Choose vinyl if you want the lowest cost and zero maintenance: $8–$14 per square foot installed, 30–40 year lifespan. Choose James Hardie fibre cement if you want maximum durability, fire resistance and resale value, $14–$22 per square foot installed, 50+ year lifespan with a 30-year non-prorated finish warranty.
For most Ontario homes under $700K, insulated vinyl is the better value. Above that, or on any home where curb appeal drives resale, fibre cement wins.
| Vinyl | Fibre cement (James Hardie) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft installed | $8 – $14 | $14 – $22 |
| 1,000 sq ft bungalow | $9,500 – $13,500 | $16,000 – $23,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft two-storey | $14,000 – $22,000 | $22,500 – $31,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft two-storey | $22,000 – $33,000 | $36,000 – $50,000 |
Ranges are all-in: tear-off, house wrap, flashing, trim, disposal and labour. Fibre cement carries roughly a 55–70% cost premium over vinyl on the same house, mostly in labour. It is heavier, needs specialty blades, and takes a two-person crew to hang.
| Factor | Vinyl | Fibre cement |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30–40 years | 50+ years |
| Maintenance | Rinse annually | Repaint at ~15 years (if not ColorPlus) |
| Fire rating | Melts at ~75°C | Non-combustible |
| Impact / hail | Cracks in deep cold | Very high resistance |
| Colour fade | Moderate on dark colours | 30-yr non-prorated finish warranty |
| Weight | Light, no framing changes | ~2.5× heavier |
| Resale (US Cost vs Value) | ~80% recouped | ~88% recouped |
| Install time, 1,500 sq ft | 5–7 days | 8–12 days |
Ontario's freeze-thaw cycle is the deciding variable. Standard vinyl becomes brittle below roughly −25°C and can crack on impact; that is why we only install cold-rated, thicker-gauge vinyl (CertainTeed, Mitten, Kaycan) here. Fibre cement does not have that failure mode at all, but it must be installed with correct gapping and flashing or it will wick moisture at the joints.
On a long-term home, yes. Fibre cement lasts 50+ years versus 30–40 for vinyl, recoups roughly 88% at resale versus 80%, and carries a 30-year non-prorated finish warranty. On a home you will sell within a decade, insulated vinyl is the better financial choice.
No. Fibre cement must be fastened into studs or solid sheathing. The existing vinyl comes off, the sheathing is inspected and repaired, and new house wrap goes on before the Hardie is hung.
Low-grade thin vinyl can crack on impact below about −25°C. Cold-rated vinyl in .044" gauge or heavier from CertainTeed, Mitten or Kaycan handles Ontario winters without issue. We do not install builder-grade vinyl.
James Hardie fibre cement lasts 50+ years. Quality vinyl lasts 30–40 years. Both outlive the typical mortgage, but Hardie holds its colour and profile longer.
Free on-site visit within 24 hours. Written itemized quote same day. No sales tricks.
(905) 977-2220