Fiber Cement, Vinyl or SmartSide – The Right One for Your Siding
There are many siding products on the market today that provide a beautiful look on the outside of your house and protects it against the elements, but the LP Smartside, insulated vinyl siding, and fiber cement siding are three types of siding material which are the most popular. In this article, we will examine the comparison between these three to help you determine which may be appropriate.
James Hardie Siding
You'll never have a problem with your fiber cement siding in Oklahoma City especially when it is James Hardie siding. You have an easy warranty claim on your hands for any issue through James Hardie siding. There was zero decay after four years of water exposure in tests. As cement fibers are cement-based, they are always a certain percentage of water; this percentage depends on the moisture and the water content outside your house.
LP SmartSide
No wood decay should ever occur with LP SmartSide products. They are both made of wood but are more resilient. To eliminate water absorption and problems in bug infestation, SmartSide products are treated with marine resins and zinc borate. LP is a dry product, unlike fiber cement products, so that the absorption of water is avoided.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Insulated vinyl siding offers a broader selection of design options. In addition to great accessories to complete the look of the home, board and batten, and even panels that look like a log cabin are provided. In most climates in the United States, vinyl performs extremely well. As the climate dictates, it expands and contracts. Also, it is good against water. Vinyl or polymer are hard to penetrate with water around windows and doors, particularly in two story homes.
Area of Comparison
Cost
The significant cost difference is one of the main reasons many builders and homeowners opt for LP over Hardie Plank siding. Smartsiding is approximately 25-35% cheaper in the United States than Hardie. Prices for fiber cement and insulated vinyl siding may fluctuate greatly depending on your territory, the options you choose and the design of your building. Generally speaking, insulated vinyl siding costs $4.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
Durability
Fiber cement is difficult to carry, but it is harder and made of cement. However, it is an absorbent cladding, so that it can absorb moisture. LP Smartsiding seems to work fine, because of the nature of engineered wood. Isolated vinyl siding is made with a hard, water-proof, crack resistant material. The traditional vinyl siding cannot withstand damage nearly as well especially against Oklahoma's storms.
Fire Resistance
Hardie does a better job of protecting your home than LP or vinyl when it comes to fire resistance. In common situations, this is especially true, such as forgetting to move your grill away.
Installation
Fiber cement siding, once placed on the wall, is durable and solid but can be delicate in transport and construction. Usually during installation LP will not break. It is also easier to cut and requires no special tools than Hardie. It depends on how long the contractor needs to install the siding.
LP-produced siding products are 20 years old today, and vinyl is about 60 years old. By comparison, 127 years have passed since James Hardie produced cement fiber in the U.S.! During this time, the company kept on investing in research to produce sustainable sidings of quality. Hardie is thus the most famous Fiber cement siding brand in Oklahoma City and the United States. Indeed, for the majority, the two are synonymous: Hardie and fiber cement siding.
Contact us at Salute Exterior and get the traditional fiber cement siding in Oklahoma City for remodeling your home. We will provide you with the best siding options you've ever had.