Why Your Siding Choice Matters More in Columbus
Homeowners in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio are often faced with a variety of dilemmas when choosing siding. They are faced with severe, rapidly changing weather throughout Ohio’s four-season climate, experiencing sweltering heat and humidity, especially near the Scioto River, as well as heavy wind, rain, and even hail. This leads to homeowners having to choose options that either value durability and longevity or energy-efficiency.
However, with the price tags that often come with full siding replacements, smart homeowners want to choose a siding option that not only looks great and matches their neighborhood’s natural aesthetics, but will also influence strong resale value or help them save on AEP energy bills.
With these considerations in mind, two premium styles, Insulated Vinyl and Fiber Cement siding, have arisen as new favorites for Columbus homeowners. As unbiased exterior experts, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each and offer our recommendations for your home.
TL/DR: Our Recommendations for Your Home
| Feature | Fiber Cement (James Hardie) | Insulated Vinyl (CraneBoard) |
| Best For… | Historic charm & maximum ROI. | Modern efficiency & low maintenance. |
| Columbus Weather | Exceptional fire & hail resistance. | Superior R-Value for Ohio winters. |
| Maintenance | Requires painting every 15 years. | Never needs painting; just a wash. |
| Curb Appeal | Mimics real wood aesthetics. | Clean, uniform, modern look. |
| Investment | High upfront cost. 114% resale value recouped. | Mid-range cost. Can lower utility bills. |
Understanding Your Two Premium Options: Engineered for Columbus
Fiber Cement (James Hardie): The “Historic” Choice for High ROI
James Hardie® is the gold standard for homeowners seeking a bridge between elevated aesthetics and extreme durability.
- Composition & Manufacture: Crafted from a specialized blend of cellulose fibers, sand, and cement, this material is engineered to be significantly more durable than traditional siding.
- The “Columbus-Tough” HZ5® Line: Specifically engineered for the Ohio climate, the HZ5® product line is formulated to withstand the intense freeze-thaw cycles of Central Ohio. It resists shrinking, warping, and swelling even when temperatures swing from 50°F to 10°F in a single day.
- Built-in Resilience: Fiber cement is non-combustible and naturally resistant to pests like woodpeckers and termites, offering unyielding protection against hail and storm impact.
- Industry Reputation: As the #1 siding brand in North America, it offers an unmatched ROI, with some reports showing homeowners recouping up to 114% of their project cost in increased home value.
Insulated Vinyl (CraneBoard): The “Thermal Blanket” for Your Home
CraneBoard® Solid Core Siding is a high-performance alternative to traditional vinyl, designed specifically to address the energy-efficiency needs of Ohio homes.
- Advanced Solid CoRe® Technology: Unlike standard “hollow” vinyl that cracks in extreme cold, CraneBoard features a structural backing that keeps panels perfectly flat. This ensures a “straight-wall” look without the wavy lines common in lower-grade materials.
- Maximum Energy Efficiency: This siding acts as a thermal blanket, offering up to 19% better R-value than fiber cement. This results in significant year-round temperature control and lower AEP energy bills.
- Weather Resilience: CraneBoard is rated for wind resistance up to 160 mph, making it ideal for flat, windy suburbs like Hilliard or Grove City. Its solid core also provides a hail-resistant barrier that reduces outside noise by up to 45%.
- Zero-Maintenance Value: Unlike wood or fiber cement, it never needs painting. It is virtually maintenance-free, saving homeowners thousands in long-term upkeep costs.
Fiber Cement vs. Insulated Vinyl: The Head-to-Head Comparison
While both materials are premium upgrades for Columbus homes, they excel in different areas. Use this table to see how they stack up on the factors that matter most.
| Decision Factor | Fiber Cement (James Hardie) | Insulated Vinyl (CraneBoard) |
| Maintenance | Low: Requires paint ~ 15 years | Virtually Maintenance-Free |
| Energy-Efficiency | Standard | High (Solid CoRe® Insulation) |
| Fire Safety | Non-combustible (Class A rated) | Melting risk in high heat |
| Durability | Resists impact damage & pests | Wind resistance up to 160 mph |
| Aesthetics | Mimics real wood grain | Sleek, modern straight wall design |
| Upfront Cost | Higher (specialized installation) | Mid-range (typically faster) |
| Resale Value | Highest, 114% Recouped* | Strong, 97% Recouped* |
*according to JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value Report
Expert Recommendations by Home Type
Historic Columbus Neighborhoods
For homeowners living in historic or higher-end neighborhoods such as Muirfield Village, fiber cement can help match your location’s natural appeal, preserving the unique aspects of your design. Fiber cement is a great option for a modern look, but that still preserves the natural character of your home’s exterior. Furthermore, with fiber cement’s increased durability, you’ll get the most out of your investment long term.
Modern Suburban Properties
With many Columbus suburbs growing rapidly and filled with busy families, insulated vinyl siding often makes a great choice. You’ll not only save time and money on maintenance, but you’ll also likely lower your energy bills with the help of superior R-Value. In growing suburbs such as Olentangy and New Albany, insulated vinyl allows you to create a contemporary, modern design that’ll blend well with your neighbors, but create an effortlessly elevated aesthetic when designed with popular palettes.
Investment Properties
For property owners looking to increase their long-term return, it may be tempting to opt for fiber cement to take advantage of the superior resale value. Furthermore, with James Hardie’s non-combustible cladding, fiber cement offers a safe alternative that is likely to survive through any accidental burns or exposed flames from tenants.
However, it’s also important to consider that fiber cement will require more maintenance over time and has a more expensive installation, eating into potential resale value if you’re looking to flip a property. While this is more of a toss-up based on your preference, if you’re looking to hold long-term, fiber cement could make sense, however, if your investment is short-term or you’re looking to keep tenant expenses lower via utility bills, insulated vinyl likely makes more sense.
Making Your Decision: A Practical Framework
Choosing between James Hardie and CraneBoard depends on your long-term goals for your home.
When to Choose Fiber Cement (James Hardie)
- Architectural Integrity: You live in a historic area like Muirfield Village and need to preserve natural character.
- Maximized Safety: You want non-combustible cladding that is safe from accidental flames.
- Highest ROI: You are prioritizing the maximum possible resale value (reaping up to 114% of the cost).
When to Choose Insulated Vinyl (CraneBoard)
- Efficiency First: You live in a growing suburb like New Albany or Olentangy and want to lower AEP energy bills.
- Busy Lifestyle: You want an effortlessly elevated look that is virtually maintenance-free.
- Budget-Conscious Quality: You want a modern design with a faster, more cost-effective installation.
See the Transformation Before You Commit
Still can’t decide which look fits your neighborhood best? Use our Visualizer Tool to see James Hardie and CraneBoard on a digital model of your own home.
Ready for a Personalized Assessment?
Every Columbus home has unique needs, from Scioto River humidity to neighborhood HOA requirements. Get a custom quote and energy-savings breakdown today.
