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Siding protects your home from the elements, regulates interior temperatures, and enhances the visual appeal of your property. Given these important functions, you want to choose the right material. Two of the most popular are fiber cement and vinyl siding. Here's a brief overview of the differences between these two types to help you find the right option for your home and budget.

What Materials Are They Made From?

Fiber cement siding is made of Portland cement, sand, and wood pulp fashioned into planks or shingles. Individual pieces are nailed directly onto the home exterior. It is available in a variety of thicknesses, with the average ranging between 5/16- and 1/4-inch thick.

Vinyl siding is made of plastic—usually polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—which allows it to expand and contract as temperatures change. Nails are hammered straight—never at an angle—with a gap of 1/8th inch between the panel and nail-head to provide room for movement. Vinyl is significantly thinner than fiber cement, averaging about 0.040 and .046 inches in thickness.

What Is Their Durability Like?

vinyl siding

Both options are stronger and more durable than wood. Vinyl is flexible, increasing its resistance to chips, dents, and other damage. Fiber cement won't warp or melt, so you don't need to worry about high temperatures or placing a grill or hot tub too close to it.

Are They Energy-Efficient?

Fiber cement and vinyl are thin and don't offer high levels of insulation by themselves. However, either option can easily be insulated prior to installation or come in varieties that already feature insulation. 

The vinyl version places a layer of foam between the exterior wall and the siding, while fiber cement lap siding comes with built-in foam insulation. Ultimately, either insulated product helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, decrease heating and cooling costs, and prevent wear and tear on your HVAC system. 

 

When you need fiber cement or vinyl siding for your home, contact NC Siding & Exterior LLC in Wake Forest, NC. They serve homeowners throughout North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. In addition to siding, they install roofs, windows, and gutters. Call (919) 946-8256 to request a quote, or learn more about the company online.

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