One of the most effective ways to upgrade your home is by replacing vinyl siding with fiber cement. Siding undergoes constant challenges from the elements, and choosing a more durable option that is built to withstand the weather can be a game changer. Not only does fiber cement offer better strength and longevity, but it has additional advantages that make it a smarter option than vinyl.
If you’re in the planning stages of replacing vinyl siding, you’re in a great position to switch to fiber cement. The good news is that you won’t need to compromise on aesthetics, either! Fiber cement offers all sorts of advantages to top vinyl. Not convinced? Take a look!
Comparing Vinyl and Fiber Cement
Materials can make a big difference in any building or home improvement project. The same goes for siding. The type of siding you choose – wood, vinyl, fiber cement, or steel – will directly influence how well the siding will perform over time. In other words, you can expect certain damage and upkeep costs based on the quality and type of siding you choose.
Vinyl is known to be a relatively weak siding product made from a plastic-based material. The mass production of vinyl makes it an affordable choice in the market, however, it also contributes to its relatively poor performance over time. Vinyl is susceptible to all sorts of damage, including impact damage (like hail or fallen debris), warping and swollen panels (due to temperature changes), and color fading (from sun exposure).
Fiber cement, on the other hand, has a strong compositional core that is made up of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. This precise blend results in a material with greater strength and durability – meaning damage is much less likely to occur. For all these reasons and more, replacing vinyl siding with fiber cement is a smart choice for homeowners.
Ten Reasons to Consider Replacing Vinyl Siding with Fiber Cement
It’s easy to say that fiber cement is an overall better siding product than vinyl, but what does that actually mean? Most homeowners can appreciate the difference when the everyday advantages are broken down. Here are 10 reasons to consider replacing vinyl siding with fiber cement:
1. Enhanced Strength and Durability
Fiber cement is stronger and tougher than vinyl – no question about it. This is relevant when dealing with thunderstorms, hail, accidental impact, scrapes, or fallen tree branches. Fiber cement siding won’t accrue the same level of damage as vinyl, meaning fewer repairs and touch-ups are needed down the line.
2. Fire-Resistant
Because of its plastic composition, vinyl siding can go up in flames quickly. Fiber cement offers better resistance to fire, which means increased safety for the home overall.
3. Customizable Styles
Classic lap, board and batten, shake, smooth architectural panels – fiber cement offers a much better selection of siding styles that can be customized to suit your taste.
4. Less Mold and Mildew
Chances are you’ve seen the dark shadows that accumulate on shaded homes with vinyl siding. Because of its slick plastic surface, vinyl siding is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew growth in areas that have high humidity or lots of shade. Any sort of damp conditions can cause mold and mildew buildup, but vinyl is known to experience a lot of this type of blemishing. Fiber cement is built for better moisture resistance, meaning less risk of mold growth.
5. Low-Maintenance Beauty
Unless you love chores, replacing vinyl siding with fiber cement is a great way to free up time, money, and energy. Built to hold its own and maintain its original allure year after year, fiber cement siding is considered a very low-maintenance exterior.
6. More Sustainable
Plastic pollution is an ongoing environmental issue. To reduce your environmental footprint, it’s best to stay away from plastic products, like vinyl.
7. Striking Color Selection
Fiber cement siding is sold in fresh, modern colors and classic styles alike, offering plenty of selection that isn’t always available with vinyl.
8. Long-Lasting Allure
In addition, fiber cement siding is crafted in a way that it can keep its color consistency easily season after season. Compare that with vinyl, which often fades under the sun, resulting in a tired, uneven look throughout the exterior.
9. Return on Investment
Unlike vinyl, fiber cement offers an exceptional return on investment, with some estimates landing around a 75% return on investment, considering the cost of installing fiber cement siding and comparing home value.
10. Affordability
This is one of the biggest myths in the siding world. Yes, vinyl is cheap – but it’s also likely to need replacement sooner. Many homeowners mistakenly assume that fiber cement is expensive because it has the ability to express other siding styles that are pricey, like stucco and architectural panels. With the potential to last 50 years or longer, fiber cement siding offers impeccable value, making the cost quite affordable relative to its lifetime value.
Replace Vinyl with Top Quality Fiber Cement Siding from Allura
With 25 gorgeous colors, a wide variety of styles, and an exceptional warranty, Allura is a great option for homeowners who want beautiful, low-maintenance siding that will stand up to the weather. Crafted from highly durable fiber cement, Allura siding products are crisp, clean, and built to last.
Contact Allura today to explore the options!
