If you are sizing up the work, start with our page on fiber cement siding. Live nearby? See siding in Downtown Durham, Durham NC. Doing your homework first? Read our guide on lp smartside vs hardie siding.
The short version
If you came here looking for a straight answer about vinyl vs fiber cement siding durham, here it is: it depends on your house, your goals, and your budget. The rest of this page walks through how we think about it on a real Durham job.
What to look for
Walk the house on a sunny morning. Look for soft spots when you press on the siding. Check the bottom row for swelling or rot. Look for paint that bubbles or peels in patches. Open a window and look at the trim around it for daylight or staining.
What to ask a contractor
Ask what brand and product line they install most often, and why. Ask what they do when they pull a panel and find bad sheathing. Ask who handles cleanup and how. Ask for their certificate of insurance, not just the word that they have it.
Durham-specific things to keep in mind
Pollen, mildew, and shade from mature trees coat north-facing walls every spring. The right material and finish make a big difference in how the house looks two and five years out.
When to call
If water is getting in, today. Otherwise, late winter or early spring books you for the busy season without rushing it. Storm work pushes the calendar fast, so do not wait if you already know the job is coming.