Choosing the right siding for your home is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Two popular siding options are HardiePlank fiber cement and vinyl. While both have their advantages, there are key differences to understand before deciding which is best for your home.
Appearance
When it comes to aesthetics, HardiePlank fiber cement and vinyl siding offer distinct looks.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
HardiePlank fiber cement siding has the appearance of authentic wood siding with its horizontal lines and wide planks. It comes in smooth and textured finishes to mimic styles like cedar shake, shingle, board and batten, lap siding, and panel vertical siding. With its realistic woodgrain texture and varied color options, HardiePlank fiber cement has a natural, timeless look.
HardiePlank is available in standard widths of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 inches to replicate traditional wood siding profiles. CustomTrim boards provide versatility to design decorative accents. The planks have tapered edges and ends to emulate the look of real wood. HardiePlank can be installed vertically or horizontally for design flexibility.
The color palette for HardiePlank includes neutral, earthy tones with options ranging from Antique White and Arctic White to Cobble Stone, Iron Gray, and Timber Bark. Custom colors are also available to match virtually any paint chip. This allows HardiePlank siding to complement both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has an unmistakable uniform, smooth appearance that some homeowners find attractive for its neat, consistent look. It comes in clapboard, dutch lap, board and batten and other profiles to mimic wood siding. But the glossy surface and plastic-like finish give it away as an artificial material.
Seams between vinyl siding panels may be more noticeable than natural wood siding depending on the installation quality. Most vinyl siding comes in white or very pale neutral colors that can appear flat. Darker colors are available but tend to look obviously artificial.
Vinyl siding is limited in width and thickness. It does not have the graceful proportions of authentic wood profiles. For those who prefer the texture and depth of natural wood over a flat, uniform appearance, HardiePlank is often a better aesthetic choice over vinyl siding.
Durability
Durability is a major factor when selecting home siding. Both HardiePlank and vinyl hold up well in various climates but they achieve longevity in different ways.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
HardiePlank fiber cement is one of the most durable siding options available today. It is resistant to rotting, cracking, peeling, blistering, and buckling. The dense compressed material is unaffected by termites and other pests. It does not burn or melt.
HardiePlank stands up exceptionally well to impacts, wind, hail, and other storms. The planks are less brittle than natural wood and resist denting from ladders, toys, and other bumps. HardiePlank has passed the most stringent hurricane impact resistance standards.
Fiber cement holds its shape and integrity for decades. Its color is embedded throughout the plank, not just surface deep. So even if the surface gets scratched, the base color remains true. HardiePlank siding comes with up to a 30-year limited transferable product warranty.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is designed to be flexible and bounce back if dented. However, the material is susceptible to cracking and splitting over time, especially with extreme temperature fluctuations. Prolonged sun exposure can cause vinyl siding to warp, sag, or buckle. Seams and edges may loosen and fall off.
While vinyl resists rotting and termites, it can melt or burn and does not have the same impact resistance as HardiePlank. Cheaper vinyl siding is prone to becoming brittle and cracking. Higher quality vinyl with impact modifiers lasts longer but still deteriorates over decades.
Most vinyl siding warranties range from 20-50 years but the coverage is prorated so full replacement coverage expires after a few years. Overall, HardiePlank is the more durable long-lasting siding choice.
Maintenance
Another consideration for siding is the required maintenance over its lifetime. Both fiber cement and vinyl require some care but have different needs.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
One of the advantages of HardiePlank siding is its minimal maintenance. Other than occasional cleaning, it does not require paint, stain, or sealants. Just soap and water is all that’s needed to keep the planks looking fresh.
If desired, HardiePlank can be painted to change the color. Properly primed and painted, it will hold paint longer than wood or vinyl. HardiePlank does not need caulk and holds its shape well, so repairs are rare. Overall, the siding is meant to be nearly maintenance-free.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is also designed as a low-maintenance material. It does not need paint or stain. But it does require more care than HardiePlank to keep it looking pristine.
Over time, vinyl siding accumulates dirt and mildew that needs regular power washing. Debris tends to show up more on its flat surface compared to textured fiber cement. Vinyl also needs re-caulking every few years as it expands and contracts. It can become brittle and crack with age.
Due to its composition, vinyl siding is more likely to show wear and tear faster than HardiePlank, requiring replacement of warped or damaged boards. Proper maintenance helps but cannot prevent vinyl siding from degrading over decades.
