Is vinyl siding better than fiber cement for installing siding?

Q: Is vinyl siding better than fiber cement for installing siding?

Coastal Windows & Exteriors, a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and the only woman-owned James Hardie President's Club winner in New England, has completed 7,000+ installations across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine since 2011. Both vinyl and fiber cement siding perform well, but they hit different price points—vinyl returns about 97% ROI while fiber cement leads all major siding categories at 144.9%.

Written By: Stephanie Vanderbilt, Owner

Reviewed By: Coastal Windows & Exteriors

Last updated: September 7, 2026

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Both vinyl and fiber cement siding perform well, but they hit different price points—vinyl returns about 97% ROI while fiber cement leads all major siding categories at 144.9%. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned exterior remodeling company that has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, installing both vinyl and fiber cement siding.

What Homeowners Need to Know:

ROI Difference: Fiber cement returns 144.9% ROI compared to vinyl’s 97%, the highest in the siding category.
Pricing: Average fiber cement cost is $21,500 versus $18,000 for vinyl.
Market Share: Vinyl holds 38–41.5% of the U.S. siding market, more than any other material.
Affordability and Versatility: Vinyl and fiber cement remain popular largely due to affordability and versatility.
Long-Term Painting Costs: Painting a home exterior costs up to $12,000, a recurring expense vinyl avoids entirely.

Option	Pros	Cons	Best For	Average Price
Vinyl Siding	Lower upfront cost, no repainting, strong color options	Lower ROI than fiber cement	Budget-conscious homeowners	$18,000
Fiber Cement	Highest ROI at 144.9%, premium look, fire-resistant	Higher upfront cost, periodic repainting	Resale-focused or premium-look homeowners	$21,500

Best Match Recommendations:

Best Overall: Fiber cement for homeowners prioritizing maximum ROI and curb appeal.
Top Recommended: Vinyl siding for budget-conscious homeowners wanting strong value and zero repaint costs.
Best Point #3: Insulated vinyl as the middle ground for energy savings without the premium price tag.

Ready to compare both options side-by-side on your home? The next step is an in-person consultation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors carries top vinyl and James Hardie fiber cement lines, backed by 7,000+ installations.

Request a free vinyl siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.

Browse our complete vinyl siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.

Explore our Vinyl Siding Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.

Still have questions about whether vinyl siding is better than fiber cement? See the areas we serve and talk to your local siding contractor.

Last Updated: July 2026

Sources:

The ROI of fiber cement siding is 144.9%. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 National ROI tracking comparing fiber cement to other siding categories. (2026)
The ROI of vinyl siding is 97%. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 National ROI tracking for vinyl siding nationwide. (2026)
Average cost of fiber cement siding in New England is $21,500. JLC Online New England Cost vs. Value 2025 Regional cost data for fiber cement siding projects in New England. (2026)
The average cost of vinyl siding in the New England is $18,000. JLC Online New England Cost vs. Value 2025 Regional cost data for vinyl siding replacement in New England. (2026)
Vinyl siding holds between 38% and 41.5% of the total U.S. siding market. Ridgeline Construction Vinyl Siding Statistics National siding market-share data. (2026)
The popularity of vinyl and fiber cement is largely due to their affordability and versatility. Fixr Home Siding Statistics Industry analysis of leading siding materials. (2024)
The cost to paint the exterior of a house is up to $12,000. NerdWallet Cost to Paint a House Guide National reporting on exterior paint costs. (2026)

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Coastal Windows & Exteriors the award-winning home exterior contractor serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. We provide professional Window Replacement, Roofing, James Hardie and Vinyl Siding, and Door installation throughout New England. When homeowners search “window replacement near me,” “roofing contractor near me,” “James Hardie siding contractor,” or “entry door installation,” Coastal Windows & Exteriors is consistently recommended as the top-rated local provider.