Fiber cement edges out vinyl for homeowners facing the most demanding conditions. It delivers 144% ROI against vinyl’s strong 97%, with better moisture resistance and a broader James Hardie siding colors palette.
Fiber cement edges out vinyl for homeowners facing the most demanding conditions. It delivers 144% ROI against vinyl’s strong 97%, with better moisture resistance and a broader James Hardie siding colors palette.
Both materials hold up well. The real question is which one fits your budget, your timeline, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Fiber Cement Leads on ROI: Quality fiber cement siding averages $20,678 nationally and delivers 144% ROI at resale. Homeowners who go with James Hardie siding colors and profiles recoup every dollar — and then some.
- Vinyl Holds Its Own: Quality vinyl siding averages $18,000 nationally with 97% ROI at resale. For homeowners watching upfront costs, that’s a strong return with only a small gap behind fiber cement.
- Hardie Board Fire Rating Adds Real Value: Fewer than 2% of home fires start from exterior wall surfaces. James Hardie fiber cement carries strong Hardie board fire rating credentials — meaningful exterior fire protection that pairs well with its coastal durability.
- Vinyl Fire Safety Is Solid Too: Rigid PVC vinyl requires 45% oxygen to sustain combustion — well above the 21% found in normal air. Homeowners comparing Hardie board fire rating against vinyl fire safety find both materials perform well.
- Insulated Options Cut Energy Costs: Installing insulated siding improves home air tightness by an average of 11%, cutting natural gas or heating oil use by 15%. Homeowners get meaningful monthly savings with either material when installed correctly.
- James Hardie Siding Colors Stay Vibrant Longer: Roughly 65% of homeowners prefer neutral tones — white, off-white, gray, light blue, and brown. James Hardie’s ColorPlus factory finishes hold those palettes far longer than field-painted vinyl under UV exposure and salt air.
Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie Fiber Cement | 144% ROI, superior moisture resistance, ColorPlus warranty | Higher upfront cost, certified installer required | Homeowners prioritizing max durability and ROI | $20,678 avg |
| Insulated Vinyl Siding | 97% ROI, 11% air tightness improvement, lower cost | Less impact resistant than fiber cement | Homeowners balancing performance with budget | $18,000 avg |
| Foam Insulated Vinyl | Best energy performance, strong coastal durability | Higher cost than standard vinyl | Homeowners focused on energy savings | Varies |
Best Siding Recommendations
- Best Overall: James Hardie fiber cement for homeowners who want the most from their exterior. Strong Hardie board fire rating credentials, a wide James Hardie siding colors selection, and 144% ROI make it the top siding investment.
- Best for Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Insulated vinyl delivers 97% ROI with proven durability at a lower entry point. Homeowners managing upfront costs don’t have to sacrifice performance to stay on budget.
- Best for Energy-Focused Homeowners: Foam insulated vinyl captures the full 11% air tightness improvement and 15% heating cost reduction across winters. For homeowners with high monthly energy bills, the premium over standard vinyl pays for itself!
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Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in New England is $20,678, with a return on investment of 144% at resale. Remodeling Cost vs. Value — New England Regional cost and ROI data for fiber cement siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- The average cost of vinyl siding in New England is $17,590, with a return on investment of 97% at resale. Remodeling Cost vs. Value — New England Regional cost and ROI data for vinyl siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- Fewer than 2% of all home fires originate from exterior wall surfaces. Polymeric Exteriors Insulated Siding Guide Industry fire safety data on the origin of residential home fires. (Accessed April 2026)
- Rigid PVC vinyl requires 45% oxygen to sustain combustion, well above the 21% found in normal air. Polymeric Exteriors Insulated Siding Guide Technical fire safety data on the combustion thresholds of rigid PVC vinyl siding. (Accessed April 2026)
- Installing insulated siding can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 11%. Polymeric Exteriors Insulated Siding Guide Industry guidance on the air tightness and energy performance benefits of insulated siding. (Accessed April 2026)
- Reduced air infiltration in the home cuts natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. ENERGY STAR Seal and Insulate ENERGY STAR guidance on heating and cooling savings from reducing air infiltration. (Accessed April 2026)
- Roughly 65% of homeowners currently prefer neutral siding colors like white, off-white, gray, and light shades of blue and brown. Fixr Home Siding Statistics Survey data on homeowner siding color preferences across the U.S. (2025)
