Fire-Resistant Alternatives To Vinyl Siding For More Durability

For many, the difference between losing everything in a wildfire and being the last house standing on a street is often building materials — the siding on a house plays a huge part in that. There are many types of siding to consider, and while vinyl siding is the most popular in the U.S., a non-combustible option may be a better choice if you live in fire-prone areas.

From well-known, traditional materials such as three-layer stucco and aluminim to newer products such as fiber cement, there are great options for homeowners looking to build durability and resilience into their homes. These products don't just resist fire, but are considered non-combustible materials and can reduce or prevent the spread of fire. In some cases they can resist fire for hours, giving the fire department more time to respond, adding another layer of protection. These very different options each have their own pros and cons, so let's dive into it.

Stucco is already a popular building material in fire-prone areas on the Pacific Coast. It is made of a mixture of sand, limestone, cement, and water, none of which are combustible. Typically applied in three layers to reach 1 inch of thickness, a stucco facade can resist flames for roughly an hour. You can also add additional layers of stucco to increase the thickness.

There are other ways to increase stucco's fire resistance. For instance, it can be applied over traditional wood construction, but can also be added over brick, which is also fire-resistant. Vinyl siding ranges in price from $3 to $12 per square foot, while stucco ranges from $7 to $9 per square foot. The cheapest vinyl options may cost less, but stucco can last about 50 years under the right conditions, so it has the potential to be more cost-effective.

Excess water and bad drainage are stucco's worst enemies. Cracking can be a problem in these situations, but stucco can also be patched by simply applying new stucco to old, damaged material. Proper installation can make stucco a good option for any region, but it's an especially good option for dry climates — if you live in a warm, dry area, definitely consider it.

Fiber cement is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and wood fibers that results in hours of fire resistance. There are many reasons to use fiber cement siding, but one of the best is the many options it comes in. From board and batten to shingles to horizontal slats, there is almost certainly an option to fit your style. It can cost $5 to $14 per square foot and has steadily been gaining in popularity. Roughly on par with vinyl in price, fiber cement can also last 50 years, giving it a longer life than vinyl's 20-to-40-year lifespan.

Aluminum siding has similar fire-resistant properties (as you might expect from metal), but it also stands up well to wind, rain, and other environmental pressures. It could, however, buckle during a fire, exposing the materials underneath to flame. Yet at just $3 to $6 per square foot with a lifespan of 20 to 40 years, it may be the best budget-conscious option for homeowners looking to build a fire-resistant home. Whichever material you choose, remember this is just one way to make your home more resistant to wildfires. Ultimately, you need a comprehensive plan to give your home the best chance of survival.