Vinyl

Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding Cost: Side by Side Comparison

While vinyl siding is among the two most popular options of siding in America, fiber cement siding continues to grow in market share. In a side by side comparison between the two, they both have strong and weak points. Let’s explore.

fiber cement lap siding porch

According to JamesHardie.com, fiber cement wins in a landslide over vinyl. But let’s take a more nuanced approach to this ongoing battle.

Top Comparison Factors

There are several factors to consider in what makes for quality siding. Some are weighted stronger than other considerations, but it’s up to you to decide what you value most. Here are the factors that are often considered most important.

Price Factor

The bottom line, or total cost of siding installed, is often the chief consideration for most homeowners. Vinyl is well known as the most economical siding available.

The basic, hollow-back, version costs just $7.50 to $9.50 per sq.ft. to install. Premium vinyl or insulated foam-back vinyl will run $9.50 to $12.50 per sq.ft. installed.

Expect to pay between $11.00 to $14.00 per square foot for the installation of standard fiber cement siding like HardiePlank or Allura.

For a typical American home (2,000 sq.ft of siding), the average total cost can range from $15,000 to $25,000 for standard vinyl siding. — Compare that to fiber cement which on the same house will cost between $22,000 and $28,000 fully installed.

Average Cost To Install New Siding Typical Range: $5,240 - $8,130
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Total Cost Verdict: based strictly on which option is more budget friendly, vinyl would be a clear winner.

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Vinyl Siding Cost per Sq. Ft. 2023: Foam-Backed Vs. Hollow Siding

There’s nothing more unseemly than peeling paint or badly worn out siding on a house. We’ve all heard the suggestion that first impressions matter and when it comes to the exterior appearance of your home, that couldn’t be truer! 😉

vinyl-siding-on-a-cape-style-home

If your siding needs replacing, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. This is a job that is probably best left to professionals, unless it’s something you’ve done before, and you happen to have all the necessary tools including metal trim break, ladders and platforms, plus a handy and reliable friend willing to help. 😉

Cost Installed

On average, foam-backed vinyl siding will cost between $7.50 and $12.50 per square foot installed on a simple single-story house. So, for a typical house requiring about 2,000 sq. ft. or 20 “squares” of vinyl siding installed, your total cost will be between $15,000 and $25,000 for materials and labor.

Average Cost To Install New Siding Typical Range: $5,240 - $8,130
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Some homeowners may opt for a less-costly non-insulated siding option which would cost about $7.50 to $9.50 per sq. ft. to install on average or about 30% less than foam-backed option.

In addition to the cost of the job, you may also have to pay for the removal and disposal of the old siding. Lastly, you will need to take into the account the cost of obtaining a building permit from your local town hall. This cost will vary depending on your location.

Materials Basics

vinyl-siding-on-a-house

When installing a new vinyl siding on your house, you will have a few choices of materials ranging from basic to premium. In most cases, standard options should work just fine for most homes.

Cost of Materials:

Some contractors may charge more for the entire job including labor if you choose to go with a premium option. On the low-end, your siding materials will cost about $1.50-$2.00

A standard, middle of the road option will cost about $2.50-$3.00 per square foot. A more premium option will cost $3.00 per square foot.

All else being equal, premium colors and styles or patterns will cost more. In addition to the cost of materials, you will also need to consider the cost of building permits, supplies such nails, wrap, aluminum trim for windows, etc.

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