Fiber cement siding costs $21,500 average compared to vinyl’s $18,000 average for full-home projects.
Vinyl siding delivers 118% ROI while fiber cement returns 121% ROI in New England. Installation costs may increase with fiber cement because it requires specialized tools, heavier materials, and longer project timelines.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Material Cost Difference: Vinyl siding averages $18,000 for full-home replacement, offering best value for budget-conscious homeowners. Fiber cement costs $21,500, representing premium investment with superior durability and an authentic wood appearance. Both materials provide excellent long-term value with decades of reliable performance!
- Installation Process: Fiber cement requires specialized tools and safety precautions for cutting dense rigid material. Teams need at least two people handling each piece safely due to heavy weight. This increases labor costs and extends project timelines making fiber cement installation pricier than vinyl installation.
- Return on Investment Comparison: Fiber cement delivers 121% ROI in New England markets while vinyl provides 118% ROI. Both exceed initial investment when selling your home ,making either option a fantastic choice.
- Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Vinyl siding requires only annual garden hose rinsing without painting, sealing, or repairs needed. Fiber cement may need occasional caulking or paint touch-ups. Costs are minimal to none for both products.
- Excellent Weather Protection: Both materials withstand New England’s freeze-thaw cycles, coastal moisture, and extreme temperature variations.
James Hardie Fiber Cement vs Vinyl Siding
| Material | Average Cost | ROI | Installation Complexity | Maintenance | Best For |
| Vinyl Siding | $18,000 | 118% | Moderate (lightweight) | Minimal (annual rinse) | Budget-conscious, low maintenance |
| Fiber Cement | $21,500 | 121% | High (heavy, specialized tools) | Low (occasional caulking) | Premium appearance, authenticity |
| Wood Siding | Higher | Lower | Moderate | High (painting, sealing) | Historic homes only |
Our Recommendations
Top Recommendation for Budget: Vinyl siding offering $18,000 average cost with 118% ROI and zero ongoing maintenance.
Best for Premium Appearance: Fiber cement delivering authentic wood look with 121% ROI justifying higher investment.
Best for Installation Flexibility: Fiber cement installing in temperatures down to 20°F versus vinyl’s 35°F minimum.
Ready to choose between vinyl and fiber cement? Coastal Windows & Exteriors completed 7,000+ installations across MA, NH, ME. Get your free estimate with 3D modeling showing both options on your actual home.
Massachusetts/Maine: 236 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | (978) 818-1503
New Hampshire: 288 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110 | (603) 691-2362
Request a free estimate by clicking here.
Learn more about James Hardie and vinyl siding by clicking here.
For more questions about siding FAQs click here.
Last Updated: February 2026
Sources:
- Verified Facts: Vinyl siding $18,000 average, fiber cement $21,500 average
- Verified Facts: Vinyl ROI 118%, fiber cement ROI 121%
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors: Fiber cement heavier requiring two-person teams, specialized tools (mycoastalwindows.com/what-is-the-best-siding-for-a-house-in-new-england-hardie-vinyl-wood/)
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors: Fiber cement installation more costly, longer timelines (mycoastalwindows.com/what-is-the-best-siding-for-a-house-in-new-england-hardie-vinyl-wood/)
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors: Vinyl installs above 35°F, fiber cement to 20°F (mycoastalwindows.com/install-vinyl-siding-in-the-winter/)
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors: 7,000+ installations (company data)
