Siding is an important aspect of any home’s exterior. It not only helps protect your home from the elements, but it also adds to its aesthetic appeal. Two popular options for siding (beyond traditional vinyl) are Everlast Polymer Siding and Hardie Board Fiber Cement Siding. Both have their own unique set of pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh these carefully before deciding on the best siding for your home – or calculating siding cost.
Pros of Everlast Polymer Siding
Unlike other solid siding products, Everlast’s unique combination of inorganic minerals, polymer resins, and acrylic colorants produces a thick, solid, and strong siding with unsurpassed durability. It’s CedarTouch finish is designed to imitate the texture and color of plank of real top grade cedar wood and makes it the most authentic and UV-resistant siding on the market – without the maintenance and upkeep that real wood requires. One of the biggest advantages of Everlast Polymer Siding is that it is virtually impervious to water – siding’s worst enemy. This means your Everlast siding will never swell, bow, split, or rot. It is what makes Everlast suitable for any locale, including those with harsh freeze/thaw seasons (think Des Moines). It is also low maintenance, as it does not require painting or staining. One more great advantage of Everlast siding’s is its entirely inorganic composition, which helps to eliminate the problem of vulnerability to wood-boring insects like natural or engineered wood products.
Drawbacks of Everlast Polymer Siding
On the downside, Everlast Polymer Siding is more expensive than traditional vinyl siding. For homes located in areas prone to wildfires, it’s important to keep in mind that Everlast Composite Siding may not be as flame-resistant as fiber cement siding. Fortunately, homes in Des Moines or the rest of Iowa generally don’t need to worry about that. As of writing this article there are only 15 colors available, fewer than Hardie Board.
Pros of Hardie Board Fiber Cement Siding
Hardie Board is known for its durability, insect and fire resistance, and the look of a wooden plank. It is also available in a variety of styles and textures, allowing homeowners to customize the look of their home by being able to paint it any color they want.
Drawbacks of Hardie Board
Hardie Board Fiber Cement Siding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers or more specifically, wood fibers. Many contractors call it “Cement Board” but these wood fibers are why the company calls it “Fiber Cement”. The presence of wood material makes it more susceptible to degradation in areas with freeze/thaw cycles or snow like Iowa. Hardie Board Fiber Cement Siding requires more maintenance than Everlast as it may need to be painted every 5-10 years. It is also clearly noted in the warranty what maintenance is required for Hardie products to maintain their warranty. You don’t see that terminology with Everlast because there is no required maintenance.
Choose What’s Best for Your Home
Are you still wondering what the best home siding material option is for your Des Moines or central Iowa home? Schedule an appointment with us to receive an in-home consultation and benefit from our experience as the leading Everlast installation company in Iowa. We can discuss all your options and decide the best siding for your home together. Read our company pledge to review what makes working with Buresh Home Solutions different– including a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty!