Posted by Empire Siding & Windows in Uncategorized
If you’re planning to replace the siding on your Roanoke home, you’ve likely come across two popular options: vinyl siding and Hardie Board (fiber cement siding). Both are excellent products — but they perform differently, cost differently, and suit different homeowners.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences so you can make the best choice for your home, your budget, and Virginia’s climate.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic and has been the most popular siding choice in America for decades. It’s available in dozens of colors, styles, and profiles — from traditional lap siding to cedar shake and board and batten
What Is Hardie Board?
Hardie Board is a brand name for fiber cement siding, made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s engineered to mimic the look of wood siding while offering far greater durability. James Hardie is the most well-known manufacturer, which is why fiber cement is often called “Hardie Board” regardless of brand.
How Do They Compare in Virginia’s Climate?
Virginia’s climate is a key factor in your siding decision. The Roanoke area experiences hot, humid summers, cold winters, and significant temperature swings — all of which affect how siding performs over time.
Vinyl Siding in Virginia
- Handles humidity well — vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture, so it won’t rot or swell
- Can expand and contract with temperature changes — quality installation accounts for this
- UV resistance — modern vinyl is engineered to resist fading in Virginia’s summer sun
- Not ideal for extreme heat — in rare cases, very high heat near reflective surfaces can cause warping
Hardie Board in Virginia
- Excellent moisture resistance — fiber cement doesn’t rot, warp, or swell
- Fire resistant — a significant advantage over vinyl
- Holds paint well — Hardie Board accepts paint and retains color longer than wood
- Heavy and rigid — less susceptible to impact damage than vinyl
Cost Comparison
Cost is often the deciding factor for Roanoke homeowners. Here’s a general comparison:
- Vinyl siding: $5–$10 per square foot installed
- Hardie Board: $10–$18 per square foot installed
For a typical Roanoke home, that means vinyl siding might run $8,000–$15,000 for a full installation, while Hardie Board could run $15,000–$25,000+ depending on the size and complexity of your home.
Empire tip: While Hardie Board costs more upfront, it can last 50+ years with proper maintenance. Vinyl typically lasts 20–40 years. Factor in long-term value when comparing costs.
Maintenance Requirements
Vinyl Siding
- Virtually maintenance-free — no painting ever required
- Clean with a garden hose or pressure washer annually
- Color is built into the material so it won’t peel or chip
Hardie Board
- Requires repainting every 10–15 years
- Caulking around joints needs periodic inspection and reapplication
- More labor-intensive maintenance overall
Appearance
Both products look great — but they have distinct aesthetics:
- Vinyl has come a long way in recent years. Modern vinyl siding closely mimics the look of wood, cedar shake, and other natural materials. It’s available in 100+ colors and profiles.
- Hardie Board has a thicker, more substantial look that many homeowners prefer. It takes paint beautifully and can be customized to virtually any color.
If the look of natural wood is important to you and you’re willing to maintain it, Hardie Board edges out vinyl. For low-maintenance curb appeal, modern vinyl is hard to beat.
Which Is Right for Your Roanoke Home?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Choose vinyl siding if you:
- Want the lowest upfront cost
- Prefer a maintenance-free exterior
- Are planning to stay in the home for 10–20 years
- Want a wide variety of color and style options
Choose Hardie Board if you:
- Want the most durable, long-lasting option
- Are planning to stay in the home long-term (20+ years)
- Want fire resistance
- Prefer the look and feel of a thicker, more substantial siding
Empire’s Recommendation for Roanoke Homeowners
At Empire Siding and Windows, we install both vinyl and fiber cement siding — and we’ll give you an honest recommendation based on your home, your budget, and your goals.
For most Roanoke homeowners, high-quality vinyl siding offers the best combination of value, performance, and durability in Virginia’s climate. But for homeowners who want the absolute longest-lasting option and don’t mind the higher upfront investment, Hardie Board is an excellent choice.
The best way to decide? Let us come to your home, take a look, and walk you through your options — at no cost and no obligation.
Call us today at 540-929-8010 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate.
We serve Roanoke, Salem, and surrounding communities throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Empire Siding and Windows install Hardie Board?
Yes — we install both vinyl and fiber cement siding. We’ll help you choose the right product for your home and budget.
How long does siding installation take?
Most whole-home siding projects in Roanoke take 3–5 days depending on the size of the home and the product chosen.
Will new siding increase my home’s value?
Yes — new siding consistently ranks among the top home improvement projects for return on investment. Vinyl siding replacement recoups approximately 67% of its cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.
Is financing available?
Yes! Empire Siding and Windows offers 12-month special financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo. Ask us about financing options when you schedule your free estimate.
Empire Siding and Windows is a locally-owned contractor serving Roanoke, Salem, and the surrounding Roanoke Valley. Contact us for a free in-home siding estimate.