There’s no arguing that siding choices on a home can vastly change its curb appeal and affect the overall value of the home. Siding also helps to protect your biggest investment by providing a layer or security for your home from weather elements, it helps to minimize street noise, and will ultimately repel unwanted pests. There is no better way to ensure your home is protected than to replace siding, making new siding a rewarding and worthwhile investment.
But, with so many styles and colors to choose from, what is the best thing to choose? After all, once the decision is made, there is a commitment to install. What if you don’t like it? It’s best to do your research ahead of time. At Tollefson Bros. Exteriors, we specialize in siding replacement and installation and are standing by, ready to help you choose what is best. For purposes of comparison, we’ll look here at two of the most popular choices in siding: vinyl siding versus Hardie board.
Siding Material Differences
Vinyl is a plastic siding composed mostly of PVC resin. While vinyl used to be easily damaged, modern advancements have developed the material into a more durable siding. Hardie siding is a fiber cement product, a composition of wood pulp, silica sand or ash, Portland cement, and water. The boards come pre-painted or primed, depending on your preference.
Siding Durability And Maintenance
Both forms of siding have their benefits and, with proper attention, both forms of siding will protect your home for many years to come. While both vinyl and fiber cement are rot resistant and pest resistant, Hardie board siding is warp-, impact-, and flame-resistant. Vinyl is more susceptible to warping and cracking. It can expand and contract with the weather, causing it to buckle. It can even melt under great heat (by situating a grill too closely to the material or even reflections from the sun).
Both materials will need to be cleaned annually with soap and water to remove dust and residue on their surfaces. Fiber cement needs caulking around its joints and may need repainting over time. Vinyl is less likely to need routine upkeep. The durability of fiber cement, however, means it will require fewer replacements over time.
Siding Costs
Both forms of siding are designed to last for years, which means fewer replacements and more money saved. Where vinyl pulls ahead in cost, is in the installation/labor costs. Fiber cement siding’s composition makes it more difficult to install. A more time-consuming and laborious process costs the homeowner more money. The lack of repairs needed with fiber cement, however, should be considered in offsetting the upfront cost of the installation.
Licensed Siding Installers In The Twin Cities
Let Tollefson Bros. Exteriors add beauty, style, energy efficiency and the lasting durability of permanent siding to your home. Our installers are trained in multiple applications from restoring a historical property or updating the appearance of your existing home. For an eye opening exterior home makeover, be sure to check out our line of cultured stone products, too. Call (952) 881-2218 or fill out our online contact form for a free, onsite evaluation and estimate.