As you consider ways to care for your home’s exterior appearance and durability, you may think about installing siding. A little research, and you’ll probably find yourself reading about James Hardie® fiber cement siding. You may be wondering what makes James Hardie® siding special, what it offers that makes it different than vinyl siding, and whether it’s right for you.
To help you answer those questions, here is a handy list of things you need to know about Hardie Board® siding so you can decide whether it’s a fitting option as you plan to update your home’s exterior.
What is James Hardie® fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is made of cement fibers and has existed for more than 100 years. Originally created by James Hardie®, this type of siding is designed to offer superior protection for your home against extreme weather, while also looking as beautiful as traditional wood siding.
The advantages of James Hardie® siding
Hardie Board® siding is a popular choice for homeowners who find siding appealing due to its easy maintenance and protection. James Hardie® Siding in particular has many benefits that cause it to stand out as a superior form of siding.
- Looks Attractive
Hardie Board® siding comes in a variety of appearances, allowing homeowners to get the benefits of fiber cement siding while also achieving the look of wood lap boards, cedar shingles, or wood shake siding.
- Easy to Customize
Available in many styles and combinations, James Hardie® siding can achieve a natural cedar appearance, a board and batten look, and much more. Hardie Board® comes in pre-painted colors, or you can select your own personal paint color, giving you a near endless variety of options.
- Resists Fire and Pests
An advantage of fiber cement siding over other forms of exterior housing materials is its resistance to the many elements that can damage wood, brick or vinyl. Insects and birds don’t eat away at fiber cement as they do with wood. And James Hardie® siding is rated non-combustible, offering you greater protection from damaging house fires.
- Endures Weather Extremes
Hardie Board® siding is also highly resistant to any damaging weather—including hail, snow, ice, ocean spray, heat and dust. No matter where you live, you can rest assured that Hardie Board® siding provides good protection for your home.
Convenient and cost-efficient to maintain
Unlike traditional wood or vinyl siding, Hardie Board® siding doesn’t need to be painted as frequently to retain its beautiful, clean appearance.
Long-lasting
James Hardie® fiber cement siding resists moisture damage, swelling and rot. It is also more resistant to bending, sagging, dents and damage than vinyl siding. All James Hardie® siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, and trim products come with a 15-year, non-prorated warranty.
Cost Comparison — Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement
Any home exterior upgrade means considering the different options available to meet your needs — and how it may affect your budget. The most common forms of home exterior materials are natural wood, vinyl and fiber cement.
Wood
Typically speaking, natural wood tends to cost more than vinyl and fiber cement siding. It tends to look more attractive than vinyl siding, but fiber cement can easily mimic the look of wood. And because it’s a natural material, wood is prone to rotting, swelling, and sagging, as well as attracting termites, woodpeckers and other pests.
Vinyl
Many homeowners choose vinyl siding for its low costs—particularly those who are first-time homebuyers purchasing a starter house or those who want a low-cost rental house. It’s less expensive than wood, but it is not as long-lasting as fiber cement siding.
Fiber cement
Fiber cement siding is heavier than other forms of siding — around 300 pounds per 100-square feet compared to 60-70 pounds for vinyl. It requires more labor to install, which affects the overall cost of a home exterior remodel. But this cost is offset by fiber cement’s long-lasting nature, its resistance to damage, and its less frequent need for painting.
As you consider whether Hardie Board® fiber cement siding is right for you, cost is only one element to think about. Remember to also consider factors such as:
- Whether you are using the house as a low-cost rental or a more upscale permanent home
- How long you plan to stay in the house before you sell it
- How much extreme weather may affect the exterior appearance of your home
- Whether a low-maintenance exterior is important to your lifestyle
Choosing the right team to help with your home exterior upgrades
Because it is a specialized material, Hardie Board® siding is best installed by a well-trained team of experts who are certified by James Hardie®, such as the caring, professional team at JD Hostetter. Look for a contractor who has been officially certified to install Hardie Board® siding by James Hardie.
Get a more beautiful home exterior with a team you can trust
Your home is one of your biggest investments. You deserve to have a home that looks beautiful, has curb appeal, and is protected from the wear and tear of weather and age.
Our expert, reliable team at JD Hostetter is here to help you with all your home exterior upgrade needs, including all you need to know about whether Hardie Board® siding is right for you. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free Siding Quote to get you started.
