Siding Installation - Hardie Siding vs Vinyl

James Hardie

Vinyl

Combustibility
Non-combustible, will not melt or release toxic fumes, eligible for insurance discounts due to non-combustibility.

Combustibility
Melts or burns when exposed to a significant source of heat or flame, releases toxic fumes when burns, not eligible for non-combustibility insurance discounts.

Color
Paint in any color of the rainbow whenever desired, excellent color retention lasting many years

Color
Color cannot be changed once installed, bland pastel colors recommended to delay fading, vinyl on different sides of the house fade at noticeably different rates, repairs/replacement pieces are obvious, almost impossible to do partial homes because limited color options means often cannot match current color of other sides of the house

Aesthetic Performance
Deep, realistic wood grain with less pattern repetition, available in various grain finishes, solid boards are more than five times the thickness of vinyl, increases curb appeal and appreciation, consistent beauty from porch to street

Aesthetic Performance
Thin, unnatural imitation wood look, overlapping seams, limited textures, decreases curb appeal and appreciation

Durability
Designed to last a lifetime, withstands winds up to 130 MPH, 50-year transferable product warranty

Durability
Brittle when cold, vulnerable to impact and/or wind damage, extreme weather causes expansion and/or contraction

Endurance
Dimensionally stable, will not sag or lose its shape over time

Endurance
Due to thinness of product, vinyl has difficulty maintaining its original shape, may warp or crack over time

Environmental Impact
Environmentally neutral

Environmental Impact
Fossil fuels required as a component of product

Consumer Perception
Premium alternative, high-end, advanced technology, Natural compliment to stone and brick-work

Consumer Perception
Research shows that within five years over half of homeowner's with vinyl siding would have considered a different siding method