When you’re shopping for new siding, the first question on your mind is probably “how much will this cost me?” And if you’re comparing vinyl and fiber cement, you’re asking the right question, because the answer affects your wallet for decades to come.
Vinyl siding costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed, while fiber cement siding runs $8 to $14 per square foot installed.
At Hoel Roofing, we’ve installed both types of siding on hundreds of homes, and we’ve seen firsthand how each material performs over 20, 30, even 40 years. In this article, we discuss the real costs, not just what you’ll pay today, but what you’ll spend maintaining, repairing, and eventually replacing each option.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which siding makes sense for your home, your climate, and your budget.
Before we talk specific numbers, let’s talk about why siding costs vary so much.
Think about buying a car. A basic sedan costs less than a luxury SUV upfront, but the SUV might last longer, hold its value better, and require fewer repairs. Siding works the same way.
The total cost of your siding includes:
Let’s break down each of these factors for vinyl and fiber cement siding so you can see the full picture.
Vinyl siding costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed, with most homeowners paying around $7 per square foot for mid-grade vinyl with professional installation.
For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, that works out to:
Vinyl is a manufactured plastic product made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It’s lightweight, comes pre-colored, and snaps together quickly. The lower material cost and faster installation time keep the price down.
Fiber cement siding costs $8 to $14 per square foot installed, with most homeowners paying around $12 per square foot for quality fiber cement with professional installation.
For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, that works out to:
Fiber cement is made from sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. It’s heavy, requires specialized cutting tools, and takes longer to install. These factors drive up both material and labor costs.
The verdict? Fiber cement is actually cheaper over the long term, even with higher upfront and maintenance costs. This means if you are staying in a home for a very long time (30+ years), it is a cheaper option for you. However, if you are not going to live that long in the house, it is not a cheaper option for you.
Can I install vinyl or fiber cement siding myself?
Vinyl is more DIY-friendly, but we recommend professional installation for both materials to ensure proper weatherproofing, warranty coverage, and long-term performance.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover siding replacement?
It depends on your policy and the cause of damage. Storm damage and fire are usually covered, but normal wear and tear or poor maintenance aren’t.
How do I know if my old siding needs replacing?
Look for cracks, warping, loose panels, water damage, mold, or dramatically faded color. If repairs are adding up, replacement is often the smarter investment.
Can I put new siding over old siding?
Sometimes, yes, but it’s not always recommended. Removing old siding lets contractors inspect and repair the sheathing underneath, which prevents hidden rot and damage.
Which siding is better for fire resistance?
Fiber cement is noncombustible and has the best fire rating. Vinyl melts in high heat and doesn’t offer fire resistance.
Does siding color affect cost?
Custom or special-order colors add $500 to $2,000 to the total project cost for both vinyl and fiber cement.
Here’s the simple truth: vinyl is cheaper upfront, but fiber cement is cheaper over time.
Choose vinyl siding if:
Choose fiber cement siding if:
At Hoel Roofing, we understand that siding is a major investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help you get the siding you want without breaking the bank.
Don’t let upfront costs scare you away from fiber cement if it’s the right choice for your home. Financing makes premium materials accessible.
Read all about our financing options in our article How Financing Works at Hoel Roofing: Step-by-Step Guide to Using Slice. Your home deserves siding that protects it and looks great for decades. Let’s make it happen.
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
