When it comes to siding options for your home, there are a lot of choices to consider. However, one option that stands out for its durability, low maintenance, and design flexibility is James Hardie Siding.
Hardie Board Siding is, in our opinion, one of the top siding products for your home. But what makes Hardie Board such a great product?
What Is Hardie Board Siding?
Hardie Board, also known as Hardie Planks, is a type of fiber cement siding that is a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood siding. It is made from a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which are pressed and molded into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Its unique formula makes it extremely strong compared to traditional wood siding. The sand and cement help it to avoid moisture, which keep it from swelling, rotting or warping. It also makes it a perfect material for locations that are exposed to high rains or humidity. It’s also durable against high winds and is pest resistant.
While Hardie Board may be used to describe any type of fiber cement board, it specifically refers to siding and stucco panels made by James Hardie.
Types of James Hardie Siding
James Hardie “hardie board” or “hardie planks” are available in both horizontal and vertical siding options. Popular styles include shiplap plank siding in both wood texture and smooth, along with a beaded look. Hardie planks are also available in stucco panel options that mimick stucco without the headaches involved with maintaining it. James Hardie has partnered with Joanna Gaines to create the Magnolia Home collection, a unique line of colors, textures, and styles of Hardie planks and Hardie boards.
How Durable Is Hardie Board?
One of the primary benefits of James Hardie Siding is its durability. It’s a durable siding, designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, including heavy rains and hurricanes. It’s also resistant to fire and pests. In fact, James Hardie’s siding product is so durable that some Hardie products come with limited lifetime warranties. If you’re looking for a siding material option that will stand the test of time, Hardie Board is an excellent choice.
Let Us Install Hardie Board Siding on Your Home
How Do You Maintain Hardie Board?
Unlike traditional wood siding, Hardie Board doesn’t require regular painting or staining. You only need to clean it periodically with a power washer or mild detergent to keep it looking great. The color of Hardie Board siding is guaranteed for 15 years. This means less time and money spent on maintenance and more time to enjoy your home.
What Does Hardie Board Siding Look Like?
One of the best parts about Hardie Board siding is that it comes in a wide variety of patterns and variations. Hardie Board captures the style of most home siding types, from traditional shiplap siding to board and batten vertical siding and even modern, architectural stucco panels. It is also available in different profiles, including lap siding, shingle siding, and panel siding, allowing homeowners to create a customized look for their homes. Hardie Board is available in a range of colors and textures. Click here for a look at some of the latest James Hardie colors.
How Do You Install Hardie Board Siding?
While installing Hardie Board requires special tools and techniques, it’s a relatively straightforward process. Like most siding, you start with a moisture resistant barrier, and then apply your siding. You need a starter strip, and then can begin to attach the Hardie Board Siding to the studs.
The installation of Hardie planks may be straightfoward, but the heavy weight of fiber cement can make it more challenging to a DIYer than other siding options.
It’s important to hire a professional siding installation contractor to ensure that it’s installed correctly. This will ensure that your siding will last for many years to come. Look for a James Hardie Preferred Contractor. They’re trained by James Hardie to be experts at installing the Hardie Board product.
How Much Does Hardie Board Siding Cost?
Hardie board is a bit more expensive than traditional wood siding. However, the cost is offset by its durability and low maintenance. Unlike traditional siding, it doesn’t require painting and is resistant to rot, giving it a longer lifespan than wood. In the long run, you’ll likely save money on maintenance and repairs, making it a wise investment. Many contractors, including Volpe Enterprises, offer payment plans to offest the higher cost.
Pros and Cons of Hardie Board Siding
Pros of Hardie Board Siding
- Durability – Hardie board is incredibly durable due to its cement base.
- Curb Appeal – Hardie board outshines vinyl and creates a look and texture that can only be topped by wood siding. Wood siding, however, will quickly lose its curb appeal if it’s not regularly painted and maintained.
- Pest Resistant – Unlike real wood, the fiber cement formula isn’t appealing to insects that are normally attracted to wood.
- Fire Resistant – Vinyl and wood siding are both fire hazards. On the other hand, Hardie Board siding carries a high fire resistance rating, making it a safer product for your home. Hardie Board won’t melt if you get your grill too close.
- Low Maintenance – Fiber cement siding only requires repainting every 15 years, while wood siding requires painting more frequently. Unlike vinyl, fiber cement easily washes off with just a hose.
- Environmentally Friendly – The Hardie Board fiber cement formulation is made to be environmently-friendly. Vinyl, on the other hand, can be difficult to recycle.
- Unmatched, Non-prorated Warranty – The James Hardie warranty is one of the best in the business.
- Long-lasting – the warranty lasts for 30 years because your Hardie Board Siding will, too.
Cons of Hardie Board Siding
- Initial Investment Cost – James Hardie siding can be more expensive than vinyl siding. Look for contractors who offer financing or payment plans to help ease the investment cost.
- Possible Repainting in 15 Years – James Hardie guarantees their color technology for 15 years. After that time, you may want to have it repainted to restore the curb appeal of the siding.
- Longer, More Complicated Installation Process for DIYers – Looking to install your own siding? James Hardie siding might not be for you, just due to its weight and special tool requirements.
Overall, Hardie Board siding is a quality alternative to wood siding. It’s weather properties make it a good fit to replace your old wood siding on your Southeastern Pennsylvania home, where we get cold winters and warm, humid summmers.
Expert Hardie Board Siding Installation
James Hardie fiber cement siding is a quality product that stands the test of time. It’s durable and has all the beauty of real wood siding, making it an excellent choice for siding your house.
Our expert installers are certified James Hardie Preferred Contractors, which means that they’re expertly trained by James Hardie to properly install Hardie Board Siding Products.
As a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, Volpe Enterprises installs James Hardie “Hardie Board” as our fiber cement siding of choice. Read more about fiber cement siding or contact us for a quote today.
