Best Siding Materials Compared: Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement vs. Steel vs. Composite Siding (Pros, Cons, Costs & Which Is Best?)

Choosing new siding is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home’s exterior. The right siding doesn’t just improve curb appeal—it protects your home from Iowa and Illinois weather, increases energy efficiency, reduces maintenance, and can significantly improve your home’s resale value.

If you’re comparing vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, steel siding, or composite siding, you’re probably asking the same questions most homeowners do:

• Which siding lasts the longest?
• Which siding offers the best value?
• What siding performs best in Iowa and Illinois?
• How much does new siding cost?
• Which siding requires the least maintenance?

At Centennial Home Improvement, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Iowa City, and the surrounding Quad Cities area choose the right siding since 2015. Every home is different, which is why we take the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each siding material before making a recommendation.

This guide compares today’s most popular siding materials so you can confidently choose the best option for your home.

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Why Choosing the Right Siding Matters

Your home’s siding serves as its first line of defense against:

• Heavy rain                                                                                                                                         
• Snow and ice
• High winds
• Hail
• Humidity
• UV exposure
• Temperature swings

In eastern Iowa and western Illinois, siding must withstand freezing winters, hot summers, and severe thunderstorms. Selecting the right material can reduce future maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and help your home retain its beauty for decades.

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Vinyl Siding

Mastic by Ply Gem Vinyl Siding Installed by Centennial Home Improvement

Vinyl siding remains America’s most popular siding choice because it offers an excellent balance of affordability, appearance, durability, and low maintenance.

Today’s premium vinyl siding is significantly thicker, stronger, and more realistic than products installed decades ago. Modern color technology also helps resist fading over time.

Advantages of Vinyl Siding

• Affordable compared to most premium materials
• Available in hundreds of colors and styles
• Never requires painting
• Resists insects and moisture
• Low maintenance
• Won’t peel or flake
• Excellent curb appeal
• Many insulated options improve energy efficiency
• Can realistically mimic wood grain

For many homeowners, vinyl delivers the best overall value for the investment.

Potential Drawbacks

Like every building material, vinyl isn’t perfect.

Although today’s premium vinyl siding is extremely durable, severe hail or flying debris can crack or puncture individual panels. Fortunately, damaged sections can often be replaced without replacing the entire wall.

Lower-quality vinyl products may also fade faster or become brittle over time, which is why choosing a premium manufacturer and an experienced installer is so important.

Best For

Vinyl siding is ideal for homeowners looking for:

• Excellent value
• Low maintenance
• Long-lasting curb appeal
• Wide color selection
• Budget-friendly exterior remodeling

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Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding has become one of the most popular premium siding options for homeowners wanting the appearance of painted wood with exceptional durability.

James Hardie products are engineered to resist harsh weather while providing timeless architectural beauty.

Advantages

• Exceptional durability
• Resists rot
• Non-combustible
• Resists termites
• Outstanding curb appeal
• Beautiful wood-grain appearance
• Holds paint extremely well
• Performs well in varying climates

Many homeowners choose fiber cement because it provides a high-end appearance that complements both traditional and modern homes.

Potential Drawbacks

Fiber cement typically has a higher upfront investment than vinyl.

Because each plank is heavier than vinyl siding, professional installation is essential. Proper flashing, fastening, and moisture management are critical for long-term performance.

Unlike vinyl, painted fiber cement will eventually require repainting depending on exposure and climate.

Best For

Fiber cement is an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize:

• Premium appearance
• Long-term durability
• Fire resistance
• Strong resale value
• Architectural style homes

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Steel Siding

EDCO Steel Siding

Steel siding has become increasingly popular among homeowners looking for maximum durability with very little maintenance.

Unlike older metal siding products, today’s premium steel siding features advanced coatings designed to resist fading, chalking, corrosion, and weathering.

Advantages

• Exceptional impact resistance
• Excellent wind resistance
• Fire resistant
• Resists insects
• Won’t rot
• Doesn’t warp
• Long lifespan
• Extremely low maintenance
• Excellent protection against Midwest weather

EDCO steel siding is especially popular with homeowners planning to stay in their home for many years.

Potential Drawbacks

Although steel siding is extremely durable, severe impacts can dent the material.

Repairs are generally more involved than replacing an individual vinyl panel.

Steel siding also typically costs more than vinyl.

Best For

Steel siding works well for homeowners wanting:

• Maximum durability
• Low maintenance
• Excellent storm resistance
• Long-term investment
• Premium exterior appearance

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Composite Siding

Everlast® Composite Siding

Everlast Composite Siding has become one of the fastest-growing premium siding products on the market because it combines the beauty of traditional wood with outstanding durability and minimal maintenance.

