We're replacing the siding on a 1980s two-storey home in Renfrew. Is vinyl still the best bang for your buck, or should we go with fiber cement?

For a 1980s two-storey in Renfrew, fiber cement siding offers significantly better long-term value than vinyl, despite the higher upfront cost. While vinyl costs less initially ($8-12 per sq ft installed vs $12-18 for fiber cement), Calgary's extreme weather conditions make fiber cement the smarter investment.

Calgary's Climate Challenge for Siding

Calgary's notorious chinook winds and temperature swings are brutal on exterior materials. When temperatures jump from -25°C to +10°C in a single day (classic Calgary chinook), vinyl siding expands and contracts dramatically, leading to warping, cracking, and loose panels. The city's intense UV exposure at 1,048 meters elevation also fades and degrades vinyl faster than in lower-altitude locations. Add frequent hailstorms, and vinyl siding often needs repairs or replacement within 15-20 years.

Fiber cement handles these conditions far better. It's dimensionally stable through temperature swings, won't warp or crack from chinooks, and stands up to hail damage that would destroy vinyl. Quality fiber cement siding like James Hardie or LP SmartSide typically lasts 30-50 years in Calgary's climate with minimal maintenance.

Cost Analysis for Your Renfrew Home

For a typical 1980s two-storey (roughly 2,000 sq ft of siding area), expect these costs:

• Vinyl siding: $16,000-24,000 installed


• Fiber cement: $24,000-36,000 installed

However, factor in Calgary's hail risk and extreme weather. Vinyl may need repairs or full replacement in 15-20 years ($8,000-16,000), while fiber cement could last 40+ years. Over 30 years, fiber cement often costs less per year of service.

Renfrew Neighborhood Considerations

Renfrew is an established inner-city community with a mix of original character homes and newer infills. Fiber cement's clean lines and variety of textures (smooth, wood grain, cedar shake) complement both heritage and contemporary styles. Many Renfrew renovations are choosing fiber cement to match the neighborhood's evolving aesthetic while handling Calgary's weather.

Professional Installation Critical

Both materials require proper installation, but fiber cement is less forgiving. Incorrect fastening, inadequate flashing, or poor caulking leads to water infiltration and expensive repairs. Your contractor must understand Calgary's wind-driven rain patterns and install appropriate weather barriers. Verify they're experienced with fiber cement and carry WCB Alberta coverage.

Next Steps

Get quotes from siding contractors experienced with Calgary's climate conditions. Ask to see recent fiber cement installations and check references from the past 2-3 years. Ensure quotes include proper house wrap, flashing details, and trim work. Consider the long-term investment — fiber cement's durability and lower maintenance make it the better choice for Calgary's challenging conditions.

Find verified siding contractors experienced with Calgary installations in our directory at Calgary Construction Network.