Hardie Planking or vinyl siding

[Jay Y.]

Hi all,

I have a rental that needs new skin, cedar is beat up and code enforcer is on me.  I called a big name contracting company to get a quote for Hardie Planking.  The quote was about 40% more than vinyl (partly due to vinyl being able to go right over existing cedar).  

I'm not sure why but he was really trying to push the vinyl, perhaps he gets more commission or there is more profit margins?  

Here's the product he's pushing - https://www.provia.com/siding  It's got a lifetime warranty against fading and cracking and the company will offer a lifetime warranty on labor.  The warranties is also transferable and is free.

What do you guys think?  Just stick with a fiber cement product over a vinyl product, or go with the cheaper priced product backed by a lifetime warranty.  And what do you guys think will be a better selling point, fiber cement or vinyl with a lifetime warranty?

Thanks!

[Justin Fox]

Hardie is fairly cheap.  I don't know about your area but I had mine hung for ~1,000 bucks.  I think you'll see a slight return from cheaper dwelling rates because it will be > 50% cement (less likely to catch fire from the outside).  Cement board will out last your your kids as well.

It's going to be a bit more expensive if you have to tear off old stuff and put new on.  I think it will be worth it though.