Difference Between Hardie Board Siding and Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding and hardie board siding are popular home exterior materials that have stood the test of time. Hardie board siding, made from concrete fibers, has exceptional durability in damp climates and requires minimal maintenance.
The durability and color-fastness of vinyl siding have improved, but its flammability remains a issue. One expert says its lifespan is significantly less than advertised.
On the other hand, you need special cutting tools to work with Hardie board siding. It also weighs much more than vinyl siding, making it more difficult to maneuver.
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History
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Hardie board siding, or cement board siding, was invented in Australia more than a century ago. Made of concrete fibers and developed at James Hardie Industries, it was the result of research to find exterior home siding durable enough to withstand the extremes of Australian weather.
Vinyl siding is produced from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Discovered in 1872, PVC did not find its way into vinyl siding until the 1930s, when ways of combining it with plasticizers were discovered. Vinyl siding was commercially introduced in the 1960s.
Features
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In appearance, hardie board siding might resemble wood, wood-grained vinyl or stucco. It's available in both smooth and embossed finishes. Its concrete fiber composition makes hardie board siding almost invulnerable to wind, damp, heavy rain and flying debris. It neither swells nor rots from absorbed moisture, nor does it chip. Hardie board siding does not interest insects, so it's a good home exterior material in tropical climates. It's also exceptionally fire-resistant.
While almost all vinyl siding is made of PVC, the makers of different brands choose from a variety of additives to improve the performance of their products. Acrylic will increase both the siding's flexibility and its harsh weather tolerance. Titanium dioxide prevents the siding's color from bleaching in strong sun. Some siding manufacturers include UV-blocking resins in their formulas as further color protection. Many vinyl siding brands have their pigment distributed not only on the surface but throughout the siding planks, making them scratch-resistant. -
Considerations
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Vinyl siding is usually less expensive than hardie board siding.
Hardie board siding requires painting but can be purchased either primed or already painted.
Hardie board siding is significantly heavier than vinyl siding. HardiePlank Lap Siding weighs in at 230 pounds per 100 square feet, while a comparable line of clapboard vinyl siding from a leading manufacturer is only 31 pounds per 100 square feet.
Bill Barr of All Star Windows and Siding in Loveland, Colo., told Service Magic that installing fiber cement siding requires additional laborers because of the siding's weight. This could mean installation costs for hardie board siding are two to three times higher than those for vinyl siding.
Benefits
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Hardie board's resistance to insects and moisture damage means it seldom needs repair.
Annual or semi-annual cleansing with a garden hose and ordinary detergent keeps vinyl siding looking new. Caulking the joints between the vinyl siding and a structure's trim discourages moisture damage.
Time Frame
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Hardie board siding commonly is backed by a 50-year warranty.
Architect Gary Kleier, architectural conservator for the Old Louisville National Historic District, says of vinyl siding's lifespan:
"In spite of what the manufacturers would have you believe, the life expectancy of a high-quality vinyl siding installation is approximately 20 to 30 years."
Misconceptions
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Although there are statements indicating otherwise, vinyl siding does not protect a structure from fire. The Maryland Wildland/Urban Interface Home Risk Assessment survey deducts 6 points from a home's fire safety score if it has vinyl siding, while wood siding gets a maximum 10-point reduction.
No other siding materials are mentioned, but having tall grass and lacking a reliable water source also are rated at 6 points.
Warning
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Although hardie board siding, like wood siding, will attach to a structure's wooden frame with regular nails or wood screws, it must be cut either by scoring and snapping, using shears, or with a circular saw equipped with a HardieBlade saw blade.
James Hardie advises using a dust-reducing saw with HEPA vacuum extraction to lower the risk of silica dust inhalation. Installation by a professional experienced in working with the material is recommended.
Do-it-yourselfers installing hardie board siding should pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions.
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