If the time has come to renovate the outside of your Carolina residence, you’ve probably begun looking for inspiration online and in home decor magazines. Board-and-batten siding is one design trend that may have caught your eye. While traditional board-and-batten – which is usually done with wood siding boards – can be lovely, it is also high-maintenance.
One great solution is to use fiber-cement siding for your board-and-batten aesthetic instead. This siding material is made by the James Hardie Company, who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that homeowners in the Carolinas and throughout the country are satisfied.
As you continue reading, you’ll learn more about why fiber cement siding might be the perfect choice for your upcoming board-and-batten project. This material is quickly rising in popularity throughout the United States and is a great choice for a number of reasons.
What exactly is board-and-batten?
The board-and-batten look is created by hanging wide siding planks vertically, which is different from the horizontal orientation of traditional siding boards. Then, thin vertical strips called battens are installed to cover the seams between the wide planks. Some homeowners opt to incorporate some horizontal boards with board-and-batten sections to create a truly unique exterior look.
Board-and-batten siding is popular right now due to the modern farmhouse trend, but it is a siding style that has a rich backstory, as well. For well over 200 years, American homesteaders and homeowners have used board-and-batten siding as an alternative to log cabins.
Why should I choose the James Hardie Company?
As previously mentioned, James Hardie brand fiber cement siding has a number of advantages. Among these are the fact that it strongly resembles the rustic elegance of authentic wood boards, but without the upkeep.
This means you can get the look of traditional board-and-batten but you won’t have to regularly seal it or worry about other issues, such as woodpeckers and insects burrowing into your home’s exterior. Fiber cement siding is pest resistant, which is fortunate for Carolina homeowners.
Another perk of fiber cement is that it comes in a wide variety of colorfast hues. This gives homeowners many options to customize their board-and-batten siding. Some, for instance, actually use two siding colors to add visual interest, while others choose a unique shade that cannot be found on other siding materials, like vinyl and aluminum.
What is the cost difference?
Although fiber cement is typically slightly more expensive than vinyl siding, it is often similarly priced to wood. However, over time, fiber cement is more cost-effective than both of these options due to the fact that it is long-lasting and requires very little maintenance.
Generally, fiber cement will last for about 50 years, while vinyl typically has to be replaced every 20-25 years and wood often has approximately a 20-year lifespan, but with regular treatments to prevent decay.
If you think board-and-batten might be the right look for your upcoming renovation project, let the Hatch Homes team take the lead. We have a great deal of experience with James Hardie fiber cement siding and look forward to helping you understand exactly how it can transform your home.