We're finally getting around to replacing the siding on our house (it's been a looong time coming, trust me), and since we live in an area that gets slammed pretty regularly by hurricanes and tropical storms, durability is a big deal. I've been looking into fiber cement siding vs. vinyl siding that's specifically rated for hurricanes and strong winds.
Fiber cement seems super sturdy from what I've read—like it can handle wind, rain, flying debris, the whole nine yards. But I've also heard it's heavier and a bit pricier to install. Vinyl siding that's rated for harsh weather seems lighter, easier to handle, and cheaper overall... but I'm wondering if it really holds up as well over time? Like, is it worth saving some cash upfront if I might have to replace panels after every big storm?
My neighbor swears by fiber cement because his house made it through a particularly nasty storm without even losing a shingle (meanwhile ours looked like it'd been through a blender). But my brother-in-law says modern vinyl is way better than it used to be and does just fine if installed correctly.
I honestly dunno which way to go here... anyone have experience with either of these options? Would love to hear how yours has held up over the years or if you've regretted your choice.
We replaced ours with fiber cement about five years ago, and honestly, it's been a total lifesaver. We get some nasty storms here too—maybe not full-blown hurricanes, but enough wind and debris flying around to test things out. Installation was definitely pricier and took longer than vinyl probably would have, but so far we've had zero damage. A few of our neighbors went with the hurricane-rated vinyl siding around the same time, and while it does look pretty solid, I've noticed they've had to replace a few panels after rough weather. Nothing catastrophic, just some cracked or loose sections here and there.
If you do go vinyl, make sure your installer really knows their stuff. From what I've seen, most issues come from rushed or sloppy installation rather than the material itself. But if your main concern is long-term durability and peace of mind during storms... fiber cement might be worth the extra upfront cost and hassle.
