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Vinyl vs Fiber Cement Siding
The two most common choices for re-siding a house, side by side, with the local rules that can tip the decision.
| Vinyl | Fiber cement | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $4 – $12 / sq ft1 | $6 – $15 / sq ft2 |
| Average house | $8,400 – $25,2001 | $10,200 – $31,5002 |
| Expected life | 30 – 40 years, longer with upkeep1 | 50 – 100 years when installed and kept up well2 |
| Paint | Color is in the panel; can be painted later, which may void the warranty1 | Comes pre-finished or pre-primed; primed board should be painted within 6 months, then every 10 to 15 years2 |
| Install time | Faster and simpler1 | About 7 to 14 days; heavy boards usually take two installers2 |
Where vinyl wins
Price and upkeep. HomeGuide calls vinyl affordable, very low maintenance, fast to install and insect resistant, with lots of colors.1 The trade-offs it lists: fading in strong sun, possible cracking in extreme cold or melting in extreme heat, and some buyers seeing it as inferior.1
Where fiber cement wins
Lifespan and toughness. HomeGuide lists resistance to moisture, rot, termites, warping and impact, a Class A fire rating, and 15- to 30-year warranties from most brands.2 It also costs two to three times as much as vinyl in its comparison, and the boards can crack if mishandled or when a building settles.2
Local rules that can decide it for you
- Oxford Planned Development districts: the zoning ordinance's materials table asks for at least 30% masonry on all walls of a detached house and 40% on the front, defines masonry to include fiber cement siding such as HardiePlank, and says vinyl is discouraged on dwellings there.3 If your subdivision was approved as a planned development, ask Building Services which standard applies to your street.4
- Anniston's Tyler Hill historic district: new vinyl or aluminum siding is prohibited unless it's already on the house, and original wood siding is supposed to be repaired, or replaced to match, where possible.5 Both vinyl and fiber cement would need the Commission's approval there.
- Oxford Manufactured Home district: exterior walls must be mostly horizontal vinyl or aluminum, wood or hardboard comparable to standard houses.3
A simple way to choose
If the budget is tight and the house isn't in a district with material rules, vinyl usually makes sense. If you plan to stay a long time, want a painted look, or live where masonry-type cladding is expected, price fiber cement too. Ask for both on the same estimate. Details on the rules are on the permits and HOA page.
Have photos of the walls? Send them with a quote request →