Which Siding Lasts the Longest?

The most frequent question siding contractors in Portland get asked is which siding lasts the longest. Home renovations are expensive and disruptive; homeowners like to keep them to a minimum.

Read on to learn about the lifespan of different types and how siding companies in Portland can help you.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is among the most popular house cladding choices across the country. Siding contractors in Portland often recommend it as a cost-effective, attractive choice.

Pros

The biggest pro when it comes to vinyl is the affordable price point. With different colors and widths available, you can get the curb appeal you want without breaking the bank.

Additionally, vinyl siding is low maintenance and easy to repair. Simply rinse it off with a hose to clean it! And while vinyl boards degrade over time, they can last as long as 40 years.

Cons

While vinyl is good value for what it offers, you do get what you pay for. Heat damage, even from a nearby barbecue, can bend and warp it.

Vinyl siding is also not as sturdy as other options. And after about 15 years, it starts to get quite brittle. A hit from a football can crack or chip the siding at that point.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement was only introduced to the American market about 25 years ago. But while it’s barely old enough (in human terms) to rent a car, it’s become a go-to choice for many siding companies in Portland.

Pros

Fiber cement is sturdy! Long after vinyl cladding has got brittle or wood has started warping, fiber cement is still going strong. Warranties range from 25 years to a lifetime.

Because fiber cement is heftier, it insulates your home more than vinyl does. That can mean savings on your utility bills.

And with wildfires becoming more frequent in Oregon, more Portland-area homeowners are turning to non-combustible fire cement. It’s a great way to help keep your home safe (and it’s a more environmentally-friendly choice, too).

Cons

Fiber cement is heavy (about 2.5 lbs per square foot) and expensive. It also requires a skilled siding contractor – installing it incorrectly may void the warranty.

Before you decide that fiber cement is out of your price range, factor in the longer life span, the lower maintenance, and the potential energy savings.

Why is James Hardie the Best Fiber Cement?

There are several brands of fiber cement out there, but our favorite is James Hardie. They were the first to introduce fiber cement to the American market, and they remain the industry standard.

James Hardie offers a comprehensive 30-year warranty on many of their products. Their products are also designed with weather in mind – it’s perfect for the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest.

Fiber cement is one of the most cost-effective home investments you can make. And if you do go with fiber cement, there’s no better kind than James Hardie siding.

The Best Materials from the James Hardie Siding Installers

To ensure your home is fully protected, it’s best to work with preferred James Hardie siding installers. You can guarantee a proper installation that lets you take advantage of the great 30-year non-prorated warranty.

Vinyl is another cost-effective option – reach out to your local contractors to learn more!