Pros and Cons of Hardie Board Siding

When your siding is deteriorating, it dims your home’s curb appeal and jeopardizes its protection. The integrity of your home’s siding needs to stay intact to function properly. So when it’s time for new siding, where do you turn for recommendations? James Hardie fiber cement siding protects over 8,000,000 homes in America, and there’s good reason for their popularity.

At American Way Exteriors, we understand how unsettling it can be to hear about the benefits of multiple siding products and not know which is best for your home. Products that last are important to us; that’s why we install James Hardie siding (also known as Hardie board). It’s the strongest siding available, and stands up against Ohio’s harshest elements. Its outstanding warranty gives homeowners confidence.

Durable, attractive Hardie Board siding stands up to the weather and looks fabulous for years to come. It’s made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers which combine to create a thick, protective siding product homeowners love.

Hardie Board Siding—the Pros

Some of the key benefits of Hardie Board siding include:

Extreme durability

Hardie board siding, also known as fiber cement siding, is the toughest siding product in the industry. The most widely used brand of Hardie board siding is James Hardie. Its track record gives you peace of mind that it will last. It withstands high winds, storms, snow, ice, and rain. It protects your home by resisting moisture penetration, saving you the hassle of repairs due to rotting, warping, or swelling. It can withstand the change of seasons and temperature extremes.

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Multiple style options

You deserve the perfect siding to complement your home, and James Hardie has something for every home from Craftsmen to Contemporary.

• HardiePlank Lap Siding—Top-selling HardiePlank lap siding gives you timeless design, custom color, and gorgeous texture.
• HardieShingle Siding—The distinct look of cedar merged with the durability of James Hardie products to create this siding.
• HardiePanel Vertical Siding—Vertical siding with simple lines perfectly complement a farmhouse look or contemporary home.
• HardieTrim—You can beautifully accent your home’s front door, windows, and more with colorful, attractive HardieTrim.
• HardieSoffit—Protect your home from moisture penetration and pests by fortifying the space between eaves and exterior walls.

Outstanding warranty

Some siding companies decrease warranty coverage as the years after installation increase, but not the James Hardie company. The James Hardie warranty provides homeowners a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty. Additionally, James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology is warrantied against chipping, peeling, and cracking for 15 years.

Fire resistant

Siding products such as wood will fuel a fire. But fiber cement siding won’t contribute to a fire because it isn’t combustible. Hardie Board siding gives you and your family the added protection you need so you can have confidence about the safety of you and your loved ones.

Low maintenance

Fiber cement siding requires almost no maintenance year-round. Simply take your garden hose and a medium bristle nylon brush to clean it twice a year, and it will keep looking gorgeous!

Pleasing aesthetics

Hardie board siding is gorgeous and boosts your home’s curb appeal. It can do beautiful things like mimic wood siding (minus the high maintenance of wood) because it is so thick and textured.

Pest resistance

Hardie board resists unwanted pests like termites and carpenter ants. It’s also woodpecker resistant, so there is no need to be concerned about the time or money it takes to repair termite or woodpecker damage to your home.

Environmentally friendly

James Hardie siding is the most environmentally friendly siding option in the industry because of its ingredients and the James Hardie Company’s sustainable practices.

Third-party tested

It’s tough to beat the highly esteemed Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and James Hardie siding received this honor after rigorous testing by the Good Housekeeping Research institute. Popular HardiePlank lap siding was tested for moisture resistance, color retention, fire resistance, and more.

Fresh options

The latest line of James Hardie siding products is the New Aspyre Collection. Ideal for contemporary or modern homes, this luxury collection combines the thick distinctive patterns of Artisan siding with the smooth, geometric Reveal® Panel System. It provides creative siding design for homeowners who want distinct style.

Trained installation experts

The James Hardie company takes the guesswork out of which contractor to hire to ensure your siding’s long term performance. They train contractors themselves on how to install their product. American Way Exteriors is the only James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor in the area, and we install James Hardie siding according to the strict reliability standards set by the James Hardie company. Your outstanding warranty will be honored because the siding was installed by a qualified Elite Preferred Contractor.