Unlike wood or fiber cement, Everlast is made from a proprietary composite material that is engineered to resist moisture, insects, and harsh weather without the need for painting.

Advantages

• Exceptional resistance to moisture
• Will not rot
• Resistant to insects
• Never requires painting
• Outstanding fade resistance
• Realistic cedar appearance
• Thick, durable panels
• Low maintenance
• Excellent warranty
• Performs exceptionally well in Midwest climates

One of the biggest advantages of Everlast is that homeowners get the look of painted wood without the ongoing maintenance associated with traditional wood siding or repainting fiber cement.

Potential Drawbacks

Everlast is a premium siding product, so the initial investment is typically higher than vinyl siding.

Color options are more limited than vinyl, although the available colors are carefully selected to complement today’s most popular home styles.

Best For

Everlast Composite Siding is ideal for homeowners who want:

• Premium curb appeal
• Long-term durability
• Extremely low maintenance
• Moisture resistance
• Long-lasting color
• A wood-look exterior without continual upkeep

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Side-by-Side Siding Comparison

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Typical Siding Installation Costs

Every home is unique, so pricing depends on:

• Home size
• Number of stories
• Existing siding removal
• Trim work
• Insulation upgrades
• Window and door details
• Material selection
• Architectural complexity

While every project is different, homeowners can generally expect:

The best way to determine your investment is through a professional consultation where measurements, product selections, and installation requirements can be evaluated.

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Which Siding Performs Best in the Quad Cities?

Living in the Quad Cities means your home’s exterior experiences nearly every type of weather imaginable.

From freezing temperatures and heavy snow to hailstorms, high winds, humidity, and intense summer heat, your siding needs to perform year after year.

In our experience serving homeowners throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois:

• Vinyl siding provides outstanding value and remains the most popular choice.
• James Hardie fiber cement offers exceptional durability and upscale curb appeal.
• EDCO steel siding delivers outstanding long-term protection and weather resistance.
• Everlast composite siding combines premium aesthetics with one of the lowest-maintenance ownership experiences available today.

The “best” siding depends on your priorities, budget, home style, and long-term plans.

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Why Homeowners Choose Centennial Home Improvement

Since 2015, Centennial Home Improvement has helped homeowners throughout the Quad Cities protect and beautify their homes with professionally installed siding systems.

When you choose us, you receive:

• Locally owned and operated company
• Licensed, bonded, and insured
• Manufacturer-trained installation teams
• Premium products from trusted manufacturers
• Honest recommendations based on your goals—not sales pressure
• Detailed project planning
• Professional installation
• Thorough cleanup
• Industry-leading warranties
• Hundreds of satisfied homeowners throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois

Our goal isn’t simply to install siding—it’s to help you make the best long-term investment for your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best siding material for homes in Iowa and Illinois?

A: There isn’t one universal answer. Vinyl siding offers the best overall value for many homeowners, while James Hardie fiber cement, EDCO steel siding, and Everlast Composite Siding provide premium durability and curb appeal. The best choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and desired appearance.

Q: Which siding lasts the longest?

A: Steel siding, fiber cement, and Everlast Composite Siding all offer excellent longevity when professionally installed and properly maintained. Premium vinyl siding can also last 30–40 years or more.

Q: Does new siding increase home value?

A: Yes. New siding can significantly improve curb appeal, reduce maintenance, increase energy efficiency, and enhance resale value. According to the annual Cost vs. Value Report, siding replacement consistently ranks among the better exterior remodeling projects for return on investment.

Q: Which siding requires the least maintenance?

A: Premium vinyl siding, EDCO steel siding, and Everlast Composite Siding require very little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Fiber cement is also relatively low maintenance but may eventually need repainting.

Q: Can damaged siding be repaired?

A: In many cases, yes. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, individual sections of siding can often be replaced. During our inspection, we’ll let you know whether a repair or full replacement is the more cost-effective solution.

Q: How long does siding installation take?

A: Most residential siding replacement projects are completed within one to two weeks, depending on the size of the home, weather conditions, and the scope of work.

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Schedule Your Free Siding Consultation

Whether you’re replacing worn-out siding or simply exploring your options, our team is here to help. We’ll inspect your home’s exterior, explain the advantages of each siding material, answer your questions, and provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate tailored to your home and budget.

Centennial Home Improvement proudly serves homeowners throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Le Claire, Eldridge, Blue Grass, Walcott, Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, Silvis, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and the surrounding Quad Cities communities.

Contact Centennial Home Improvement today to schedule your free siding consultation and discover which siding system is the best fit for your home.