Which Siding Has the Best ROI — James Hardie Fiber Cement or Vinyl?

While there are many factors to consider when deciding between vinyl or fiber cement for your siding replacement, one of the most significant is the return on investment (ROI) you can expect with each option. In Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, fiber cement siding delivers one of the best ROI for siding materials, making it a smart choice. And vinyl offers the subsequent best ROI for replacement siding materials, ensuring it’s a viable choice.  

Learn why the ROI for both vinyl and fiber cement are significant and why fiber cement offers the higher of the two. 

Why Fiber Cement or Vinyl Siding Yields a Good ROI

Buyers Will Love How It Provides Excellent Insulation and Energy Efficiency

• Fiber Cement — This siding is thick, and its energy efficiency can be enhanced with an underlayment. It has an R-value of .5, which indicates it offers good insulation, increasing indoor comfort and shielding your home from extreme temperatures. 

• Vinyl — This cost-effective siding has an R-value of .6, so it insulates well. For heightened energy efficiency, choose insulated vinyl siding. 

You’ll Love How Siding Boosts Your Home Value

• Fiber Cement — When it comes time to sell your home, first impressions matter, and the beauty of fiber cement is tough to match. It is so thick and has such a deep texture that it can mimic the look of wood, yet does so without wood’s tedious maintenance requirements.
  
  It comes in a variety of styles, including horizontal lap siding, contemporary vertical siding, board and batten, and cedar shake style. Fiber cement trim is also available, ensuring your home will excel in aesthetics and be well-sealed from moisture. 

• Vinyl — This siding is too thin to have deep textures that allow it to mimic the look of wood like fiber cement siding does. Its appearance is good initially, but can diminish over time because it is easily dented and may fade if you choose a dark color. 

Buyers Will Love Its Lasting Color that Makes Your Home Stand Out

• Fiber Cement — If you choose the top fiber cement produced in the industry—James Hardie—you get the benefit of factory-baked-on color. This uniform application of color cured between coats delivers a great ROI because it stays vibrant and looks as good as new for years to come. Its 15-year warranty ensures it won’t crack or peel. Hardie even presents winning color combinations for you to get the perfect look for your home, ensuring you will receive a fantastic ROI when it comes time to sell your home. 

• Vinyl — The beauty of vinyl siding is that the chosen color has staying power. If you select a dark hue, it may fade over time, but the good news about vinyl’s color is that you never need to repaint it. This makes vinyl a lower maintenance siding material, giving homeowners more reason to expect a good ROI when it comes time to sell their home. 

Buyers Will Value Its Lasting Protection 

• Fiber Cement — Known to last up to 50 years when it is installed by a reputable team of professionals (like us!) and maintained well, fiber cement siding is one of the most durable, long-lasting siding materials available today. The makeup of fiber cement is engineered to last. A combination of cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water, fiber cement resists pests, moisture intrusion, and fire. Its enduring makeup gives homeowners and potential buyers confidence in its protection for years to come. 

• Vinyl — Known to last up to 20 years, vinyl siding begins to age after about ten years. It is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), meaning it tends to dent, crack, and become compromised over time due to the gaps in it. Over time, pests and moisture can work their way behind vinyl siding, compromising your home’s protective layer. If left unaddressed, pest intrusion and moisture penetration can lead to foundation problems. This is one reason vinyl siding is not as durable or long-lasting as fiber cement siding and its ROI is not as strong as fiber cement. 

Potential Buyers Appreciate Low Maintenance!

• Fiber Cement — Hardie siding should be washed twice a year with a garden hose and nylon brush. It may need to be painted approximately every 15 years. Other than that, just keep an eye on its caulking. If its caulk starts to deteriorate, replace it as a simple DIY project. 

• Vinyl — Regular cleaning and washing are necessary to keep vinyl siding from staining. If water gets behind the vinyl during cleaning, mold may result, so take extra care while washing it. Do a visual inspection of your siding after every major storm to ensure you don’t have any missing, broken, or cracked panels. If you find damage after a storm, repair it promptly or hire a contractor to fix it and prevent further damage. 

Buyers Appreciate How It Stands up to Extreme Weather

• Fiber cement siding — Engineered for Climate®, Hardie siding is made to stand up to the particular weather in the Dayton, Ohio area. 

• Vinyl siding — This versatile siding is best suited for regions that don’t experience extreme cold or extreme heat. The reason? Vinyl can become brittle in frigid temperatures, making it susceptible to cracking. 

Transform Your Home Exterior with Beautiful Replacement Siding 

Don’t settle for old, worn-out siding that compromises your home’s protection. Get gorgeous new replacement siding that safeguards your home from the elements and makes a design statement, delivering exceptional curb appeal.

At American Way Exteriors, we specialize in James Hardie fiber cement siding installation. It’s the strongest siding available that stands up to Ohio’s harshest weather and comes with a 30-year transferable warranty that is honored because we are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor.

Learn more about our James Hardie fiber cement siding services.