Fiber cement returns more at resale than vinyl, though both pay back strongly: on the fiber cement siding vs vinyl question, JLC reports a 144.9% return against 97%. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 as a woman-owned exterior remodeling company serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, and our crews install both materials so the resale comparison stays honest to your home.
What Homeowners Should Know About Siding Resale Value
Higher return: Fiber cement siding returns 144.9% at resale, and vinyl returns 97%. Both beat many exterior upgrades in the 2025 JLC Cost vs. Value report.
Both perform: Vinyl still returns 97%, so it is not a weak choice. It simply returns a bit less than fiber cement.
Cost gap: Averages run $21,500 for fiber cement and $18,000 for vinyl. That spread shapes your fiber cement siding vs vinyl decision.
Color helps: About 49% of design experts pick whites as the best color for selling. Roughly 65% of buyers prefer neutral siding tones.
Long warranty: James Hardie backs its siding 100% for 30 years with no proration. Explore both materials on our siding page before you decide.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | 144.9% resale return, fire-resistant, long life | Higher upfront cost | Maximum long-term value | $21,500 avg |
| Vinyl | 97% resale return, lower upfront cost, low upkeep | Less durable than fiber cement | Tighter budgets | $18,000 avg |
Making the Best Siding Choice for Resale
Top Recommendation: James Hardie fiber cement for the strongest resale return at 144.9% and long durability. Request a free siding estimate to compare both on your home.
Best for Budget: Vinyl siding at about $18,000, still returning a solid 97% with low upkeep.
Smart for Curb Appeal: Neutral, white siding tones that design experts link to stronger home sales.
Ready to compare fiber cement and vinyl on your own home? A free estimate puts both options side by side. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and a woman-owned, family-run company since 2011, with a 4.8-star Google rating and 1,000+ verified reviews. Book yours today.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
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Still have questions about Does James Hardie Siding Provide Better Resale Value Than Vinyl Siding? See the areas we serve and talk to your local siding contractor.
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Fiber cement siding returns 144.9% at resale. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025, national resale and ROI data for fiber cement siding. (2026)
- Vinyl siding returns 97% at resale. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025, national resale and ROI data for vinyl siding. (2026)
- New England siding averages about $21,500 for fiber cement and $18,000 for vinyl. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 New England, regional project cost data for siding. (2026)
- About 49% of design experts favor whites and 65% of buyers prefer neutral siding tones. Fixr Home Siding Statistics, research on homeowner and expert siding color preferences. (2024)
- James Hardie backs siding with a 30-year non-prorated warranty. James Hardie Frequently Asked Questions, manufacturer warranty terms for fiber cement siding. (Accessed August 2026)
