Vinyl is easier and cheaper to repair, but it’s more vulnerable to our climate extremes. Heat can warp it, cold can make it brittle, and impact damage is common. However, vinyl repairs are straightforward and the materials are readily available.
Fiber cement is much more durable and handles Peconic’s weather better—it won’t warp in heat, won’t rot from moisture, and stands up to impact damage much better than vinyl. But repairs are more complex and expensive because the material is heavier, requires special tools to cut, and needs proper sealing and painting.
For storm-prone areas like ours, fiber cement makes sense long-term even though the upfront cost is higher. It’s designed specifically for coastal climates and severe weather. Many homeowners use siding damage as an opportunity to upgrade from vinyl to fiber cement, especially on the most weather-exposed sides of their homes.