Siding Installation Guide: Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement vs. Wood

Your home's siding does more than create curb appeal—it protects your walls from moisture, insects, and temperature extremes while defining your home's character. In Southern California, siding choices must account for intense sun exposure, occasional heavy rain, and fire safety concerns. Here's what you need to know about today's most popular siding materials.

1. Why Siding Matters in Southern California

Our climate presents unique challenges for siding materials. The intense UV radiation fades and degrades many materials faster than in other regions. Wildfire risk makes fire-resistant materials increasingly important, especially in hillside communities. Coastal areas add salt air corrosion to the mix. The good news is that our mild temperatures and low humidity spare siding from the freeze-thaw damage that plagues colder climates.

Buildda Tip

Check your local fire codes before choosing siding. Many LA-area communities now require fire-resistant materials on new construction and significant remodels.

2. Vinyl Siding: Affordable and Low-Maintenance

Vinyl remains America's most popular siding choice, and for good reason—it's affordable, durable, and virtually maintenance-free.

Advantages

Cost-effective at $3-8 per square foot installed. Never needs painting—the color goes all the way through the material. Resists rot, insects, and moisture. Wide range of colors and styles, including options that mimic wood grain. Easy repairs—individual panels can be replaced without disturbing surrounding areas.

Drawbacks

Can fade under intense California sun, especially darker colors. Not fire-resistant—some areas prohibit it for this reason. Can crack in extreme heat or if struck by objects. Some consider it less premium-looking than other options. Limited color change options—you can't paint vinyl effectively.

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners in lower fire-risk zones who want minimal maintenance. Vinyl works well for ranch-style homes, contemporary designs, and any situation where cost efficiency is the priority.

3. Fiber Cement Siding: The Premium Choice

Fiber cement—sold under brands like James Hardie and CertainTeed—has become the go-to siding for quality-focused homeowners. Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it offers exceptional durability and versatility.

Advantages

Extremely durable with 30-50 year warranties. Non-combustible—excellent for fire-prone areas. Can mimic wood, stucco, or smooth finishes convincingly. Paintable—you can change colors whenever you want. Resists rot, termites, and warping. Holds paint well in our sunny climate.

Drawbacks

Higher cost at $8-15 per square foot installed. Heavier than vinyl, requiring more robust installation. Must be painted or comes pre-finished, adding to maintenance. Cutting generates silica dust, requiring professional installation with proper safety equipment.

Best For

Homeowners wanting long-term value, fire resistance, and design flexibility. Fiber cement suits Craftsman bungalows, traditional homes, and any property where fire safety is a concern.

Buildda Tip

James Hardie's ColorPlus technology adds factory-applied paint that resists UV fading better than field-applied finishes. The upfront cost is higher, but many homeowners find it worthwhile in our sunny climate.

4. Wood Siding: Classic Beauty with Higher Maintenance

Nothing quite matches the warmth and authenticity of real wood siding. Cedar, redwood, and other species have graced California homes for generations.

Advantages

Unmatched natural beauty and character. Each installation is unique with natural grain variations. Excellent insulation properties. Biodegradable and sustainable when sourced responsibly. Can be stained or painted any color. Ages gracefully with proper care.

Drawbacks

Highest maintenance requirements—needs refinishing every 3-7 years. Vulnerable to moisture, rot, and insects if not properly maintained. Not fire-resistant without treatment. Most expensive option at $8-20 per square foot installed. Requires skilled installation to perform well.

Best For

Historic homes, architecturally significant properties, and homeowners committed to regular maintenance. Wood siding makes sense when authenticity matters more than convenience.

5. Cost Comparison

Here's what to budget for complete siding replacement on a typical 1,500 square foot home:

Material Costs Installed

Vinyl: $4,500-$12,000

Fiber cement: $12,000-$22,500

Wood (cedar): $12,000-$30,000

What Affects Your Price

Total square footage of exterior walls. Number of windows, doors, and architectural details requiring trimwork. Whether existing siding must be removed or new material can go over it. Accessibility and height of your home. Geographic location within Southern California. Quality grade within each material type.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

Factor in maintenance when comparing materials. Vinyl's low upfront cost plus zero painting makes it the cheapest over 30 years. Fiber cement costs more initially but holds up well with occasional repainting. Wood's ongoing refinishing needs make it the most expensive long-term option.

6. The Installation Process

Proper installation matters as much as material quality. Here's what to expect.

Preparation

The contractor assesses your existing walls, checking for moisture damage, rot, or structural issues. Any problems should be addressed before new siding goes up. Old siding is removed unless the new material can be installed over it—a decision based on the specific products and your wall condition.

Weather Barrier Installation

A weather-resistant barrier (house wrap like Tyvek) goes over the sheathing. This crucial layer prevents water infiltration while allowing moisture vapor to escape from inside the walls.

Siding Installation

Installation starts at the bottom and works up. Each piece overlaps or interlocks with the previous row. Proper nailing patterns allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Trim pieces, corner boards, and transitions around windows and doors require careful detailing.

Finishing

Joints are caulked as needed. If the siding requires painting, that happens once installation is complete. Final cleanup and inspection ensure quality work.

Buildda Tip

Ask your contractor specifically about their weather barrier installation. This hidden component is crucial for preventing moisture problems, yet some contractors cut corners here.

7. Making Your Decision

Consider these factors when choosing your siding material.

Fire Safety

If you're in a wildland-urban interface zone or simply want maximum fire protection, fiber cement is the clear choice. Check whether your homeowner's insurance offers discounts for fire-resistant materials.

Maintenance Tolerance

Be honest about whether you'll keep up with wood maintenance. If repainting or staining every few years isn't realistic for you, vinyl or fiber cement will serve you better.

Aesthetic Goals

Walk your neighborhood and note which homes appeal to you. Often you can't tell fiber cement from wood at a distance. Vinyl has improved dramatically but still lacks the depth of more premium materials.

Budget Reality

Don't stretch beyond your means for premium siding if it leaves no budget for quality installation. Properly installed vinyl outperforms poorly installed fiber cement every time.

Resale Considerations

In many Southern California markets, fiber cement siding commands a premium at resale. Buyers recognize the material and associate it with quality. However, well-maintained wood or vinyl won't hurt your home's value.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install new siding over existing siding?

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the condition of your walls, the old siding type, and the new material. Your contractor should inspect and advise.

How long does siding installation take?

Most homes can be completed in 1-2 weeks, depending on size and complexity.

Does siding affect home value?

Yes. New siding typically returns 70-80% of its cost at resale, and quality materials like fiber cement can boost perceived value beyond the direct cost recovery.

What about stucco instead of siding?

Stucco remains popular in Southern California and deserves consideration. It offers fire resistance, longevity, and a distinctly regional aesthetic. We cover stucco in detail in our separate guide.

Can I mix siding materials?

Absolutely. Many homes use board and batten on gables with horizontal siding below, or combine shake accents with smooth siding. A skilled installer can make material transitions look intentional and attractive.

Moving Forward

Choosing siding involves balancing durability, maintenance, aesthetics, fire safety, and budget. There's no single best choice—only the best choice for your specific situation.

Take time to see materials in person, not just online photos. Drive through neighborhoods with homes featuring each siding type you're considering. Talk to homeowners who've had recent installations.

When you're ready to explore options for your home, Buildda can connect you with experienced siding contractors who know Southern California's unique requirements. The right professional will help you balance all these factors and deliver an installation that protects and beautifies your home for decades.