Siding Types for Your DMV Home

Are you interested in replacing your home’s siding? You can certainly upgrade it with the same material and style you have now, but it may be advantageous to explore the other options out there.

Two of today’s most popular types of siding are vinyl and fiber cement. These materials look similar to the untrained eye, especially because you can find them in many of the same design profiles. Learn more about the different looks available, then compare vinyl and fiber cement siding to help you decide which material suits your needs best.

No matter which siding style or material you choose, BRAX Roofing can perform the installation you’re looking for. Contact us online or call 301-469-4880 to request a siding replacement estimate in the DMV area.

Siding Styles Available in Vinyl & Fiber Cement

Horizontal Lap

This is the most popular siding profile in North America. The slightly overlapping horizontal boards offer a timeless look that compliments numerous architectural styles.

Dutch Lap

This sophisticated version of horizontal lap siding includes a bevel cut into the top edge of each board, creating a deep shadow line that changes as the sun moves across the sky.

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Board & Batten

The simple arrangement of flat boards with thin, vertical battens has been a popular siding style for centuries. The practical aesthetic is often found in rural and farmhouse settings.

Vertical Panels

Flat panels with shallow vertical details add texture while minimizing shadow lines when that’s the homeowner’s preference.

Shakes

Shakes are originally made of cedar wood and offer a rustic, highly textured appearance. Vinyl and fiber cement shakes come in large panels, making them easier to install. They are also far more durable than natural wood shakes.

Soffit Boards

Soffits are the underside of the roof eave. The two main finishes for this surface are beaded (pictured) and solid.

James Hardie Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding first became available in the 1960s. Vinyl remains popular today because of its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. In comparison, James Hardie fiber cement siding, also called Hardie board, was invented in the 1980s. This material — an infusion of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers — quickly became one of the most common siding replacements in the U.S.

So which one is better — vinyl or fiber cement siding? In almost all cases, fiber cement comes out on top. Take a look:

  • Appearance: As a plastic material, vinyl is limited in mimicking wood grain. Deep embossing is also impossible because the material is relatively thin. Made of natural ingredients and 5 times thicker than vinyl siding, James Hardie fiber cement can achieve a much more natural-looking aesthetic.
  • Sustainability: Vinyl is another word for PVC, an unsustainable material that cannot be recycled easily. By comparison, fiber cement is much more eco-friendly, generating half the carbon emissions of vinyl during manufacturing. While there are no recycling programs for Hardie board, fiber cement is an inert material, causing much less environmental concern.
  • Durability: Vinyl is more likely to crack, warp, and buckle over time than fiber cement. As a result, vinyl is estimated to last 20 to 40 years, while fiber cement boasts a life span of 50 years or more.
  • Fire resistance: While vinyl siding does not ignite quickly and is inherently flame-retardant, it releases toxins when burned. On the other hand, James Hardie fiber cement meets the strictest fire resistance standards and burns cleanly if it eventually ignites in a house fire.
  • Weather resistance: Vinyl is far thinner, weaker, and more temperature-sensitive than fiber cement. Alternatively, properly installed Hardie board repels moisture buildup, endures temperature extremes, and withstands wind speeds up to 200 mph.
  • Cost: The big win for vinyl siding is that it costs less than Hardie board, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more durable, long-lasting product, you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.

Choose BRAX Roofing for Siding Installation in the DMV Area

At BRAX Roofing, we install vinyl and fiber cement siding to meet your performance needs and budget requirements. As a Preferred James Hardie Contractor, we have proven our superior level of craftsmanship and attention to customer service. Our team completes installations of all sizes and can offer suggestions to help you narrow down the many design possibilities.

When you’re ready to upgrade your home’s exterior with new vinyl or James Hardie fiber cement siding, please contact us online or call 301-469-4880 to request a free siding installation estimate.

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Why Choose BRAX Roofing

Why Choose
BRAX Roofing

Insurance Claims Assistance From a free inspection and emergency repair to meeting with your adjuster, we work to minimize your stress.
This is Our Community As local roofers, we serve our neighbors’ exterior service needs when they need us most.
The Best Warranties Enjoy a 100% satisfaction guarantee, 50-year manufacturer warranty, and 25-year workmanship warranty.
Best-in-Class Service We are committed to providing unmatched customer service and roofing products that stand the test of time.
Certified & Award-Winning We are proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum, GAF certified, and CertainTeed 4-Star Installer certified roofing company.
Family Values As a locally owned business, we value and exhibit honesty, integrity, and responsibility in everything we do.
Insurance Claims
Assistance

Assistance From a free inspection and emergency repair to meeting with your adjuster, we work to minimize your stress.

This is Our
Community

As local roofers, we serve our neighbors’ exterior service needs when they need us most.

The Best
Warranties

Enjoy a 100% satisfaction guarantee, 50-year manufacturer warranty, and 25-year workmanship warranty.

Best-in-Class
Service

We are committed to providing unmatched customer service and roofing products that stand the test of time.

Certified &
Award-Winning

We are proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum, GAF certified, and CertainTeed 4-Star Installer certified roofing company.

Family
Values

As a locally owned business, we value and exhibit honesty, integrity, and responsibility in everything we do.

What Our Clients Are Saying

BRAX roofing is one of the best companies I've ever had work on my house. Once we set up a time for someone to inspect the job, the person came on time, explained everything and answered my questions. When I reviewed the proposal, I had several questions which were answered promptly by phone or email. A few days before the scheduled installation of my new roof, they brought cones so I could block 2 parking spots in front of my house. On the scheduled date, they came on time, completed the job and cleaned up outside all around the house. I definitely recommend them.
Kay G.
From start to finish the experience was great. Damon came promptly for the initial inspection. There was good communication as we picked out the roof shingles. On installation day the brave men arrived early and worked hard all day in the hot sun, finishing before sunset. They cleaned up all around the house, and it looks like they were never here. Our new roof is amazing, and really adds value to the house. Very professional, highly recommend.
Kenny F.
I couldn’t be happier with my experience with BRAX Roofing. I hired them to replace the entire roof on my house. The sales representative I worked with went above and beyond in helping me through the process of selecting the best materials and ensuring my satisfaction with the work. Everyone on the team that I was in contact with was knowledgeable, professional and courteous. The job was completed in one day without any issues or hassles and the entire site was cleaned up before they left. Our roof looks great. Based on this experience, I would highly recommend BRAX Roofing to anyone that has any roofing needs!
Jonathan B.
These guys are fantastic! Couldn't ask for better customer service. Very responsive. Very attentive. They were on time. They did everything they said they would do. The follow-up was tremendous and the work was impeccable! Kudos to Mr. Souza, Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Cardenas for great planning, execution and follow-up. I would recommend BRAX to any one need roof repair.
Keith N.
From beginning to end, BRAX did a great job. Very good paperwork (easy to read/understand and detailed) and the salesperson did an outstanding job keeping up with an ever changing insurance issue. The roof was a challenge as the home is a 4 story townhouse so needed 60-foot ladders. BRAX was easily up to that challenge. I was most surprised by the gift sent after all work was completed.
Mike H.
I had my siding replaced by BRAX Roofing this summer. I highly recommend this company. They sent someone out quickly for a free estimate, they worked with my homeowners insurance to get everything approved. I’m really happy with the end result and they worked with me on some hiccups along the way. Their customer service is really exceptional, everyone I dealt with at all times was fair and extremely polite.
Brandi H.