Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
Hardie Board Siding vs.Vinyl Siding
Which one is right for your home? The answer depends on many factors
including durability, aesthetics, maintenance, cost, and energy-efficiency.
Vinyl siding became a popular choice to replace aluminum siding in the
1960’s. Constructed from PVC, it is extremely durable. Currently it is the most
popular siding for homes in the United States.
In the 1980’s, hardie board was introduced to the housing market.
This durable product is a fiber-cement board made from sand, cement, and
wood fibers.
Comparing Wear and Durability
Because vinyl siding is made of plastic, it never requires painting and is
resistant to water, wind, and weather damage. However, it can be damaged,
particularly because it is very thin (usually .04 to .046 inches thick). Sharp
objects can puncture vinyl and as it ages, it is vulnerable to becoming brittle
with exposure to weather. When this happens, it becomes much weaker, and
can be damaged by hail or wind-blown debris. This type of siding is treated
with fire retardant, however that only slows down the rate at which it can
burn if exposed to fire or another heat source. Vinyl siding can easily warp
due to heat and sun exposure. Vinyl siding usually comes with a 25-year
warranty.
Like real wood siding, Hardie board is denser (usually more than a
quarter of an inch thick), which makes it much more durable than vinyl.
Composed of cement-like materials and wood fibers, it is stronger than vinyl
and much less susceptible to wind and damage from weather exposure.
Despite its strength, intense impacts can cause it to crack. It does not burn,
warp or melt when exposed to heat which provides a significant advantage
over vinyl siding. Hardie board does not become brittle with age and
typically offers a 30 to 50-year warranty.
Curb Appeal
The thickness and weight of vinyl and hardie board play a role in the
aesthetics each offers. Hardie board is thick and has deep embossing that
looks more like real wood than the texture of vinyl siding. It is available in
many colors, textures and trims to match any style, which is important if
you are looking for a realistic or specific appearance for your home.
Maintenance
Unlike wood shingles or siding which require regular painting
and treatment, both vinyl siding and hardie board are relatively
maintenance-free. Vinyl siding does have an advantage when it comes
to maintenance. It will not disintegrate or rot over time. It never needs
to be painted, and cleaning vinyl is as easy as using a garden hose
to wash off any accumulated dust and dirt. However, hardie board
requires painting and re-caulking every five to ten years to prevent
deterioration.
Cost
There is no doubt about it, the advantages of hardie board come
with a cost. Vinyl siding is far less expensive, both for the product and
the labor installation costs. Vinyl is much easier to cut and install.
Hardie board is heavier and requires more installers. Because it is
harder to cut, it also requires specialized training and tools to install.
Energy Efficiency
Neither vinyl nor hardie board offers much insulation on their
own, however vinyl can be purchased with built-in insulation, giving it
an advantage in energy-efficiency. This insulation can help keep your
home cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter.
As you can see, when deciding between vinyl siding and hardie
board, there are many factors to consider. What may be important to
you may not be important to your neighbors. Vinyl siding and hardie
board are both worthwhile investments as they preserve the look of
your home, increase its curb appeal, and provide you with years and
years of comfort. Before you make a decision, contact the experts at
Morgan Exteriors, Inc. and we will walk you through the process and
determine which option is best for you and your home.
www.MorganExteriorsInc.com WINDOWS•DOORS•SIDING•KITCHENS•BATHS
To explore options for making
your home energy efficient and
reducing utility bills, contact
Morgan Exteriors at
(855) 997-0293 or visit
www.morganexteriorsinc.com.
Morgan Exteriors, Inc. is located at
15915 N. Florida Avenue in Lutz.
VOLUME VI • ISSUE VIII Wesley Chapel Magazine 15
/www.MorganExteriorsInc.com
/www.morganexteriorsinc.com