GREEN HOME: Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding

When building your new home, or remodeling one you currently own, it may come up that you must decide between materials to use on the exterior of your home. Siding is a cheaper alternative than a brick or stone facade, so then you are left with a few option- wood, vinyl, or fiber cement.

Wood is often the most expensive option, and is susceptible to termite damage, rot, and warping due to changes in humidity throughout the year.

This site, Green Home Guide, gives a great breakdown of environmental and human impacts of both vinyl and fiber cement siding. A key point helpful to homeowners is from the "Occupant Health" section is:

Fiber-cement siding- " Fiber-cement siding is non-combustible. It is inert and will not emit fine dust or volatile organic compounds after installation."

Vinyl siding- "House fires are an acute concern, as the burning of PVC produces both dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls, creating significant health risks. When vinyl siding becomes brittle with age, it releases chemicals into the air, including dioxin and fomaldehyde."

Now you know :)