Residential License # 890459
Commercial License # 3667
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Residential License # 890459
Commercial License # 3667
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Fiber cement and vinyl siding behave differently in the heat, humidity, rain and storm season that New Orleans area homes deal with. This guide compares them on moisture, heat, wind, termites, upkeep, warranties and the factors that drive cost, using manufacturer, industry and government documents, so you can ask better questions before you choose.
According to OSHA’s fact sheet on cutting fiber-cement board (OSHA 3927), fiber-cement board is a composite material made from cement, sand and cellulose fibers. CertainTeed’s vinyl siding installation guide describes rigid vinyl siding as made from organic materials that will melt or burn when exposed to a significant source of flame or heat.
You can see both options on our fiber cement siding and vinyl siding pages. If you are still weighing other materials too, our guide to choosing siding for Louisiana’s climate covers the wider field.
Fiber cement. James Hardie sells a product line designed around climate. Its Hardie Zone System page says the HZ10 line was engineered for areas with hurricane-force winds, the salty sea air of the coast and the humid heat of the south, and that HZ10 boards resist cracking, splitting, rotting and swelling. Those are the manufacturer’s statements about its own products.
Vinyl. CertainTeed’s guide notes that mildew may be a problem in warmer climates with consistently high humidity, usually in areas rain does not reach, such as under eaves and porch enclosures. It gives a mildew cleaning solution and cautions that a greater concentration may damage the siding and soffit.
Behind the siding. Moisture also matters for wood trim, sheathing and framing. LSU AgCenter explains that decay fungi grow on wood where the moisture content is above 20%, and that decay can be controlled by removing the moisture source, such as fixing leaks and improving drainage. Whichever siding you choose, ask how the installer will handle flashing and any damaged wood found during tear-off.
Vinyl moves with temperature. CertainTeed’s guide emphasizes allowing for movement during vinyl siding installation, and it says panels should hang freely from nails so they can move as the temperature changes. Ask any vinyl installer how they leave room for that movement.
The same guide notes that, in rare instances, intense sunlight reflected from glass or other reflective surfaces can create heat buildup that causes vinyl siding to distort or melt. It suggests a screen in the window causing the reflection, an awning over that window, or shrubbery to shade the siding, and it states that distorted or melted siding caused by reflected sunlight is not covered under its limited warranty.
CertainTeed also advises keeping barbecues and combustible materials such as dry leaves, mulch and trash away from vinyl siding. That is worth planning around if you grill near the house or are adding an outdoor kitchen.
Vinyl. Under the VSI Product Certification Program, an independent third-party program, certified vinyl siding is evaluated against the ASTM D3679 standard for weatherability, wind load and impact resistance, along with other properties. A 2017 Vinyl Siding Institute brochure says vinyl and polymeric siding that meets the cited ASTM standards can be rated for wind speeds of at least 110 mph, and the rating that applies depends on the specific product, fastening, building, exposure and local requirements. Wind requirements depend on where you live, and CertainTeed’s guide tells installers to check with the local building code official and the product’s evaluation report for specific wind-load requirements.
Fiber cement. As noted above, James Hardie says its HZ10 line was engineered for areas with hurricane-force winds. The HZ10 limited warranty we reviewed, a version effective October 2011, excludes damage from exceeding the maximum designed wind loads and from acts of God, including hurricanes, floods and severe weather. Marketing language about wind does not mean storm damage is covered, so ask how the siding and fasteners will be installed for the wind requirements at your address, and review what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers.
For the rest of the house, see our hurricane season roof checklist and our page on impact-resistant windows.
LSU AgCenter describes the Formosan subterranean termite as the type it encounters most often in Louisiana and says it can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months. It explains that termites feed primarily on wood but can also chew through non-cellulose materials such as rubber, foam insulation, electric lines and plastics to reach cellulose.
On the fiber cement side, the October 2011 HZ10 limited warranty states that the products will resist damage caused by hail or termite attacks, subject to its terms and conditions. Siding choice does not replace termite prevention. LSU AgCenter recommends a termite contract, repairing structural and plumbing leaks, keeping gutters clean and keeping all mulch and landscaping at least 6 inches back from the foundation.