Cost
Upfront cost is often a primary driver when choosing home siding materials. However, the long-term value differs quite a bit between HardiePlank and vinyl.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
HardiePlank tends to cost 20-30% more upfront than vinyl siding. But over decades of use, it recoups the extra expense many times over with virtually zero maintenance, outstanding durability, and excellent resale value.
Fiber cement siding adds significantly more value to a home compared to vinyl. The natural beauty, low-maintenance, and longevity provide homeowners with lasting benefits. HardiePlank protects the structural integrity of walls better than vinyl and comes with a superior warranty.
Over time, there is a strong return on investment for the extra initial expenditure on HardiePlank siding. Its durability translates into real long-term savings from not having to repair or replace siding for decades. HardiePlank adds value and requires less upkeep.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding provides an inexpensive upfront option for covering exterior walls. But the material lacks long-term curb appeal and durability compared to natural siding like HardiePlank. The cost savings at installation gets reversed over time.
As vinyl siding degrades, it looks worse and needs cleaning, repairs, and full replacement much sooner than fiber cement. The plastic-like appearance brings down home value. Frequent repainting is required to refresh its looks.
So while vinyl siding seems like a good value initially, it ends up costing more in maintenance, repairs, and replacement in the long run compared to the lasting quality of HardiePlank. Strong winds, storms, and impacts take a heavy toll on vinyl as well.
Sustainability
For environmentally-conscious homeowners, sustainability is another factor to weigh. Both siding options have pros and cons when it comes to their eco-friendliness.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
HardiePlank fiber cement contains recycled materials like fly ash and slag. It does not require mining of limestone or intensive processing and energy like Portland cement. The planks are long-lasting to avoid replacement waste.
When disposed of properly at end of life, HardiePlank can be crushed and recycled. It also qualifies for credits and points for green building standards like LEED and the NAHB. Overall, fiber cement siding has a decent sustainability profile.
The one downside is that boral fiber cement historically contained asbestos. This is no longer the case with modern HardiePlank products that utilize cellulose fibers instead. But improper disposal of old siding may still pose environmental hazards.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resin. Manufacturing PVC emits dioxins and other pollutants. The material is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills.
Vinyl siding has a high replacement rate as it degrades, warps, and cracks over time. The cycle of disposal and re-manufacturing new PVC siding has a larger carbon footprint than longer-lasting fiber cement.
For homeowners looking to reduce environmental impact, HardiePlank is likely the greener choice over vinyl siding based on manufacturing, durability, and recyclability. But both come with certain sustainability trade-offs.
Installation
Proper installation is crucial to getting the best performance and longevity from siding. In the hands of qualified pros, either fiber cement or vinyl can be installed successfully. But there are some differences in the process.
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
Installing HardiePlank takes more skill and effort compared to vinyl siding. The rigid planks require careful fastening to the structural framing or sheathing. Proper gapping must be maintained between boards.
Fiber cement is dense and needs to be cut with special carbide-tipped saw blades. The siding should be sealed properly at all terminations and penetrations. Following the manufacturer’s specifications carefully is a must for best results.
Hiring experienced HardiePlank installers is advisable. The quality of the installation directly impacts the long-term performance of fiber cement siding. But the results are worth the extra care and precision required.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is simpler for DIYers or siding crews to install. The light, flexible panels snap together and are nailed loosely to the structure rather than needing robust fastening like HardiePlank.
Fewer specialized tools and less precision are required. But vinyl’s flexibility means it can move, warp, and separate easier over time if not properly installed. Seams and edges are prone to catching and tearing.
For vinyl siding to last, it needs to be installed tightly over a smooth substrate with ample nails and regular plastic anchors. But overall, it is a more forgiving material to work with than thick, rigid fiber cement planks that require diligent fastening.
styles and colors
HardiePlank fiber cement and vinyl siding come in a range of styles and colors to suit different architectural aesthetics.
