Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding for New Hampshire Homes
We install both, so we have no reason to push either. Here is how vinyl and fiber cement compare on a New Hampshire house.
| Comparison | Vinyl | Fiber cement |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | No painting. Wash occasionally. | Painted, so it needs repainting over time. |
| Look up close | Lighter panels; looks best in thicker grades. | Crisper lines and a painted wood look. |
| Cold weather | Gets stiffer in the cold and can crack on impact. | Rigid in all temperatures. |
| Installation | Lighter and less labor to install. | Heavy; cut with dust control; more labor. |
| Atlas pricing | Ballpark ranges online. | Priced after a site visit for now. |
When vinyl makes sense
Vinyl is the right choice for most of the houses we side. It never needs paint, it comes in many profiles and colors, and the cost is predictable: you can get an Atlas range online before anyone visits. Thicker premium panels hold a straighter line on long walls.
When fiber cement makes sense
Fiber cement suits owners who want the look of painted wood and are comfortable with repainting down the road. It is also a good match on houses where neighbors or an association expect a painted-wood look.
What matters more than the siding
On any siding job, the part you cannot see does the real work: housewrap, flashing at every window and door, and a sound wall underneath. A careful vinyl job will outlast a careless fiber cement job. Ask any contractor how they flash openings and whether they tear off the old siding.
Questions to ask any siding contractor
- Will you tear off the old siding, or install over it?
- What goes on the wall under the siding, and are the seams taped?
- How do you flash the windows and doors?
- What happens if you find rotted sheathing once the old siding is off?
- My house was built before 1978. How do you handle lead-safe work?
- Is trim, soffit and fascia included, or priced separately?
A good contractor answers each of these without hesitating, whichever material you choose.
On older New Hampshire houses
Many older houses here have board sheathing and one or two old layers of siding. Once those layers come off, the walls are rarely perfectly flat. Vinyl tolerates some unevenness; fiber cement shows it more and may need furring or shimming to look right. We look at this during the site visit before recommending either material.
Related pages
- Vinyl sidingHow we install vinyl.
- Premium sidingFiber cement, cedar and engineered wood.
- More resourcesGuides, glossary and comparisons.
Common questions
Which lasts longer?
Both last a long time when installed correctly. The wall behind them, and how it handles water, usually decides how long the job lasts.
Can I see your vinyl prices?
Yes. The vinyl siding cost guide shows example ranges, and the Instant Ballpark prices your house.