Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Which Is Right for Your NJ Home?

Vinyl and fiber cement are the two most popular siding choices for homes in Bergen, Morris, Hudson, and Essex County — and for good reason. Both handle our wet springs, hot summers, and frigid winters well. But they're very different products.

Vinyl siding is the cost leader. Modern insulated vinyl (think CertainTeed CedarBoards or Mastic Structure) installs for roughly $7–$11 per square foot in North Jersey, including tear-off and new house wrap. It's nearly maintenance-free, comes in dozens of colors, and never needs painting.

Fiber cement — most often James Hardie® — runs $13–$18 per square foot installed. It's a cement-based product that mimics real wood, holds paint for 15+ years, is non-combustible, and adds the most resale value of any siding option in the Northeast (often recouping 80%+ at sale per Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report).

Our rule of thumb: if you plan to sell within 5 years, premium insulated vinyl is the smart move. If this is your forever home or you want the look of painted clapboard, fiber cement is worth the extra investment.

Either way, the install matters more than the material. House wrap, flashing details around windows, and proper kick-out flashing at roof-wall intersections are what keep water out of your sheathing.