Fiber Cement Board Siding vs. Vinyl

Both vinyl and fiber cement siding can look like wood and come in many colors.

Fiber cement and vinyl siding are both low-maintenance substitutes for traditional wooden siding. Both siding types can be made to resemble wood, and resist hard weather and rot. This makes them appropriate for homeowners who emphasize durability. Each one has its own characteristics and is best for certain uses. Knowing the benefits and downsides of each type can help homeowners make the best decision for their homes.

Materials

Fiber cement siding is made from powdered cement and cellulose fiber, compressed into a panel and baked at high temperatures. Older versions of this siding used asbestos fiber to prevent fires, but this material is considered dangerous to installation and manufacturing workers. Vinyl siding is made primarily from polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic, extruded into molds. According to Green Home Guide, fillers, colorants and other ingredients make up about 20 percent of this type of siding.

Lifespan

According to The Living Home, fiber cement siding is usually warrantied for 50 years. This type of siding must be painted. The paint is often warrantied for 10 to 15 years. Vinyl siding has a much shorter lifespan. This material fades and becomes brittle when exposed to sunlight. According to The Living Home, vinyl siding usually needs to be replaced every 18 to 20 years.

Appearance

Both fiber cement and vinyl siding come in a variety of colors directly from the manufacturer. Vinyl siding has the color built into the siding material itself, and cannot be repainted. Fiber cement siding is often painted at the factory, but can be repainted with latex or oil-based topcoats. Vinyl siding tends to have a slight gloss, while fiber cement siding is usually matte.

Price

Fiber cement siding has a much higher upfront cost than vinyl siding, at between $200 and $600 per 100 square feet of siding as of July 2010. Vinyl, comparatively, cost between $50 and $200 per 100 square feet as of July 2010. Over the life of the siding, however, these products end up with similar costs. Vinyl siding must be replaced more often, which offsets any savings.

Environmental

Fiber cement siding may be more environmentally friendly than vinyl siding. According to the Green Home Guide, manufacturing vinyl siding creates dioxin, a dangerous chemical often released into the environment. This material is also responsible for pollution from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Should PVC catch fire, it can release dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, into the environment. Older vinyl siding may also emit gas. Recycling used siding is difficult and expensive. Fiber cement siding is also difficult to recycle, but is chemically inert and does not leech dangerous substances. It lasts longer and less of it must be thrown away. However, the production of cement does use a lot of energy, and contributes to air pollution.

References

• Green Home Guide: Which is Greener: Fiber-Cement or Vinyl Siding?
• Exterior Siding Help: Siding Costs Comparison
• Concrete Homes Plus: Fiber Cement Siding
• The Living Home: Siding