James Hardie and vinyl siding have long been top contenders in the world of siding—each with loyal fans and plenty of great qualities. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the weight of choosing a siding material (fiber cement can last up to 50 years!), you’re not alone—we get it.
That’s why we’ve put together this simple comparison of the two most popular siding materials: the long-lasting strength of Hardie siding vs. the affordable appeal of vinyl. Both have their perks, but only one is the best fit for your long-term needs. Take a moment to discover it!
Side-by-Side Comparison of James Hardie and Vinyl Siding
Beauty
James Hardie Siding – Hardie siding and trim are known for their exceptional beauty, versatile style options, and distinct curb appeal. Choose from popular horizontal lap siding (Hardie® Plank), contemporary vertical siding (Hardie® Panel), board and batten style (Hardie® Panel and Hardie® Trim), or mimic the look of traditional cedar shingles or shakes (Hardie® Shingle).
Vinyl Siding – This customizable siding comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles—so you can complement your home’s architecture with ease. Its sleek appearance gives a more modern look to your exterior, which boosts your curb appeal and home value.
Weather Resistance
James Hardie Siding – Hardie siding and trim are known for their resistance to moisture, impact, and extreme temperatures. Hardie is engineered (based on years of research!) to deliver exceptional protection against harsh weather conditions including heavy rain, snow, high winds, hail, and even fire.
Vinyl Siding – Vinyl isn’t porous (like wood), so it doesn’t soak up moisture. And when you have high-quality vinyl siding installed by an experienced contractor like us, it holds up beautifully against the elements. In fact, proper installation is vital for optimal weather resistance. Gaps or improper sealing from incorrect installation can allow precipitation to get behind vinyl siding, potentially causing issues.
Pest Resistance
James Hardie Siding – Made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, Hardie siding offers exceptional pest resistance. Termites, carpenter ants, and other pests won’t try to make their home in your fiber cement siding, so you can enjoy life without unwanted “guests” like termites!
Vinyl Siding – Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a type of plastic—vinyl siding resists pests like a champ! Unlike wood siding, vinyl isn’t a food source for insects like termites or carpenter ants. Also, the overlapping panel design of vinyl siding minimizes potential entry points for pests.
Energy Efficiency
James Hardie Siding – Installing Hardie siding along with Hardie™ Weather Barrier contributes to better energy efficiency.
Vinyl Siding – Insulated vinyl helps lower utility bills because of its high R-Factor (this measurement indicates how well a material insulates your home).
Fade Resistance
James Hardie Siding – Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology delivers reliable fade resistance you can count on. Its 15-year warranty ensures its protection from cracking, chipping and peeling. This factory baked-on color lasts, so your home will look gorgeous for years!
Vinyl Siding – Vinyl’s color may fade over time due to its exposure to UV rays. The trouble is that it fades at different rates on various parts of your exterior, creating color inconsistencies.
Longevity
James Hardie Siding – When Hardie siding and trim products are installed properly by a reliable, experienced contractor—like Lakeside Renovation & Design—and maintained well, they can last up to 50 years or more! Think about it. This could be the last replacement siding you ever need!
Vinyl Siding – When quality vinyl siding is installed with precision by the experts, and homeowners keep up with its required maintenance, it can last up to 20-plus years. If it isn’t installed properly or its upkeep is overlooked, it may show signs of aging at 10 years.
Maintenance
James Hardie Siding – This durable siding is made so well that it only requires minimal maintenance. Simply clean your siding once or twice a year with a garden hose and soft brush, and address issues like deteriorating caulk when they pop up. That’s it!
Vinyl Siding – This cost-effective siding tends to get nicked in places over the years, so you will need to replace panels when they become compromised. Vinyl siding won’t require repainting because its color is infused into the siding during manufacturing rather than being a surface coating. Its maintenance includes primarily cleaning, inspecting it for damage, and ensuring proper drainage to prevent moisture issues. If any minor problems are spotted, they should be resolved promptly to keep them from becoming costly major ones.
Initial Investment
James Hardie Siding – This resilient siding is a more significant investment than vinyl, but it pays off over the 50-plus years of its lifespan! Hardie siding comes with an amazing 30-year transferable warranty when it is installed by a James Hardie Preferred contractor (like us!).
Vinyl Siding – One of the things that makes vinyl siding so popular is its attractive price point. This makes it more feasible for many homeowners to re-side their property, giving them a wonderful opportunity to upgrade their exterior and refresh their home’s curb appeal.
Fire Resistance
James Hardie Siding – Fiber cement is non-combustible, so it won’t ignite when it is exposed to direct flames. Its fire resistance gives you more time to exit your home safely.
Vinyl Siding – Vinyl melts when exposed to fire, and warps if a backyard grill is too close to it.
Beautify Your Home with Gorgeous New Siding
James Hardie and vinyl siding both have great qualities. Once you take a closer look at each option, the right fit for your needs will become clear.
At Lakeside Renovation & Design, we know how frustrating it can be when your home doesn’t feel like a place you can truly enjoy. Since 1997, we’ve helped thousands of people in the St. Louis area create spaces they love coming home to.
Take a moment to explore the possibilities! See how our siding installation services can enhance your home’s curb appeal, add value, and protect it from the elements.