Siding
Fiber Cement vs Vinyl Siding for Ohio Homes
Vinyl siding costs less and never needs paint. Fiber cement costs more, does not burn, and does not move much with temperature, but it is heavier, harder to install, and its paint will need attention someday. Both hold up in Ohio when they are installed to the maker's instructions. For most homes, the choice comes down to budget, the look you want, and how long you plan to stay.
We install both in West Chester and across Northern Cincinnati. Here is how they compare on the things homeowners ask me about most.
How do fiber cement and vinyl compare?
| Factor | Vinyl | Fiber cement |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher, for both material and labor |
| Paint | None needed | Factory finish or field paint, which will need repainting over time |
| Movement with temperature | Moves a lot, so it is nailed loosely | Moves much less |
| Fire | Will melt near a strong heat source | Noncombustible, per the maker |
| Impact and hail | Can crack, especially in cold weather | More resistant, per the maker. Can chip or crack. |
| Weight and handling | Light, cut with ordinary tools | Heavy. Cutting makes silica dust that must be controlled. |
| Repairs | Panels unlock and swap out | Boards are cut out and replaced, then painted |
The sections below explain each row.
How does each handle Ohio weather?
Our winters freeze and thaw over and over, and our summers are hot and humid. Both materials can handle that, but in different ways.
Vinyl moves. The Vinyl Siding Institute installation manual says vinyl can expand and contract 1/2 inch or more over a 12-foot-6-inch length "during normal, year-round changes in temperature." That is why installers hang it loosely, with nails centered in the slots and room left at every corner and opening. Done right, that movement is not a problem. Done wrong, you get buckled, wavy walls.
Fiber cement stays put. It is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, so it does not swell and shrink like vinyl. James Hardie sells products by climate. Its FAQ says its HZ5 products "resist shrinking, swelling and cracking even after years of wet or freezing conditions." Ask your installer which product line is right for your ZIP code.
Which one handles hail and impacts better?
Fiber cement is harder. James Hardie's FAQ says its lap siding "successfully resists damage from wind, rain, snow, hail, and extreme heat." That is the maker's claim, and large hail can still chip or crack any siding.
Vinyl can crack from hail, a mower rock, or a stray baseball, and it gets stiffer in the cold. Some vinyl makers address hail in their warranties. CertainTeed's vinyl siding warranty includes a limited hail provision, but it requires you to go through homeowners insurance first and does not cover labor or your deductible. For what hail damage looks like on each type, see our guide to hail damage on siding.
What about fire?
James Hardie says its siding is "non-combustible" and carries a Class A fire rating. It also notes that this fire resistance "does not extend to applied paints or coatings."
Vinyl does not catch fire easily. The Vinyl Siding Institute manual says PVC will not ignite from a flame until it reaches about 730°F. But vinyl softens and warps at far lower temperatures. A grill too close to the wall, or sunlight reflected from a window, can distort it. CertainTeed's warranty excludes melting from "barbeque grills, fires or as a result of reflection from windows."
How much upkeep does each need?
Vinyl needs a wash about once a year. CertainTeed recommends soapy water, a soft brush, and a garden hose, and it does not recommend power washing. You never paint it. In fact, CertainTeed's warranty is void on siding that has been painted over the original finish unless the company authorizes it.
Fiber cement needs paint. You can buy it with a factory finish or have it primed and painted on site. James Hardie's warranty page says its ColorPlus finish carries "a 15-year limited warranty that covers paint and labor." At some point after that, plan on repainting. Caulked joints and trim also need checking over the years.
How do the warranties compare?
Read the warranty for the exact product you are quoted. Here are two examples:
- James Hardie fiber cement: a "transferable 30-year, non-prorated substrate limited warranty," plus the 15-year ColorPlus finish warranty, per its warranty page.
- CertainTeed vinyl: a lifetime limited warranty for the original owner of a single-family home. It transfers to the next owner as a prorated 50-year warranty, per the warranty document linked above.
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the product. They do not cover installation mistakes, and most require installation to the maker's instructions. Ask your contractor what workmanship coverage they offer, in writing.
Is fiber cement harder to install?
Yes. Fiber cement is heavy, and cutting it makes dust that contains silica. OSHA's fact sheet on cutting fiber-cement board says that dust "can irreversibly damage the lungs" and describes the saw and vacuum controls crews use. James Hardie also recommends flashing behind every butt joint, where two boards meet end to end.
Vinyl is lighter and faster to hang, but it is not foolproof. Tight nailing, a mismatched starter strip, and missing trim at cut edges are common causes of vinyl problems. The Vinyl Siding Institute manual covers each one.
Either way, the install matters more than the brand. Both need a water-resistive barrier and proper flashing behind them. Our step-by-step siding installation guide walks through what that looks like.
Which should you choose?
Vinyl may fit if:
- Budget is the main concern
- You do not want to paint, ever
- You want repairs to be quick and simple
Fiber cement may fit if:
- You want the look of painted wood lap siding
- You plan to stay in the house a long time
- Your grill, deck, or a nearby window has caused heat problems with vinyl
- You want more resistance to impact and fire
Some homeowners use both, with fiber cement on the front and vinyl on the sides and back. That can work if the trim and colors are planned together.
How Shamrock can help
We install, replace, and repair both vinyl and fiber cement siding, along with wood and aluminum. We will price both options for your house so you can compare them side by side. See our siding services or request a free estimate.
FAQ
Does fiber cement add value to a house? It can make a house more appealing to some buyers, but I cannot promise a resale number. Choose the siding you want to live with.
Can I paint vinyl siding to change the color? You can, but check the warranty first. CertainTeed's warranty is void if the siding is painted over the original finish without its approval. Other makers may have similar terms.
Is vinyl siding bad in cold weather? No. It gets stiffer in the cold, so it cracks more easily from impact in winter. Installers also leave more room at corners and openings in cold weather. The Vinyl Siding Institute manual calls for 3/8 inch instead of 1/4 inch below 40°F.
Do I need to replace my house wrap with new siding? Usually, yes, if the old siding comes off. Our installation guide explains why.