Siding Replacement

Fiber cement vs. vinyl siding: cost and lifespan compared

Updated 2026-10-19 · Reviewed by the HomeServiceBud Editorial Team

Short answer

Vinyl siding costs about $3–$12 per square foot installed and lasts 20–40 years. Fiber cement costs about $5–$14 per square foot and lasts 30–50 years. Fiber cement resists fire and impact better, while vinyl costs less and needs little maintenance.

Key takeaways

  • Short answer: Vinyl siding costs about $3–$12 per square foot installed and lasts 20–40 years.
  • Vinyl: $3–$12 per sq ft
  • Fiber cement: $5–$14 per sq ft
  • Lifespan: 20–40 vs. 30–50 years
  • Typical siding replacement cost: $8,500–$20,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home.

Side-by-side

VinylFiber cement
Installed cost per sq ft$3–$12$5–$14
Typical lifespan20–40 years30–50 years
Fire resistanceCan meltNoncombustible
MaintenanceWash occasionallyRepaint periodically

Which is right for your climate?

  • Wildfire areas: fiber cement's fire resistance is a major advantage.
  • Hail areas: fiber cement generally holds up better than thin vinyl.
  • Cold climates: vinyl can become brittle and crack on impact.
  • Tight budgets: vinyl offers the lowest upfront cost.

Related questions

Does fiber cement siding add value?

It has recouped more than its cost in some resale studies, more than many other exterior projects.

How much to reside a 2,000 sq ft house in vinyl?

The national range for a 2,000 sq ft home is about $8,500–$20,000 across materials; vinyl sits toward the lower end.

Is fiber cement hard to install?

It's heavier and needs special cutting tools, which is why labor can cost more.

Other siding replacement questions homeowners ask

Fiber cement or vinyl siding?

Fiber cement costs more but lasts 30–50 years versus 20–40 for vinyl, and it resists fire better.

How much does siding replacement cost?

Residing a typical 2,000 sq ft home costs about $8,500–$20,000, or roughly $3–$15 per square foot installed.

How much does siding cost per square foot?

Installed prices run about $3–$12 for vinyl, $5–$14 for fiber cement, $2–$10 for engineered wood and $7–$17 for stucco.

Siding Replacement at a glance

Timeline

Installation time depends on home size and material; finalize quotes about 3 months ahead.

Permits

Siding replacement typically needs a permit; budget about $150–$1,500 for permits and inspections.

DIY or pro?

Hire a pro: installation errors can trap moisture and void warranties.

What siding replacement costs

Siding replacement for a typical 2,000 sq ft home costs $8,500–$20,000, with an average around $14,500. Material choice is the biggest price driver.

See the full siding replacement cost breakdown →

Keep reading

Siding Replacement: the complete guide

Sources: Fixr — House siding cost · Angi — What is siding. Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.