We're finally renovating our beach cottage after years of putting it off (yay). Now we're debating siding materials—fiber cement vs. vinyl. I've heard fiber cement holds up better against humidity and salty air, but vinyl seems easier to maintain and cheaper upfront. Anyone have experience with either in a coastal area? I'm leaning toward durability but um...budget is a thing, you know? Curious to hear what worked or didn't for you folks.
I've worked with both materials on coastal projects, and honestly, fiber cement does hold up better long-term against salty air and humidity. Vinyl can get brittle over time, especially with constant sun exposure, and I've seen it crack or warp after a few years. But yeah, fiber cement's upfront cost and installation hassle can sting a bit. Have you considered mixing materials—maybe fiber cement on the most exposed sides and vinyl elsewhere to balance durability and budget?
Totally agree with the fiber cement recommendation—I've seen firsthand how well it handles coastal conditions. A few years back, I helped my brother redo his beach house siding, and we went with fiber cement on the ocean-facing side and vinyl on the more sheltered areas. Honestly, it's held up great. But one thing I'd add is to pay attention to your fasteners and flashing materials too. Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant screws and nails make a huge difference in salty air. I've seen projects where people skimped on hardware, and after a couple years, rust streaks were everywhere—really ruins the look and compromises durability. Also, proper sealing and painting of fiber cement is key; if moisture gets behind it, you're dealing with trouble down the line. Mixing materials is smart, just don't overlook those smaller details—they matter more than you'd think.
