Siding instantly offers aesthetic appeal and helps protect your home from damage. However, choosing a suitable material is crucial to ensuring that you’re happy with the result. Vinyl and fiber cement remain two of the most popular choices on the market due to their many benefits. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right type of siding for your house.

Budget

Your budget is always important to consider when selecting a material. Fiber cement can cost up to $100 more per square foot meaning vinyl is often cheaper. However, vinyl is thinner and more lightweight. Before selecting a material, consider your budget and consult a professional to determine the best material for your house.

Style

Regarding the various styles available, vinyl options are amazing. Vinyl can look like faux stone and is available in multiple colors. You can also find vinyl that resembles wood or cedar shake. Fiber cement products can be painted any color to customize the exterior of your home to represent your personality and unique style.

Durability

Both vinyl and fiber cement options are incredibly durable. Vinyl has the benefit of being extremely durable due to its flexibility. Vinyl is also naturally rot-resistant, making it more durable in humid climates. Fiber cement is more rigid, allowing it to withstand inclement weather and avoid becoming chipped or cracked.

Maintenance

Vinyl tends to be more low maintenance than fiber cement because fiber cement siding is usually painted before being put on the house. Over time, nature will slowly wear away at the paint, and you’ll need to re-paint it or hire a painting company. Conversely, vinyl may require some power washing to remove dirt or debris that has accumulated over the years. Regardless of which you chose, staying on top of routine maintenance is important to get the most out of your new exterior.

ROI

Homeowners planning to sell their homes should always consider the return on investment when purchasing home upgrades. Both vinyl and fiber cement options offer an incredible return on investment. However, fiber cement offers a slightly higher one. According to Consumer Reports, a vinyl replacement provides an ROI of 74.7%, while fiber cement gives you an ROI of 77.6%.

Working with a professional to learn the pros and cons of various products is an exceptional way to select the correct one for your home. Contact R & JL Exteriors for more information today!