When choosing which siding replacement material will work best for your long-term needs, gather the facts, define your priorities, and forge ahead with confidence. James Hardie fiber cement siding and insulated vinyl are two of the most popular material options out there. Let’s take a moment to look at their strengths so you can determine which will work best for your situation.
The Facts about Hardie Siding and Insulated Vinyl Siding
Aesthetics
- Hardie Siding and Trim – The authentic beauty of thick, Hardie siding and trim boards is tough to beat. Your exterior design will shine when you cover it with gorgeous Hardie siding. Select the style that brings out the best in your home’s architecture.
Enjoy popular horizontal siding (Hardie® Plank), contemporary vertical panels (Hardie® Panel), or mimic the look of cedar shakes (Hardie® Shingle). Finish the look with vibrant ColorPlus® contrasting colors using weather-resistant Hardie® Trim and Hardie® Soffit.
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – Known for its ability to be easily customizable, vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Complement your home’s features with traditional horizontal vinyl siding panels, or modern vertical planks.
Weather Resistance
- Hardie Siding and Trim – Engineered for climate®, Hardie siding and trim stand up to the greater Indianapolis area’s weather with ease. High humidity, blistering sun, rain, snow, and ice are no match for this durable siding.
The Hardie® Zone System was created after James Hardie studied the long-term effects of weather on siding—in different regions of the U.S. When you choose Hardie siding and trim, you don’t just get siding that can stand up to weather, you get siding that was made for the exact weather in your region. And that’s genius!
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – When you select high-quality insulated vinyl siding and have it installed by an experienced team of pros (like us!), you can count on it to resist weather better than other vinyl siding installation. And insulated vinyl siding—known for its high R-Factor (indicating it insulates your home well)—helps safeguard your house from extreme temperatures, lower utility bills, and preserve your heating and air conditioning unit.
Fire Resistance
- Hardie Siding and Trim – Non-combustible Hardie siding won’t ignite when it comes into contact with a direct flame. It is fire resistant, allowing you more time to exit safely in the unlikely case of a fire in your home. Many insurance companies discount your premium if your home is safeguarded by Hardie siding.
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – Vinyl siding can melt when exposed to fire. It can also warp when grills are used too close to it, or when summer heat is reflected off windows.
Durability
- Hardie Siding and Trim – Known to last 50 years, Hardie siding and trim are made so well, they even come with a 30-year transferable, non-prorated warranty. Hardie siding lasts so long, it just may be the last siding you ever have to install!
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – When high-quality insulated vinyl siding is installed properly, it can last 20-plus years. It may start to show signs of aging at 10 years, depending on the weather conditions it is exposed to and how well it is maintained.
Initial Investment
- Hardie Siding and Trim – This outstanding siding is a greater investment than vinyl, but it pays off over the years with exceptional performance, reliable weather resistance, and easy maintenance.
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – A less significant initial investment, insulated vinyl siding is affordable, making re-siding your home more attractive than ever!
Maintenance
- Hardie Siding and Trim – Known for its easy upkeep and almost zero need for repairs, Hardie siding and trim are a delight when it comes to upkeep. Simply wash siding once or twice a year and replace caulking as needed, and you’re all set for decades!
- Insulated Vinyl Siding – Vinyl doesn’t need to be painted, but will likely fade over time. It may get nicked or dented in places over the years, creating the need for some vinyl replacement panels.
Choose Your Siding Material with Confidence
Now that you have the facts about these popular siding material options, define your priorities and select the best fit for your long-term needs with confidence. The good news? You don’t have to do this alone. At Craftsman Exterior Remodeling, we’re an Elite Tier Contractor within the James Hardie ALLIANCE with extensive experience installing this outstanding product and attractive insulated vinyl siding. Take a look at our expert siding services.
