Maintaining fiber cement vs. vinyl siding

If you're planning on a new siding installation, you may be wondering if there's a material that's a good match for your busy lifestyle. Many homeowners today lead very hectic lives--there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. When you finally have some free time to relax, spending it on the exterior of your home with a paint brush and scraper in hand probably isn't your idea of a good time. Fortunately, there are several siding materials available that require very little maintenance and those valuable weekends can be spent on a golf course instead of a ladder.

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Fiber cement vs. vinyl siding: decision factors

Fiber cement and vinyl siding are two products that require minimal maintenance. Vinyl siding offers numerous colors and styles to choose from--you can even increase the energy-efficiency of your home by opting for a model line that features an insulating backing. Fiber cement siding doesn't have quite as many styles available, but if you're a fan of wood siding's appearance, fiber cement comes pretty close to duplicating the look. However, when it comes right down to fiber cement vs. vinyl, which is the best choice for your home? You might want to consider these maintenance factors:

1. Cold weather--vinyl siding has come a long way since its early days when it might crack if the temperatures drop below freezing, but if you live in a very cold part of the country, it might still be a consideration--fiber cement is normally not affected by cold weather.
2. Expansion--fiber cement siding is not affected as much by the temperature changes that can cause vinyl siding to expand and contract--sometimes quite a bit.
3. Durability--while vinyl siding is very durable, it can still be susceptible to minor damage such as punctures that fiber cement is normally able to resist.

While vinyl siding is often the winner when it comes to favorable pricing, fiber cement siding has important advantagse when it comes to endurance--and that can mean fewer repairs, maintenance and cost in the long-run.