Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Which is Best for Atlanta?

When it's time to replace your home's siding, Atlanta homeowners typically choose between two options: vinyl siding or fiber cement (often called by the brand name James Hardie). Both have their merits, but which is the better choice for metro Atlanta's climate and your specific needs?

Vinyl Siding: Overview

Vinyl siding has been popular for decades thanks to its affordability and low maintenance. It's made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and comes in a huge variety of colors and styles.

Pros of Vinyl Siding

• •Most affordable siding option
• •Never needs painting—color goes all the way through
• •Very low maintenance (occasional washing is all that's needed)
• •Wide variety of colors and styles
• •Easy and quick to install
• •Won't rot, rust, or be eaten by termites

Cons of Vinyl Siding

• •Can crack in extreme cold (rare in Atlanta, but possible)
• •Can warp or melt near high-heat sources like grills
• •Fades over time, especially darker colors
• •Less impact-resistant than fiber cement
• •Can look less premium than other options
• •Environmental concerns (PVC manufacturing and disposal)

Fiber Cement Siding: Overview

Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. James Hardie is the dominant brand, making up about 90% of the fiber cement market. It's designed to mimic the look of wood without the maintenance.

Pros of Fiber Cement Siding

• •Extremely durable—resists rot, termites, fire, and impact
• •Maintains appearance for decades
• •Looks like real wood (many styles available)
• •Non-combustible (Class 1A fire rating)
• •Excellent for Atlanta's humid climate
• •Increases home value
• •Can be painted any color (and repainted later)

Cons of Fiber Cement Siding

• •Higher upfront cost (about 2-3x more than vinyl)
• •Requires painting eventually (every 10-15 years)
• •Heavier—may require additional structural support
• •More labor-intensive installation
• •Must be installed by experienced contractors
• •Can crack if improperly installed

Cost Comparison

For an average Atlanta home (around 2,000 square feet of siding), here's what you can expect:

• •Vinyl Siding: $8,000 - $15,000 installed
• •Fiber Cement Siding: $18,000 - $30,000 installed

While fiber cement costs more upfront, its longer lifespan and lower long-term maintenance costs can make it more economical over time.

Which is Better for Atlanta's Climate?

Atlanta's hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms present unique challenges for siding. Here's how each option performs:

Humidity: Fiber cement excels here. Unlike wood, it won't absorb moisture, swell, or rot. Vinyl is also humidity-resistant, but lower-quality vinyl can trap moisture behind it if not properly installed.

Heat: Vinyl can warp or distort in extreme heat or when exposed to reflected sunlight from windows. Fiber cement is completely heat-stable.

Storms: Fiber cement's impact resistance makes it the clear winner for hail and windblown debris. Vinyl can crack from impacts.

UV Exposure: Both materials handle UV well, though vinyl will fade over time while fiber cement's baked-on finish maintains its color longer.

Our Recommendation

For most Atlanta homeowners, we recommend fiber cement siding for its durability, appearance, and performance in our climate. However, quality vinyl siding remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners, and today's premium vinyl products look better than ever.

At First Response Home Services, we install both vinyl and fiber cement siding throughout metro Atlanta. We can help you evaluate your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences to choose the right option for your home.