HardiePlank Styles
- Lap Siding – Classic horizontal clapboard style 6”-12” widths
- Cedarmill© Lap Siding – Woodgrain texture in lap form
- Stucco Lap Siding – Layered lap siding with stucco appearance
- Panel Siding – Sleek vertical panel style for modern look
- Shingle Siding – Mimics cedar shingle texture and pattern
- Beaded Porch Panel Siding – Historic tongue-and-groove porch look
- Artisan® Accent Trim – Decorative and functional trim accents
HardiePlank Colors
- Arctic White – Bright, clean white
- Antique White- Subtle warm white
- Light Mist – Soft, pale gray
- Evening Blue – Rich navy blue
- Monterey Taupe – Earthy light brown
- Woodstock Brown- Dark chocolate brown
- Iron Gray – Charcoal gray
- Timber Bark – Textured dark brown
- Cable Rail® – Rustic woodgrain in gray tones
- Custom Colors – Match any paint chip
Vinyl Siding Styles
- Clapboard – Basic horizontal lap siding
- Dutch lap – Overlapping “wave” profile
- Board & batten – Vertical boards with battens
- Shake – Attempts to mimic wood shake look
- Beaded – Panels with decorative grooved lines
Vinyl Siding Colors
- White – Traditional bright white
- Almond – Soft warm beige
- Tan – Neutral brown tone
- Gray – Simple flat gray
- Yellow – Cheerful pastel hue
- Blue – Coastal lighter sky blue
- Green – Earthy sage tone
- Darker colors – Look artificial on vinyl
In summary, HardiePlank offers far more versatility in styles and colors to create authentic wood looks tailored to your home’s architecture. Vinyl has fewer options often appearing obviously synthetic.
Resale Value
One of the most important considerations when choosing siding is long-term resale value. There is a significant difference here between HardiePlank and vinyl:
HardiePlank Fiber Cement
The natural beauty, durability, and low-maintenance of HardiePlank fiber cement siding make it highly desirable to potential home buyers. The realistic wood look and feel give homes beautiful curb appeal and prestige.
In addition to aesthetic advantages, HardiePlank adds value by protecting the structural integrity of the home. Buyers look for durable, lasting materials like fiber cement siding, knowing repairs and upkeep will be minimal.
The longevity of HardiePlank siding maintains the home’s value for decades to come. Realtors regularly recommend and prefer HardiePlank over vinyl siding for its superior quality and performance. This directly translates into higher resale value.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding does not enhance or maintain long-term property value like HardiePlank. The artificial appearance and quicker degradation make vinyl-sided homes less appealing to buyers.
Cheap-looking vinyl siding detracts from home value as it succumbs to warping, denting, and cracking over the years. Frequent repainting and replacing damaged sections becomes necessary well before fiber cement would need any repairs.
While vinyl siding offers a temporary cost-savings at installation, this often comes at the expense of lost equity and property value down the road. Its lack of durability and physical appeal diminish a home’s worth compared to natural, lasting HardiePlank siding.
Typical Pros & Cons
To summarize the key benefits and downsides:
HardiePlank Fiber Cement Pros:
- Natural realistic wood appearance
- Superior durability and impact resistance
- Minimal lifetime maintenance
- Excellent long-term value and resale appeal
- Long warranties for performance assurance
- Versatile styles and custom colors
- High sustainability and recycled content
HardiePlank Fiber Cement Cons:
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Heavier material requiring specialized installers
- Needs occasional repainting to change colors
- Contains silica requiring safety precautions
Vinyl Siding Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Easier for DIY installation
- Flexible, bounce-back material
- Fewer specialized tools/skills needed
- Widely available
Vinyl Siding Cons:
- Artificial appearance lacks curb appeal
- Prone to denting, cracking, peeling, warping
- Fades, stains, attracts dirt easily
- Damages easier in storms and impacts
- Less durable, higher maintenance
- Shorter warranties and lifespan
- Limited style and color options
- Poor sustainability and recyclability
Bottom Line
When comparing HardiePlank vs. vinyl siding, the choice becomes clear for most homeowners. The authentic beauty of HardiePlank paired with its unrivaled durability delivers lasting value vinyl simply cannot match.
The stiffer upfront investment pays off exponentially over time thanks to HardiePlank’s decades of near zero maintenance requirements. Your home remains beautifully cloaked in crisp, stable fiber cement siding that insulates, protects, and retain its luster year after year.
While vinyl may seem like a bargain at first, its unsightly degradation, replacement costs, and hurt value make it a poor long-term choice. For those who appreciate quality materials and natural curb appeal, HardiePlank fiber cement clearly emerges as the winner overall.