Acrylic siding and fiber cement siding are popular exterior cladding options in both residential and commercial settings. Exceptional durability, elegance, and high energy efficiency provide both these materials with certain advantages over conventional siding options. If you have to choose between the two, the following guide is for you.
Acrylic Siding Benefits
Acrylic siding is a term used to refer to acrylic-based stucco systems, including Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS). It is a form of stucco that uses acrylic resins, sand, and water to provide a durable and flexible finish.
Some of the key benefits that make it an excellent choice for siding are as follows:
Versatile Aesthetics
Your acrylic siding can be given almost any color. It can also have a texture of your choice, whether you prefer it smooth, raked, or coarse. This aesthetic versatility is a big reason for the growing popularity of acrylic finishes.
Acrylic siding can replicate limestone, stucco, various geometric patterns, and brick. It can curve around architectural features in a seamless manner. This includes features such as arches, cornices, keystones, columns, and cornerstones, among others. On the other hand, fiber cement is mostly limited in terms of the aesthetics you can achieve.
Exceptional Durability
The elastic nature of acrylic resin is an important element in providing a high level of durability to your siding. This helps protect your building from extreme weather conditions.
The waterproofing feature is an important aspect that contributes to acrylic siding’s durability. This can especially be beneficial if you live in an area that experiences high rainfall or humidity levels. Additionally, the material is resistant to cracks or chips due to thermal expansion.
High Energy-Efficiency
When it comes to EIFS vs fiber cement siding, the former has high R-values that enable it to provide constant and reliable insulation. Choosing acrylic siding can help you reduce your heating and cooling costs by 15% to 30% as compared to fiber cement siding.
Fiber Cement Benefits
Fiber cement siding is also a durable option that lasts long and offers low-maintenance ownership. This type of siding is generally made of Portland cement, cellulose fibers, sand, and water, but the composition can vary based on the manufacturer. For example, certain manufacturers add special additives that increase the siding’s performance.
Some of the main benefits of choosing fiber cement siding are as follows:
High Durability
Fiber cement siding is also known for its excellent durability. It is resistant to both fire and insects. You can expect your fiber cement siding to last for more than half a century.
Limited Aesthetic Versatility
While it is not as versatile in terms of colors and textures as acrylic siding, your fiber cement siding can be designed to mimic clapboard, board and batten, shingle, or other wood siding patterns. What makes it special is that it can achieve the look of wood and other materials without their drawbacks.
Maintenance Requirements
Similar to acrylic siding, fiber cement also requires periodic care and maintenance to maintain its optimal service life.
Acrylic siding requires the following periodic upkeep:
- Regular inspection for cracks and other damages
- Periodic cleaning using a power washer at a low-pressure setting
- Timely refinishing or repair with the help of professionals
Fiber cement siding requires the following routine maintenance:
- Regularly checking the caulk
- Periodic repainting to prevent peeling paint and to keep the siding looking fresh
- Using the manufacturer-recommended approach to repairs
Both acrylic siding and fiber cement siding are good choices. While the former offers greater aesthetic versatility, both are quite durable and the latter has some elegant design options as well. Whichever material you choose, it is recommended to inspect your siding periodically to ensure it is in good condition.
