Fiber Cement vs Vinyl: 15-Year Cost Truth Uncovered
Choosing between fiber cement and vinyl siding is not only a design decision but a financial one. Both materials protect your home and shape its curb appeal, yet their true costs surface over time. This guide breaks down what you will actually spend over fifteen years, including installation, upkeep, and repair. The goal is to give you a clear, project-ready comparison so you can plan with confidence.
Cost and Planning Guide
A siding job includes material, labor, trim, and disposal of old cladding. Vinyl usually installs faster and with smaller crews. Fiber cement is heavier and needs cutting tools rated for cement board, which raises labor cost and safety requirements.
Total Range and Per Square Foot Figures
- Vinyl siding: $6 to $11 per square foot installed
- Fiber cement siding: $9 to $15 per square foot installed
A typical two-story home with 2,000 square feet of wall area might cost $12,000 to $22,000 for vinyl, and $18,000 to $30,000 for fiber cement. These figures assume basic trim and standard access.
Cost Drivers
- Height and complexity: Extra stories or dormers raise scaffold and labor time.
- Old siding removal: Adds $1 to $2 per square foot.
- Custom trim: Fiber cement trim must be painted and sealed at joints, which adds labor.
- Paint cycles: Fiber cement will need repainting roughly halfway through the 15-year window.
- Climate exposure: High humidity or strong sun increases maintenance for both materials.
Timeline
From bid to punch list, expect two to four weeks. This includes quoting, material ordering, tear-off, siding installation, painting (for fiber cement), and final inspection. Vinyl can often finish faster since it installs prefinished.
Permits and Access
Most jurisdictions require a siding permit for full replacement. Inspectors check flashing, weather barriers, and fastening patterns. Plan material staging areas and clear driveway access for waste containers.
Budget Controls
Ask contractors to price removal, trim, and paint as separate line items. Request written change order policies. Add a 10 percent contingency for surprises behind the old siding such as rot or sheathing repair.
Repair vs Replace
Vinyl can be patched if a few panels crack. Fiber cement patching is more complex, and color matching can be difficult. If more than 20 percent of panels are damaged or faded, replacement is the better investment.
Durability and Safety Brief
Fiber cement is built from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Vinyl is a plastic resin called PVC. Their performance differs under heat, wind, and moisture.
Weather Risks
Vinyl can deform under extreme heat or high wind uplift if panels are not nailed correctly. Fiber cement resists both but can absorb water if cut edges are left unsealed. Always back-prime and caulk joints per manufacturer instructions.
Fire, Moisture, and Impact
- Fire: Fiber cement is rated noncombustible. Vinyl softens and melts when exposed to flame.
- Moisture: Vinyl sheds rain but can trap water behind panels if not vented. Fiber cement needs proper flashing to drain correctly.
- Impact: Vinyl can crack from lawn equipment or hail. Fiber cement can chip but rarely punctures.
Envelope Details
Proper weather barriers, flashing at windows, and vented rainscreens prevent trapped moisture. Use stainless or hot-dipped nails. Never use uncoated steel fasteners on fiber cement since they corrode and stain the surface.
Care Schedule and Cleaning
| Task | Vinyl | Fiber Cement |
|---|---|---|
| Annual wash | Mild detergent and water | Low pressure rinse, soft brush |
| Paint cycle | None | Repaint every 8 to 12 years |
| Caulk check | Minimal | Inspect joints yearly |
| Mold removal | Diluted bleach solution | Same, but avoid soaking seams |
Avoid pressure washers above 1,500 psi. Using harsh cleaners can void finish warranties.
Warranty Basics
Step-by-Step Project Prep
- Define goals and scope. Decide if you want a quick refresh or long-term upgrade.
- Shortlist contractors. Choose installers certified for your chosen material.
- Compare bids. Ensure each includes tear-off, flashing, insulation, trim, and paint where applicable.
- Review samples and mockups. Check color, texture, and reveal size before ordering.
- Prepare the site. Clear landscaping, remove wall fixtures, and confirm power access.
- Daily routine. Crews should clean up debris and cover plants each day.
- Quality checks. Inspect fastener spacing, caulk lines, and paint coverage before final payment.
Living with Your Cladding
If you value minimal maintenance and a lower entry price, vinyl works well. If you want longevity, stronger fire performance, and a solid feel, fiber cement earns its cost over time.