Vinyl. CertainTeed’s guide says vinyl siding resists most common household stains but will become dirty like any product exposed to the weather. It recommends cleaning at least once a year with a garden hose, a soft bristle brush and soapy water, washing from the bottom up and rinsing thoroughly. It does not recommend power washing vinyl or polymer siding, because it can cause moisture intrusion, damage and discoloration.
Fiber cement. Upkeep depends largely on the finish. The HZ10 limited warranty we reviewed excludes the performance of third-party paints, stains and coatings, and it also excludes mold and mildew growth and lack of proper maintenance. Ask your contractor which finish will be used, who warrants it and what cleaning the manufacturer recommends.
James Hardie’s Hardie Zone System page describes a 30-year limited, transferable warranty with non-prorated product coverage for the full 30 years. The October 2011 HZ10 warranty document lists Louisiana among its approved installation locations and sets conditions, including that the product be installed according to Hardie’s printed installation requirements and applicable building codes, and that a claimed defect be reported in writing with photos within 30 days of discovery.
On the vinyl side, CertainTeed states that it does not accept liability under its written limited warranty for failure caused by an application that does not meet its installation requirements, and that improper installation may void coverage.
Warranty terms change over time and differ by product line, so ask for the current written warranty for the exact siding you are buying, and ask who is responsible for installation workmanship.
Prices vary by project, so compare written quotes line by line. The main factors to look at:
James Hardie’s silica safety resources state that there is no dust concern from fiber cement once it is installed on the home.
If your home is in a New Orleans historic district, a siding change may need review. The City of New Orleans describes the Historic District Landmarks Commission as its regulatory agency for local historic districts outside the Vieux Carré, and says you must apply for a building permit with the Department of Safety and Permits to start the HDLC permitting process. Contact the HDLC before choosing a replacement material. If your home is in Metairie, Kenner, the Northshore or elsewhere outside Orleans Parish, check with your city or parish permit office.
If you are not sure your current siding needs replacing yet, start with our guide to signs it’s time to replace siding.
TurnKey Patio provides siding installation for homeowners in New Orleans and our surrounding service areas, including Metairie, Kenner and Slidell. We benefit if you hire us, and the comparisons above apply whichever contractor you choose. Call (504) 285-2824, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, or request a free estimate.
It depends on the product and the installation. James Hardie says its HZ10 fiber cement line was engineered for the humid heat of the south and resists cracking, splitting, rotting and swelling. For vinyl, CertainTeed notes that mildew may be a problem in warmer, consistently humid climates, mainly where rain does not reach, and gives cleaning directions. With either material, manage water around the house and read the written warranty for the exact product.
Certified vinyl siding is evaluated to the ASTM D3679 standard, which covers wind load among other properties, and a 2017 Vinyl Siding Institute brochure says qualifying siding that meets the cited ASTM standards can be rated for wind speeds of at least 110 mph. The rating that applies depends on the specific product, fastening, building, exposure and local requirements. Wind requirements vary by location, so ask your installer how the product and its fastening meet the requirements at your address.
LSU AgCenter says Formosan subterranean termites feed primarily on wood but can chew through non-cellulose materials such as foam insulation and plastics to reach cellulose. James Hardie’s HZ10 limited warranty, in the October 2011 version we reviewed, states its products will resist damage caused by termite attacks, subject to its terms. Either way, LSU AgCenter recommends prevention steps such as fixing leaks, keeping gutters clean and keeping mulch at least 6 inches from the foundation.
CertainTeed does not recommend power washing its vinyl or polymer siding because it can cause moisture intrusion, damage and discoloration. Its guide recommends cleaning at least once a year with a garden hose, a soft bristle brush and soapy water, washing from the bottom up and rinsing thoroughly. Check your own siding manufacturer’s care instructions.
OSHA explains that cutting fiber-cement board with a circular saw can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, and OSHA’s fact sheet describes dust controls for this work. James Hardie says there is no dust concern from fiber cement once it is installed on the home. Ask your contractor how they will control dust during installation.
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