James Hardie fiber cement siding outperforms vinyl on durability, fire resistance, and resale return — vinyl costs less upfront, yet fiber cement wins over time. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned exterior remodeling company with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011, serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Where Each Material Stands
- Thickness and Strength: Fiber cement runs about five times thicker than vinyl, resisting the cracks, dents, and warping that plague thin panels in harsh weather.
- Fire Behavior: James Hardie holds a Class A fire rating and slows the spread of flame; vinyl can melt and release fumes under heat, and neither one stops fire.
- Fade and Finish: ColorPlus keeps fiber cement true for 15 years, where vinyl color often dulls and fades within a few short seasons.
- Cost Up Front: Vinyl siding averages $18,000 nationwide, and fiber cement averages $21,500, a modest gap for a large jump in performance.
- Return on Investment: Fiber cement returns 144.9% at resale, well ahead of vinyl’s 97%, so the pricier board pays you back and then some.
- Market Presence: Vinyl still holds 38% to 41.5% of the U.S. siding market on price alone, yet fiber cement keeps winning quality-minded homeowners.
- Best for Lakeside Homes: For wind and moisture, fiber cement’s strength keeps repairs far rarer than the fixes vinyl demands.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie Fiber Cement | 5x thicker, Class A fire rating, 15-yr color, 144.9% ROI | Higher upfront cost | Lakeside, long-term homeowners | ~$21,500 avg |
| Vinyl Siding | Lower upfront cost, wide availability | Cracks in cold, fades fast, 97% ROI | Tight starter budgets | ~$18,000 avg |
Which Siding Fits Your Priorities
Top Recommendation: James Hardie fiber cement for its durability, fire rating, and market-leading 144.9% resale return.
Best for Tight Budgets: Vinyl siding, at a lower $18,000 average, when upfront cost drives the decision.
Best for Lasting Value: Fiber cement, since its strength cuts down on repairs across tough seasons.
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Last Updated: August 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of vinyl siding in the U.S. is $18,000. Coastal Windows & Exteriors JLC Online New England Cost vs. Value, regional cost data for vinyl siding projects. (2026)
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in the U.S. is $21,500. Coastal Windows & Exteriors JLC Online New England Cost vs. Value, regional cost data for fiber cement siding projects. (2026)
- Vinyl siding holds between 38% and 41.5% of the total U.S. siding market. Coastal Windows & Exteriors Ridgeline Vinyl Siding Statistics, market-share data for vinyl siding across the United States. (2026)
