By:Posted: Feb 27th, 2019In: Home Building

Today we’re dabbling into the world of siding with a comparison between traditional vinyl siding and the popular Hardie board siding. We’ll go over each material individually laying out the Pros and Cons of each. We firmly believe in making educated decisions when it comes to building your dream home so we hope these articles are useful and helpful to you. Of course, if you ever want to chat further, you can always reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Let’s start.

HARDIE BOARD SIDING

 

THE PROS

This siding is a rising trend in the industry. It’s a product that lasts, comes in a wide variety of textures and colors, and most of all–it’s affordable. The benefits extend beyond those factors, and when it comes to hardie board siding, there is a long list of pros.

  • Longevity: Most hardie board siding comes with a 50-year, limited transferable warranty. This siding is completely rot and insect resistant and can even handle salt spray from the ocean.
  • Appearance: Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. Hardie Board Siding can be purchased raw and a custom colour can be applied. Colour options are virtually unlimited. These colors are accompanied by a 15 year warranty on the finish.
  • Fire Resistance: Hardie board siding is 90 percent sand and cement which makes it fire-resistant. Case in point, a St. Paul Minnesota house fire torched two fire trucks parked 60 feet away, but the cement board siding home next door, 50 feet away, remained unscathed.
  • Storm Resistance: Whether you’re looking for a siding material that can withstand the next Katrina, or one that can fend off the next summer hailstorm without sustaining damage, cement board siding is a proven commodity in the weather department.

THE CONS

  • Higher Installation and Labor Costs: Hardie board siding requires more planning, a larger labor force, and takes longer to install due to its composition. It weighs about 300 pounds PER 100 sq feet compared to 60-70 pours PER SQ FEET for vinyl siding. This can increase labor and the cost of cement installation.
  • Maintenance: It has to be re-painted periodically. Hardie board’s ColorPlus ® Technology Warranty covers paint and labor for peeling and chipping of their finishes for only 15 years

 

VINYL SIDING

Vinyl siding is cheap, quick to install, and easy to maintain, making it seem the ideal cladding solution for your home. Or is it?

THE PROS

  • Visually Pleasing: Vinyl siding is versatile. It’s available in an array of colours and textures, including options made to resemble wood shingles. If you’re thinking about adding an extension onto your home, vinyl siding can be used to maintain aesthetic flow between the old and new sections. It can also enhance the curb appeal of your home, which will come in handy when it’s time to sell.
  • Cost Effective: As you weigh your options against each other, cost is a factor you’re going to take into account. Choosing to re-do your home with vinyl siding is cost-effective and relatively easy. If you’re doing work on your home before selling it, it’s a good option for easily recouping your costs.
  • Protection from the Elements: Modern vinyl siding is both dent and water resistant. When installed correctly, it forms a barrier that protects the wall underneath and prevents moisture from seeping in.

 

THE CONS

  • Appearance Can’t Be Changed: When choosing vinyl siding for your home, it’s important you select a style and colour you’re confident you’ll be happy with long-term. Wood can – and must – be repainted every three to five years. Vinyl siding can’t be painted or altered once installed.
  • Water Resistant, Not Waterproof: This is both a pro and a con. Correctly installed vinyl siding acts as an effective shield against moisture, but water can sneak in if there are weak spots. When moisture becomes trapped between the siding and your exterior wall, it can lead to mold buildup. It’s important to inspect your siding regularly, and call an expert if you suspect problems.
  • Not easy to repair: If a panel is dented or needs to be replaced for any other reason, it can be extremely difficult, time-consuming and expensive.  Vinyl panels overlap, and because they are attached in an interlocking pattern, they can be extremely difficult to remove and it can be almost impossible to insert a new piece of siding.
  • Cold can also be a vinyl killer:  In extremely cold weather, vinyl can become brittle and crack under the least provocation.  Cracks in the siding allow water to seep behind the vinyl and that can cause incalculable damage to the framing of a home.

 

Sources: www.homeadvisor.com

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