Fiber Cement vs Vinyl Siding: Which Siding Option Is Best?

If you’re thinking of updating your siding, you’ll probably weigh up different options, such as fiber cement siding vs vinyl.

These are two of the most popular choices for homeowners. Both have plenty to offer, but which is the best fit for your home?

In this post, we’re going to check out fiber cement vs vinyl siding. We’ll explain what they both are, and the differences, so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding the basics

Siding is the protective material on the outside of your home. It keeps out the elements and pests, insulates your home, protects it from fire, and improves its appearance.

It’s available in a wide variety of materials, each of which offers a unique combination of benefits.

While some materials are more long-lived than others, you’ll still need to repair or replace your siding every now and then. Deciding which material to go for might seem overwhelming, but this article will set out vinyl siding vs fiber cement to help you.

What is fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement is created by blending cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to produce a hard-wearing material.

One of the most attractive qualities of fiber cement siding is that it resembles wood. However, it doesn’t require as much maintenance, which makes it a popular option with homeowners.

Its key features include:

• Durability. Fiber cement is ideal for areas that experience a range of weather conditions, including snow, ice, and summer heat.
• Aesthetic appeal. This versatile material resembles wood and is available in a range of colors to match your property.
• Fire resistance. One of the key features of fiber cement siding vs vinyl siding is that fiber cement is resistant to fire, making a great option if safety is one of your main concerns.

What is vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is another popular option as a dependable material. It’s made from PVC, a robust and versatile plastic.

It’s the perfect choice if you’re working to a budget, since it’s one of the most affordable options.

Key features of vinyl siding include:

• Affordability. It offers great value-for-money for homeowners on a budget.
• Energy efficiency. Insulated vinyl siding is known for its ability to conserve energy inside your home.
• Low maintenance. Vinyl siding doesn’t need repainting, and it can be cleaned easily.

Head-to-head comparison: Vinyl vs fiber cement siding

Let’s now take a closer look at fiber cement vs vinyl siding, comparing them side-by-side so you can identify which is best for you.

Vinyl vs fiber cement siding
	Vinyl	Fiber cement
Durability	Because it’s made of PVC, vinyl won’t rust or warp However, vinyl tends to crack more easily than fiber cement, so needs more frequent repairs	Its slightly flexible nature means it withstands impact better Fiber cement boards tend to be thicker than vinyl too, making them more durable
Longevity	Vinyl siding will start to deteriorate after 10-15 years	Fiber cement siding can last for 50+ years
Sustainability	Vinyl is not biodegradable Vinyl production releases greenhouse gases	Many of the materials used in fiber cement production are recyclable
Fire resistance	Vinyl has some fire resistance but can alight at high temperatures	Fiber cement is fire resistant
Maintenance	Vinyl is low-maintenance but cracks more easily	Fiber cement requires repainting around every 5 years
Customization	You can choose from a range of vinyl siding colors	Fiber cement siding comes in a range of colors and textures
Value for money	Vinyl siding has a lower initial outlay However, because it doesn’t last as long as fiber cement, you may pay more over the long-term	Fiber cement siding is slightly more costly than vinyl siding However, it lasts up to 5 times as long It also has a slightly higher resale value than vinyl siding

Making the decision: Factors to consider

Comparing fiber cement siding vs vinyl is a tough call. Both materials offer their own benefits, so the final decision will depend on factors relevant to you.

When you’re making the decision between fiber cement vs vinyl siding, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I looking for a James Hardie option? While both materials are durable, fiber cement is more robust when it comes to blows from hail, fallen branches, and so on.
• Does longevity matter to me? If you’re looking for a solution that won’t need replacing for 50 years or more, go for fiber cement.
• What about green values? Again, fiber cement is the winner when it comes to sustainability.
• Which is best for fire resistance? Fiber cement is fully fire resistant while vinyl may catch fire at higher temperatures.
• What about maintenance? Choose vinyl if you don’t want to repaint every few years but remember that you may need to make more minor repairs.
• Which has the best customization options? Both options are available in a range of colors but fiber cement has more choices for textures, capturing one of the most popular siding trends for 2025.
• What about fiber cement vs vinyl cost? When doing a fiber cement siding vs vinyl siding cost comparison, you’ll see that vinyl is more affordable. But remember that since fiber cement lasts longer, you may get greater value-for-money over the long-term.

Examples of fiber cement siding vs vinyl options

Let’s look at some scenarios to help you decide between vinyl siding vs fiber cement.

Scenario one

Jake and Hannah have just purchased their first home together, which requires renovation. They’re prepared to put in the work to make it look special and last a long time.

One of their priorities is to fix the old siding. Because it’s starting to warp, they’ve decided to replace rather than repair it.

They’ve chosen fiber cement siding vs vinyl because they know it’s going to last for decades. Jake and Hannah can also customize their new home, thanks to the many trending color options for fiber cement siding.

Scenario two

Lisa lives in a family-sized home but is downsizing to somewhere more affordable.

Before selling her home, she’s planning to improve curb appeal by making improvements, including replacing the siding.

Lisa has looked at a fiber cement siding vs vinyl siding cost comparison and has found that vinyl is more affordable. She knows she’ll get a great result and make her home more attractive to potential buyers.

Looking for more inspiration to help you make your decision? Browse our photo gallery for examples of our work or check out our five star reviews to know more!

What option works better for New England and Massachusetts?

New England and Massachusetts boast a wide variety of architectural styles—and the full spectrum of weather conditions! 

The humid climate, warm summers, cold winters, and consistent rainfall are factors to consider when comparing vinyl vs fiber cement siding.

Both types of material will protect your property from the weather and insulate your home. They also come with customization options.

However, fiber cement siding can withstand more extreme weather conditions like hailstorms better. Unlike vinyl, it’s less likely to crack, so is often the preferred option for the New England climate.

Contact Plum ProExteriors for a helping hand

Siding is an essential part of your home—a protective outer layer that helps keeps your interior comfortable and your exterior looking good.

When you’re choosing between fiber cement and vinyl, think about the factors that we’ve discussed here, for example affordability, the local climate, and customization options.

If you’d like a helping hand, contact the team at Plum ProExteriors. We’ve got a wealth of experience in fitting siding in Massachusetts and New England, with quality always our number one priority. Let us help find you the right solution for your individual needs.

Reach out to us to get a quote for your siding repair or replacement, tailored especially for you!