Vinyl and fiber cement siding options are two of the most sought-after options to put on the sides of homes these days in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Both choices come with their pros and cons. Both choices can stand up to Minnesota's sometimes harsh weather elements, while protecting everything within the house, too. Before you choose one over the other, consider the pros and cons of each and then make your decision.

Expected Siding Longevity

Vinyl typically lasts 30 years, sometimes less depending on the weather elements outside and what has been hitting it. Fiber cement is able to last between 50 and 60 years in that same weather. When you choose which one is going to outlive the other, go with the one that lasts the longest.  You should know that The James Hardie Company offers fiber cement siding that has been specifically engineered for our climate; no vinyl siding manufacturer can make that claim.

Composition of Siding

The makeup and quality of the siding makes a difference when it comes to choosing which to place on your home. Which one is going to stand up against the weather and other circumstances?  Since vinyl is mostly made up of plastic, it won't stand up well to high heat such as a fire would produce.  Fiber cement siding is made up of a mixture of cement, sand, and other materials.  It is highly resistant to combustion, so it's a better protection for your home in case of fire.

Siding Maintenance

The maintenance of the siding may be an issue, depending on how little or much maintenance you want it to have. Vinyl siding does have to be scrubbed down and cleaned each year to keep it looking great. Fiber cement siding just needs a quick spray down to keep it looking as good as it possibly can.  While both need to be washed, vinyl generally needs a more aggressive cleaning.

Whatever siding choice you decide to go with is the one that you feel the most confident about. The siding choice is the right one for you to make, while also considering the many pros and cons that come with it.

Speak with us here at Quarve when you’re considering new siding for your home. We provide many different siding options to choose from, each being able to last a long time and provide the siding benefits that you’re after.  We install a wide range of siding products:  vinyl, fiber cement from James Hardie, and seamless steel. Check out the looks of these different siding products on our Pinterest site.  For a free estimate to have new siding installed on your home, give us a call today.

Quarve Contracting, Inc. is a licensed MN exterior remodeling contractor, serving the entire Twin Cities metro area, and providing services such as siding, roofing, and replacement windows.