Most homeowners, at some point, will have the desire to upgrade their homes in hopes to get it ready to sell or to just experience something new with their home. No matter why you renovate, much work has to be done in order to ensure the new additions raise your home’s value and be worth the time and money you spend on it.
In many cases, a home’s siding is the first place people think of to improve their home’s resale value. A “fresh coat of paint” can do wonders, after all. There are a number of great siding options on the market, but it isn’t always clear what will be the best choice for every home. It’s important to compare your options and see what will suit your home’s needs best. James Hardie and Vinyl siding are the top two choices in the renovation arsenal to improve your home’s exterior. The best way to determine if James Hardie Siding Cost vs Vinyl will be worth it is to figure out what value each siding will provide the home.
James Hardie Siding & Vinyl-What are They Exactly?
While both types of siding do the same job, protecting and beautifying your home’s exterior, there are some big differences between these James Hardie Siding and Vinyl, starting with what they are made of.
James Hardie Siding
James Hardie siding is the top fiber cement siding brand known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. This strong material is made out of four basic ingredients: water, wood pulp, fly ash, and portland cement. Water dissolves the wood pulp and activates the cement, which in turn binds with the wood and fly ash fillers to create durable siding that can be painted or stained to suit a variety of finishes. James Hardie’s fiber cement formula includes proprietary additives that enhance the strength and appearance of the siding.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is essentially plastic made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin mixed with ingredients that influence its color, gloss, opacity, flexibility, and strength against impact.
Comparing James Hardie Siding Cost vs Vinyl
Cost Per Square Foot
Vinyl siding costs between $5 – $11 per square foot when you calculate the cost of materials and labor. Other determinants will be the style of vinyl, the size of the house to be covered, and any additional labor fees. On average, homeowners expect to pay between $5,996 and $16,513 in total, with the national average totalling a little over $11,000.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding costs vary a little more since there are a variety of different kinds. Those who choose Hardie Board can expect to pay $5 to $15 a square foot after material and labor costs. The typical range of these projects can total from $6,540-$21,648, with the average cost of installing fiber cement siding coming in at $13,543.
It’s important to note that as of 2021, demand for siding has grown while access to materials has gone down. Prices for both types of siding have gone up as much as 5%-10%, so it’s recommended to start renovations as early in the season as possible and to expect a longer waiting time for materials.
Cost for Maintenance
When comparing costs for siding, it should be taken into account how long the current color will last, and how long it will take to show wear. Hardie Board is a durable material, but its color tends to fade faster due to weather and sun exposure, though its ColorPlus ® Technology Warranty covers the home from chips or finish damage for 15 years. Vinyl color can last 20 years or more, but if a homeowner desires a new look, repainting vinyl can cost between $600 to $3,500 or $1.25 to $3 per square foot, depending on the finish.
For most other damages, basic warranties cover most wear and tear. James Hardie repair warranty policies can last up to 30 years, while vinyl warranties vary depending on the installer.
ROI
When comparing James Hardie siding costs vs vinyl, homeowners need to think about which material will garner a better return on investment (ROI), or the amount of money they can expect to earn on the house as a result of the renovation. In a 2021 Remodeling Survey, siding replacement for fiber cement ranked higher a higher return on investment on average than vinyl siding, with this trend continuing in the Louisiana region. However, this survey showed that while fiber cement renovations cost around $3000 more, the difference between costs recouped on fiber cement renovations vs vinyl was only a little over 1%, with an average resale value difference of $2000. While the specific numbers will depend on where homeowners live, it will be up to them which material has a worthwhile ROI.
Who Installs It
Installation costs will vary depending on who you hire for the job, and this will be the biggest determination factor about cost. Many homeowners may attempt DIY renovation projects in order to cut costs, but most siding is best left to professional contractors. James Hardie SIding in particular requires specific tools and training to install properly or else risk voiding the quality protection warranties on the technology. Installation costs will vary depending on the size of the project, so it’s best to compare shop contractors as well. Gather up to three estimates from three different renovators in order to find the best deal. It’s important to remember that while some estimates may be pricey, the price may be worth the peace of mind of hiring a quality contractor.
Acadian Windows for Reliable Siding Installation
After comparing James Hardie siding cost vs vinyl, you’ll want to ensure your project is in good hands no matter what material you pick. Acadian Windows is a trusted professional services company that employs only the most skilled craftsmen on our team. Our dedication to quality installations earned us the title of Louisiana and Mississippi’s Premier Service Provider, and we offer a streamlined siding installation process for both James Hardie and Vinyl Siding. Both services are eligible for our financing options so you can pay for your eye-catching renovations over time. Acadian Windows has everything you need for a quality home siding installation at affordable prices, so contact one of our agents today to get started.
