HardiePlank Siding

HardiePlank Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Choosing the Right Alternative

HardiePlank Siding (sometimes spelled HardiPlank or called HardieBoard) is also known as fiber cement siding. It is made up of cement materials with a 10 percent addition of wood fibers. This makeup gives the siding a natural resistance to heat and fire; it will never burn. It also makes it immune to termites

Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is made from PVC and does not share this resistance to fire. Consequently, it needs to be treated separately with fire retardants. Further, it will warp when exposed to fire, even if the source of fire is at a distance.

HardiePlank is about 1/4 inch thick or about 10 times thicker than vinyl. You can’t see this difference after installation, but it has an impact on durability.

The extra thickness of HardiePlank also allows it to be embossed or textured so that it can be made to look like real wood. Vinyl siding is too thin to allow it to have any deep textures.

The main advantage of using vinyl siding is its lower cost both for the material and its installation.

Long-term, while both materials are immune to termites, the added thickness of HardiePlank siding gives it an edge in durability. Vinyl siding damages more easily and can crack at temperatures below freezing. Even a barbecue that is too close to vinyl siding can cause it to warp. HardiPlank will crack on impact but will remain unaffected by heat or cold.

Morgan Exteriors is your local HardiePlank installer. Contact us below to set up a no-obligation consultation to determine the best option for your home.