siding:

Not to be outdone, vinyl siding is also a great option for homeowners looking to replace their old siding.

Vinyl siding is also durable and resistant to rot, as evidenced by the fact that many vinyl siding manufacturers will offer lifetime warranties. Vinyl siding tends to be easier to install and certain models offer thermal insulation as well. One of the best features of vinyl siding is that it is essentially maintenance free. The occasional cleaning or powerwash is required, but beyond that, there is hardly any work that goes into maintaining vinyl siding.

Generally, vinyl siding is more budget-friendly than fiber cement. Although there are a number of higher-end vinyl options that may rival the cost of fiber cement.

As far as aesthetics, there are a wide array of color options, some resembling wood lap siding and wood shingles. For example, Certainteed manufactures a number of high-quality product with varying colors and textures, including the Northwoods style pictured above and the Monogram style for a more traditional feel. Carl’s is a Certainteed Five-Star Contractor, and has extensive experience installing Certainteed vinyl siding.

Choosing the right siding material doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Carl’s has decades of experience with industry-leading siding materials. Call us to speak with one of our seasoned professionals to learn more about the pros and cons of each siding material type.