Siding Experts Shares the Differences between James Hardie and Vinyl Siding

Which Siding Is the Best Investment: James Hardie or Vinyl?

Indianapolis, United States - July 6, 2023 / JD Hostetter & Associates /

There are two leading sidings in the market; James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding and Vinyl Siding. As a homeowner looking to replace your siding, you might be stuck deciding which of these two sidings to choose for your home.

In this article, JD Hostetter & Associates, a leading siding contractor in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares the advantages of investing in James Hardie Siding for your home.

Overview of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie Siding is a durable siding made of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, which gives it a beautiful and solid finish. James Hardie fiber cement siding has a wood-like appearance that helps to improve your curb appeal. It is popular for its longevity and comes in various colors and styles to suit your taste.

Overview of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a plastic siding made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is easily accessible and easy to install. Vinyl siding helps to improve the aesthetics of your home and provides waterproofing. It also comes in various colors you can choose from and doesnt require repainting. It is more affordable than fiber cement siding and can be long-lasting with proper maintenance.

Major Differences Between Fiber Cement Siding and Vinyl Siding

To help you choose the best siding for your home, JD Hostetter & Associaes has made a comparison between James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding and Vinyl Siding, using six factors; durability, combustibility, environmental safety, appearance, maintenance, and cost.

1. Durability

Vinyl: Vinyl siding usually only lasts for ten years, after which it may begin to show signs of damage. This siding is susceptible to breakage, cracking, and warping. It is also more likely to suffer water damage than fiber cement siding.

Fiber Cement: James Hardie fiber cement siding is famous for its durability. This siding can last for more than five decades. It has high resistance to mold, rot, water, and extreme weather conditions.

2. Combustibility

Vinyl: Vinyl siding doesnt have high resistance against heat and fire. It may warp or melt when exposed to extreme heat. It also tends to contribute to fire and allow it to spread.

Fiber Cement: Fiber Cement siding is strong and has a high resistance against heat and fire. This siding is recognized by the fire department for its resistance against fire. It doesnt get destroyed by extreme heat and will not contribute fuel to a fire.

3. Environmental Safety

Vinyl: Vinyl siding is made from PVC, which releases toxic chemicals into the environment and compromises environmental safety.

Fiber Cement: Fiber Cement siding is made from natural elements like sand and cement. It doesnt release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and lasts longer than vinyl siding, so you dont have to replace it as often.

4. Appearance

Vinyl: Vinyl siding boards are thin and do not have a wood-like appearance like fiber cement siding. Although it comes in various colors, this siding fades quickly and is not easy to repaint.

Fiber Cement: Fiber Cement siding has thick, textured boards that mimic the appearance of wood siding. It also comes in various colors and styles guaranteed to last for decades.

5. Maintenance

Vinyl: Since its highly susceptible to weather and water damage, vinyl siding requires more maintenance and repair to stay in good condition for longer periods. Although it is easy to clean, you are likely to spend a lot of money maintaining your vinyl siding and preventing it from damage.

Fiber Cement: Fiber Cement siding is popular for being easy to maintain and clean. Due to its high resistance against weather damage, you wont have to worry about repairing your fiber cement siding for years.

6. Cost

Vinyl: Vinyl siding used to be one of the most affordable sidings in the market. But it is now quite expensive and costs almost the same as Fiber Cement Siding.

Fiber Cement: Although it is quite expensive, Fiber Cement siding is a good investment for your home as it provides value for your money and gives you confidence in your property.

Get the Best Siding for Your Home in Indianapolis, IN

James Hardie is an exterior siding made from fiber cement. It is suited to the Indianapolis climate and is as low maintenance as it is beautiful. JD Hostetter and & Associates is one of the leading James Hardie siding installation contractors in Indianapolis.

JD Hostetter & Associates, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a certified siding and exterior remodeling company. They are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and will ensure that everything is installed precisely to standard so your warranty is honored.

As a result of their quality services, the company was awarded the prestigious James Hardie Presidents Club award for Top Quality. Only two contractors in the Indianapolis area have ever received this award.

For inquiries and estimates, contact JD Hostetter at (317) 517-7847 or visit their website.

Contact Information:

JD Hostetter & Associates

7651 88th St. W
Indianapolis, IN 46278
United States

Tom Pantzer
https://jdhostetter.com