The Cons of Hardie Board Siding

Some of the downsides of Hardie Board siding include the:

Lengthier installation

The heavy weight of Hardie board siding makes it more difficult to handle than other siding material options, so it takes more time to install. And its installation should only be done by James Hardie trained professionals to ensure the warranty is honored.

Initial investment

There are so many pros about fiber cement siding, they offset the primary drawback for this siding material: the initial cost. Hardie board siding is a greater financial investment, but it lasts longer than other siding materials like vinyl. Understand that you will enjoy this exceptional siding for up to 50 years, so the initial investment pays off. And the investment boosts your home’s resale value and gives you one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) in the remodeling industry.

James Hardie siding is more expensive than vinyl, less expensive than brick or stucco siding, and equal to or less than composite siding materials.

Repainting after 15 years

The James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology warranty covers your siding’s color for 15 years and keeps your color looking vibrant. After approximately 15 years, your Hardie board siding may need to be repainted, but by then you may desire a new look anyway.

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Hardie Board Siding FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) from homeowners regarding Hardie Board siding:

What are the pros and cons of Hardie board siding compared to other siding types?

Hardie board siding is known for its durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance. Unlike vinyl, it doesn’t warp or become brittle in extreme temperatures. Compared to wood, it is resistant to pests and requires less upkeep. However, it does have a higher initial cost and a longer installation time compared to some other materials.

How does Hardie board siding impact my home’s energy efficiency?

Hardie board siding offers good insulation properties that can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. When installed correctly, it can help maintain indoor temperatures, potentially reducing your heating and cooling costs.

What styles and colors are available for Hardie board siding?

James Hardie offers a wide range of styles and colors to fit any home design. Options include HardiePlank lap siding, HardieShingle siding, HardiePanel vertical siding, HardieTrim, and HardieSoffit. Each style comes in various colors, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your home.

How does the cost of Hardie board siding compare to other siding materials?

While Hardie board siding has a higher initial cost compared to vinyl, it is less expensive than materials like brick or stucco. Over time, its durability and low maintenance needs can offer significant savings, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

What do reviews say about Hardie board siding?

Homeowners and experts alike often praise Hardie board siding for its longevity, aesthetic appeal, and robust performance in various weather conditions. Many reviews highlight its ability to maintain appearance and functionality over decades, making it a trusted choice for long-term siding solutions.

Is Hardie board siding environmentally friendly?

Yes, James Hardie siding products are made with sustainable practices and materials, making them one of the most environmentally friendly options available. The manufacturing process focuses on reducing waste and energy use, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.

How does Hardie board siding fare in extreme weather conditions?

Hardie board siding is specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, snow, and ice. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for homes in areas with harsh weather, ensuring long-lasting protection and minimal maintenance.

How do I maintain Hardie board siding?

Maintaining Hardie board siding is simple and requires minimal effort. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Cleaning: Clean your siding twice a year using a garden hose and a medium bristle nylon brush. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the siding.

• Inspecting: Regularly inspect your siding for any damage or wear. Look for signs of cracks, chips, or loose boards and address them promptly to prevent further issues.

• Painting: If your Hardie board siding has ColorPlus Technology, it will retain its color for up to 15 years. After that, you may need to repaint it. Use high-quality, exterior-grade paint for the best results.

• Caulking: Check the caulking around windows, doors, and other openings annually. Reapply caulk if you notice any gaps or deterioration to maintain a weather-tight seal.

• Gutter Maintenance: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water from overflowing and potentially damaging your siding.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can keep your Hardie board siding looking great and performing well for many years.

What kind of warranty does James Hardie offer on their siding products?

James Hardie provides a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty on their siding products, along with a 15-year warranty on their ColorPlus Technology for color retention. This extensive warranty coverage offers homeowners peace of mind and protects their investment.

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Don’t settle for an inferior siding contractor

Get the home exterior upgrades you need from the experts at American Way Exteriors. Take a look at our recent projects and dream a little. Contact us today!