The siding manufactured by the James Hardie brand has been gaining popularity in recent years. The company has several lines of fiber cement siding, all of which are made from cement, wood pulp, cellulose and water. There are a variety of benefits to this mixture, which you will learn more about as you continue reading.
Although the James Hardie company’s siding options have many perks, there are also a few downsides you should be aware of before you make a final decision about whether or not it’s the best choice for your upcoming remodeling project. The next two sections outline key pros and cons all homeowners need to know. Remember, too, if you have additional questions that are specific to your job, you should never hesitate to have a conversation with your contractor.
Positives of Hardieplank Siding
Durability – Hardieplank siding lasts a long time. Most styles include 30-year warranties and, often, last well beyond that mark if the boards are taken care of properly. This means you will probably never have to replace your siding as long as you live in your house!
Eco-friendliness – There are a few things that make James Hardie siding exceptionally environmentally friendly. For starters, since it lasts so long, it doesn’t create waste due to regular replacement projects, which is something both vinyl and wood siding are guilty of. Furthermore, the manufacturing process uses natural materials, rather than synthetic ones, which is great for the world around us.
Additionally, Hardieplank siding supports forests by using cement instead of wood. Wood siding can lead to additional deforestation around the world, which is something many environmental groups are trying to campaign against.
Aesthetics – Hardie siding is objectively beautiful. Most series are available in two finishes, textured and smooth. Both are lovely; it just depends on your personal preferences. The textured boards tend to look like real wood, with grooves and swirls, while the smooth boards have a sleeker, more modern appearance.
Resistant to fire – Because Hardieplank siding is nearly 100% cement, it is flame resistant. This is great news for homeowners for a number of reasons. It is, of course, a huge perk to not have to worry about your house catching fire from the outside, but you may also find that your insurance rates are reduced thanks to your decision to use this sort of siding.
Holds-up in strong winds – Because our clients are scattered throughout the Carolinas, many of them, particularly in coastal regions like Charleston, find themselves dealing with hurricane-force winds from time to time. James Hardie Fiber Cement siding is engineered to stand up to stronger wind speeds than it’s competitors.
Negatives of Hardieplank Siding
Tougher to install – Since Hardieplank siding’s primary component is cement, it is quite heavy once it is hung on a house. Additionally, the material must be handled very carefully when carrying it around and installing it on the exterior. This means that some additional tools and stronger nails must be used to install it properly. You may have to pay extra labor and materials costs if you choose this sort of siding.
Requires some upkeep – Unlike vinyl siding, which is virtually maintenance-free, Hardieplank siding will need to be repainted on a periodic basis. It does not tend to need new paint as frequently as wood siding, but it is something you should be aware of as you make your final decision.
If you think Hardieplank siding sounds like the perfect choice for your family, we hope you’ll give the Hatch Homes team a call soon to set-up a consultation. We enjoy installing fiber cement siding and love seeing how it completely transforms homes. We know you will be thrilled with your decision to use this brand of siding!