When siding fails, costly moisture damage can result. The good news is that James Hardie fiber cement siding gives you reliable protection for your home, so you can avoid the hassles of moisture penetration. Known as America’s favorite siding product, it not only lasts for many years but also looks gorgeous.
James Hardie siding is the most popular brand of fiber cement siding in the United States. This strong siding material is made of a special combination of cement, sand, and cellulose—creating an enduring siding that stands up to the elements for decades.
While every siding material has both pros and cons, you’ll be amazed at the hearty list of pros when it comes to James Hardie siding.
Pros of James Hardie Siding
1. Durability
The number one thing James Hardie siding is known for is durability. It stands up to harsh humidity, change of seasons, and extreme temperatures with ease. It holds up well against storms, rain, hail, snow, and ice. And it continues to look fabulous in spite of its immediate contact with weather day and night. It’s so durable that it resists moisture damage—saving you the time and money it takes to repair or replace siding due to wood rot, swelling, or warping.
2. Beauty
The gorgeous look of James Hardie siding keeps homeowners smiling. Boost your curb appeal by heightening the overall appearance of your home. Increase your resale value with great first impressions from your home’s outstanding aesthetics. You simply can’t beat the great look of James Hardie siding, and its ability to mimic other siding materials (such as wood and stucco) gives you beauty without the high maintenance other siding products require.
3. A Variety of Styles
Get the look you love with the perfect style choice from James Hardie. Create the popular board-and-batten look ideal for those who love farmhouse design. Here are some style selections people love:
- HardiePlank Lap Siding—This is James Hardie’s most popular siding style. It promises timeless design and ideal custom color and texture.
- HardieShingle Siding—Get the warm, classic look of cedarwood with the low maintenance and durability of James Hardie siding.
- HardiePanel Vertical Siding—Enjoy vertical siding with simple lines that complement a modern farmhouse look.
- Hardie Board & Batten Look—Get this trendy farmhouse style with wide vertical planks (boards) that are joined together by thin vertical strips (battens) to cover seams.
- HardieTrim—Accent your home’s front door and windows with colorful, eye-catching trim.
The latest line of siding products is the Aspyre Collection by James Hardie. Ideal for contemporary or modern homes, this luxury collection combines the thick, distinctive patterns of Artisan siding with the smooth, geometric Reveal Panel System. The creative options it provides homeowners and architects allows you to fully express your style with beautiful new siding.
4. Low-maintenance
Durable James Hardie siding only requires a simple washing with your garden hose and a medium nylon bristle brush twice a year.
5. Pest-resistant
The strong makeup of James Hardie siding resists unwanted pests like termites and carpenter ants. Avoid the costly hassles of infestation by investing in James Hardie siding.
6. Outstanding warranty
Homeowners love the security of a good warranty, and James Hardie delivers when it comes to warranty coverage. Enjoy a 30-year non-prorated, transferable warranty that’s honored when you have your siding installed by a James Hardie Preferred Contractor.
7. Fire resistant
Rated as non-combustible, James Hardie siding doesn’t contribute to a fire. Rest at ease knowing you and your family are well covered when it comes to your safety with fire resistant siding.
8. Third-party tested
James Hardie siding was awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval after rigorous testing by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. This third-party testing evaluated fade resistance, moisture resistance, fire resistance and more.
9. Lasting color
The James Hardie company offers two options when it comes to color. They have ColorPlus technology: durable, fade resistant, UV resistant, factory baked-on color that comes with a 15-year warranty. Additionally, they offer preprimed siding that you can paint after installation. It doesn’t come with a 15-year warranty, but gives you limitless color options.
11. Environmentally friendly
James Hardie is the greenest siding material in the industry due to its ingredients and the company’s sustainable practices.
12. Engineered for climate
The HardieZone system came about after the James Hardie company studied the impact weather has on siding in different areas of the country. The result: siding made specifically for your geographical region that will stand up to your precise climate, giving you peace of mind it will perform well for years to come.
13. Expertly installed
James Hardie thought of everything when it comes to getting you the optimal long-lasting performance this siding promises. The company trains installation professionals to install their siding according to their strict standards, ensuring their outstanding warranty is honored.
Want home siding that is durable, low maintenance and has great curb appeal?
Find out more about fiber cement siding benefits, cost, and why California homeowners choose this siding for their homes in our James Hardie Siding Guide.
Cons of James Hardie Siding
1. Repainting
All siding eventually needs to be repainted, and James Hardie siding is no exception. While their ColorPlus technology gives you the long-lasting color you desire, warrantied for 15 years. It ultimately will need to be repainted.
2. Initial investment
The initial investment for James Hardie siding may be more than other siding materials (like vinyl) and less than other siding materials (like brick). The good news is that this siding can last you up to 50 years, so you can save the time and money it takes to reside sooner by investing upfront in America’s favorite siding product—James Hardie.
3. Installation
James Hardie siding is thick, so it’s more challenging to install than thinner siding such as vinyl. It needs to be installed by James Hardie Preferred Contractors like Approved Contractor in order to keep its warranty intact.
Choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
Transform your Southern California home with new siding with help from the experts at Approved Contractor. Our James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor status gives homeowners confidence. Schedule a free estimate with us today!