Upgrading the siding on your home is a majorly underrated home improvement project. While the upfront cost can be intimidating, the return on investment is well worth it. New siding can make your home more energy-efficient, keep pests out, improve the curb appeal, raise the resale value, and more! Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding are among the most popular choices for new siding installation. Let’s take a closer look at both types so you can decide what’s the best fit for your home! 

Hardie Siding 

Hardie siding is a type of fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is made using natural cellulose, sand, and cement. This makes it a great option for homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint through sustainable home upgrades. It’s even more environmentally conscious because it lasts for up to 50 years! That means 50 years of no siding waste being created from your home. 

Hardie siding is easy to maintain. In fact, it requires no maintenance at all! Cleaning with the garden hose twice a year is recommended to keep the siding looking its best. Hardie fiber cement siding comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, so finding the perfect fit for your style will be no problem. You can even have the siding repainted to change up the look in the future if you want! The only downside to Hardie fiber cement siding is the cost at the time of installation. The cost is higher than some other siding materials, but durability, environmental friendliness, and easy maintenance make it well. 

Vinyl Siding 

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s the most affordable siding material on the market. Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and can be placed both vertically and horizontally. Vinyl siding has a long lifespan similar to fiber cement siding, but it’s more prone to damage. Vinyl siding can suffer cracks in extremely cold temperatures, and a dent can happen from something as small as a rock hitting it when you’re mowing. 

The lower upfront cost is appealing, but the cost of future repairs and replacements will add up quickly. Vinyl siding requires little to no maintenance and can be cleaned using a hose or a power washer. Vinyl siding production requires the use of fossil fuels, so it’s not considered an environmentally-friendly siding option. 

Contact Pro Exteriors today to schedule a free consultation with one of our siding experts! We can discuss your unique home, budget, and style preferences to determine which type of siding is the best fit for your home. Upgrading your siding in the fall is the perfect way to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home this winter!