The material that’s on the exterior of your home does more than offer visual beauty. It also protects the very foundation of the house, as well as all of your belongings within it. Vinyl siding installation in Howard County is a popular way of adding beauty to a home, while also protecting it from the elements.
Vinyl vs Cement Fiber Siding
Vinyl siding is the most common exterior material found on homes across the United States, including Baltimore. It offers a number of advantages including durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. Cement fiber siding is another exterior option that is gaining in popularity among homeowners. While it offers many of the same advantages of vinyl siding, there are also distinct differences that you should know about before making a final decision.
Looks
When it comes to vinyl vs cement fiber siding, the first thing that many homeowners notice is that they look different. Homeowners who prefer the look of real wood without the necessary maintenance of that kind of siding might find the visual impact of cement fiber siding installation more appealing. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, can be manufactured in a variety of styles, including plank and shingle variations that look like fiber cement siding.
How is Vinyl Siding Made?
One of the most noticeable differences between vinyl vs cement-fiber siding is the materials that they’re made of. Vinyl siding is almost always made from a rigid plastic material called PVC.
It’s often used in industries such as construction, automobile, healthcare, and more. Its use in pipes and as an insulation material for wires and cables are just two of the common uses of PVC.
When using vinyl siding, the material is securely fastened to the exterior of your home so that it can contract and expand as the temperatures change. It’s important to note that the quality of the vinyl siding installation is extremely important. In order to gain the full benefits of any siding, including vinyl siding, it must be installed correctly and by professionals.
How is Fiber Cement Siding Made?
Fiber cement siding is made of a combination of Portland cement and wood pulp that’s been mixed with water. It’s then formed into shingles or longboards. Fiber cement siding is attached directly to your home using nails.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to cement-fiber siding vs vinyl, both materials are excellent ways of keeping the elements away from the vulnerable interior of your home. Because it’s made of wood, the structural integrity of your home can be severely damaged if rain, snow, and other types of moisture are able to find their ways inside.
Both cement-fiber siding and vinyl also provide insulation if there are any small gaps or other imperfections that might allow air to pass in and out. Vinyl siding is available in an insulated version for those homeowners who want the added assurance that their home is as energy efficient as possible.
Durability
Vinyl and fiber cement siding are both prized for their durability. Fiber cement siding is resistant to rot, mold, and pests. It isn’t easily affected by heat and fire. Vinyl siding, too, doesn’t attract pests, rot, or mold. It’s fire retardant, which means that it can melt and warp if it is exposed to fire or other means of excessive heat.
Since 1992, EC Roofing has been providing Howard County homeowners with high-quality siding and other home services. For more information on vinyl vs cement-fiber siding, assistance with making a decision about which is best for your home, or to schedule a free estimate, call us at 410-455-9880 or contact us using our convenient form today!
