James Hardie fiber cement offers stronger durability and resale value, while vinyl costs less and needs less painting. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and the only woman-owned James Hardie President’s Club winner in New England, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011. We are a woman-owned exterior remodeling company serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. Our team installs both fiber cement and vinyl siding, so we can help you weigh the two honestly.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Cost gap: Vinyl siding averages $18,000 in New England, while fiber cement averages $21,500. Both figures are estimated regional averages.
- Resale edge: Fiber cement returns 144.9% at resale, and vinyl returns 97%. It recovers more value at sale.
- Weather build: HZ5 fiber cement resists shrinking, swelling and cracking through freeze-thaw. It is also fire resistant.
- Upkeep split: Vinyl needs no painting and cleans with soap and water. Fiber cement stays low maintenance over time.
- Factory finish: ColorPlus finishes bake on at the factory, so fiber cement siding needs no on-site painting. Color resists fading.
- Built tougher: Fiber cement is up to five times thicker than vinyl and resists rot and pests. See how it fits your home.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie fiber cement | 144.9% resale return, fire resistant, HZ5 freeze-thaw durability | Higher upfront cost, periodic finish upkeep over time | Long-term value and durability | $21,500 NE average |
| Vinyl siding | Lower cost, low maintenance, no repainting | Lower resale return than fiber cement | Budget-focused projects | $18,000 NE average |
Choosing Between Fiber Cement and Vinyl
Top Recommendation: Coastal Windows and Exteriors for James Hardie fiber cement, the stronger pick for durability and resale. Request your free estimate today.
Best for budgets: vinyl siding, which lowers upfront cost while still returning 97% at resale.
Smart for cold weather: HZ5 fiber cement, built to resist freeze-thaw and fire.
Ready to compare siding for your home? Start with a free consultation. Coastal Windows and Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and woman-owned, family-run remodeler. The team has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011. Recent siding honors include the James Hardie President’s Club and Service Excellence Awards.
Request a free James Hardie siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete James Hardie siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Still have questions about how James Hardie siding compares with vinyl for homes? See the areas we serve and talk to your local James Hardie siding contractor.
Last Updated: October 2026
Sources:
- Vinyl siding averages $18,000 and fiber cement averages $21,500 in New England. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, New England, regional remodeling cost data for siding projects. (2025)
- Fiber cement siding returns 144.9% at resale, and vinyl returns 97%. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national resale value data by project type. (2025)
- HZ5 fiber cement resists shrinking, swelling and cracking after wet or freezing conditions. James Hardie Hardie Zone System, manufacturer detail on climate-specific formulations. (Accessed September 2026)
- Hardie fiber cement is water and fire resistant and reduces the impact of pests and moisture. James Hardie Frequently Asked Questions, manufacturer guidance on fiber cement performance. (Accessed September 2026)
- Fiber cement is up to five times thicker than vinyl, will not rot, and features baked-on ColorPlus finishes. James Hardie Re-Side Process, manufacturer detail on fiber cement durability and finishing. (Accessed September 2026)
