The best siding to put on your house depends on your priorities, but premium vinyl is a strong choice for many homes, offering a balance of durability, appearance, low maintenance, and total cost of ownership. 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 and installing both vinyl and fiber cement siding.
When comparing options, homeowners weigh durability, appearance, maintenance, and long-term cost — factors where premium vinyl performs well, though the right pick depends on the look, budget, and performance each homeowner prioritizes.
Here’s how siding materials compare:
- Vinyl Siding — Waterproof, rot-proof, and maintenance-free beyond occasional washing. Modern vinyl siding that looks like wood planks offers realistic textures without wood’s upkeep demands. Costs start at an average of $17,590.
- Fiber Cement — Durable and Class-A fire-rated with cement board siding colors matching any palette. Costs start at $20,678 plus ongoing maintenance.
- Engineered Wood — Attractive wood appearance with better moisture resistance than natural wood. Still requires painting and sealing. Moderate maintenance demands and mid-range pricing.
- Natural Wood — Beautiful traditional appearance that demands constant maintenance. Painting, staining, and rot repair consume time and money. Best for historic preservation requirements.
- Aluminum — Affordable but dents easily and requires repainting. Conducts temperature poorly. Largely replaced by vinyl in modern construction.
- Stucco — Regional favorite in some areas but problematic in freeze-thaw climates. Cracks allow moisture entry that causes hidden damage.
Best Siding by Category
- Top Choice Overall: Premium vinyl siding with foam backing for insulation, durability, and lowest total cost.
- Best Appearance: Vinyl with wood grain textures that replicate cedar realistically.
- Best for Resale: Vinyl delivers 75% ROI with a 9.6 Joy Index score per the National Association of Realtors.
Ready to transform your home’s curb appeal with premium siding? Book a free consultation and see samples side-by-side in your home. Coastal Windows & Exteriors offers expert siding installation with 7,000+ installations.
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Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- Vinyl siding replacement in New England averages $17,590, making it a cost-competitive option for homeowners evaluating exterior cladding materials on a total cost of ownership basis. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost data for vinyl siding replacement across the New England market. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding replacement in New England averages $20,678, reflecting its premium material composition and durability relative to vinyl alternatives. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost data for fiber cement siding replacement across the New England market. (2026)
- Vinyl siding delivers a 97% return on investment at resale, making it one of the highest-performing exterior improvements for homeowners prioritizing resale value. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025, JLC Online’s national cost vs. value data on the resale return of vinyl siding replacement. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding delivers a 144% return on investment at resale in New England, reflecting strong regional demand for durable, low-maintenance exterior cladding. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost vs. value data on the resale return of fiber cement siding in the New England market. (2026)
- Vinyl siding has been the number one exterior cladding choice in the U.S. and Canada since 1995, with its popularity driven by affordability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. Polymeric Exteriors ISHI Guide to Insulated Siding, Polymeric Exteriors’ industry guide covering vinyl siding’s long-standing market leadership and material performance advantages. (Accessed May 2026)
