What is Hardie Siding?

Are you in the middle of a siding project and looking for the best siding product? Are you in the market for exterior house siding? Can the abundance of siding options be overwhelming or confusing at times? In this article, we will discuss hardie siding/fiber cement siding, go over its pros and cons, and learn how hardie board stacks up against other siding alternatives.

James Hardie Siding

James Hardie is a brand name for fiber cement siding that has come to define innovative and constant quality in the building industry. It all began when James Hardie, an ambitious Scots-Australian entrepreneur, developed an alternative to traditional timber and asbestos cladding for buildings in Australia.

The asbestos siding obtained cancer-causing substances and Hardie found a solution for better siding which is the fiber cement siding we know today.

Hardie Siding

James Hardie siding, a type of fiber cement siding and more commonly known as "hardie board siding", offers a durable solution to protecting the external walls of homes against extreme weather conditions. Utilizing James Hardie Industries' proprietary siding products allows individuals to customize their homes with long-lasting protection specifically designed for their world. James Hardie's comprehensive range of fiber cement siding products originated nearly 70 years ago and continues strong today, providing homeowners with cost-saving solutions and lasting value across the globe.

Hardie Siding / Fiber Cement Siding

Hardie board siding is a type of fiber cement siding that is made up of a mixture of Portland cement, cellulose wood fibers, and sand. It is a durable material that is resistant to fire, insects, weather, and decay—which makes it an ideal choice for home exterior siding compared to other construction materials.

The cellulose fibers also create a water-resistant structure, keeping the materials inside your walls dry even through the harshest of rainstorms. 

Fiber cement siding stands out unlike wood siding options as it won't warp, twist or crack as easily - making it perfect for any environment where protection from the elements matters. With hardie board siding you can keep your home's exterior looking beautiful for years to come with minimal upkeep, keeping you safe and happy for years to come.

5 Pros of Hardie Board Siding

1: Durability

With hardie board siding, one benefit includes increased durability as this material can withstand harsh temperatures and extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail without fear of rot or any other form of damage because of its fiber cement structure.

Additionally, hardie board siding lasts longer than conventional new siding, with some hardie siding lasting up to 40-50 years without needing replacements.

2: Resistance

Hardie board siding stands out as a premier choice of siding material due to its hardiness, resilience, and strength. It's made of an engineered, weatherproof material instead of wood which makes it stand out compared to other siding materials.

Hardie board siding also offers excellent fire resistance and protection against impact and moisture, so it can excel in all kinds of weather conditions. The hard surface results in less damage from rain or thermal expansion than typical siding materials like wood siding or vinyl.

3: Low Maintenance

Hardie board siding is long-lasting due to its cement and cellulose fiber construction. Most instances are unlikely to damage your house's exterior siding, keeping your mind at ease. Hardie board siding may have a higher initial cost but can save money over time as it is far less likely to require repairs and/or repainting as frequently as competing materials do.

4: Customization

When it comes to hardie siding, customization options are the name of the game. It provides homeowners with the look they seek while also offering them a variety of options when it comes to colors, styles, textures, and thicknesses.

Whether you're looking for a hardie board with a rustic look or something sleek and modern, hardie siding come in many options that cater to your personal style. Hardie board comes in a variety of colors as well. No matter what look you’re striving for, hardie siding offers enough options so you can create the perfect result.

5: Brand Reputation

The James Hardie company has been making hardie board building materials for years, building a reputation and brand that is well-known and trusted. The James Hardie company is a testament to the longevity of quality craftsmanship. James Hardie is a well respected supplier in the industry, with a reputation for delivering high-quality materials.

3 Cons of Hardie Board Siding

1: Weight

Hardie board is a heavy material, making the fiber cement siding installation considerably more difficult to handle than other siding materials. On average, one square foot of Hardie board weighs a bit above 2 pounds, making it significantly heavier than wood siding and vinyl sidings which typically weigh less than one pound per square foot.

Heavy weight means it’s harder for homeowners to handle if choosing to install by themselves and more labor intensive overall. If a siding contractor is hired, they must have heavy-duty equipment as well as experienced workers; otherwise, installation could take longer and cause issues.

2: Cost

There are not many cons of hardie board. Hardie board is known to be more expensive than comparable materials, and the cost of the proper installation process for this kind of siding can be more expensive than using other materials like vinyl or wood siding.

3: Installation Requirements

James Hardie offers a warranty with coverage valid for up to 30 years, provided it has been installed properly in accordance with James Hardie's specific instructions. If not installed correctly, then the warranty is void.

In order to maintain warranty validity, it is important to only use qualified and certified applicators that have had proper training in James Hardie's installation systems. Those who are qualified and certified applicators may be more expensive or not as readily available as those who are not experienced with James Hardie installation systems.

Cost of Hardie Board Siding

How much does fiber cement siding cost? When it comes to the overall cost of hardie board, knowing what you can expect beforehand is important. This siding material is popular for its durability and cost-value ratio, but how much does hardie board cost?

Generally speaking, depending on the climate, style and size of your house, plan to spend around $7 to $13 per square foot. However, this can vary somewhat due to market fluctuations or installation costs.

Hardie Board vs. Wood Siding vs. Vinyl Siding

Between hardie board, wood siding, and vinyl siding, one must weigh their options carefully to select the most suitable option for their home. From customizability to superior durability, the hardie board could be better than wood siding or vinyl siding in many ways.

With its color protection technology that guarantees vibrant paint hues up to fifteen years after application, hardie board is better than wood and vinyl siding when looking for an attractive finish that lasts long.

James Hardie siding products require less maintenance than wood siding and won't fade or warp from extreme weather conditions like vinyl siding can. Additionally, hardie board’s fire-resistant property makes it more appealing than its counterparts.

Hardie board offers better insulation for your home than the other two siding options, which can result in lower energy costs in the long run.

So if you're looking for better long-term value that still offers a visually pleasing exterior, Hardie board could be the better choice.

Types of Hardie Siding

Not everything in fiber cement siding is the same; every type of siding has many different characteristics which can determine what products will be best for your home.

The different styles of hardie siding are:

• lap siding

• shingle siding

• sheet form siding
• stucco siding

Conclusion: Is Hardie Board Siding For You?

If you're looking for a long-term, durable siding option that can provide your home with natural beauty and protection from the elements, James Hardie siding/James Hardie fiber cement siding is definitely a product to consider. It's strength and weather-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications - not to mention its customizable options for color and style.

With professional installation, you can rest assured that your home will benefit from the toughest siding solution on the market. All in all, James Hardie products are definitely worth considering if you’re in need of superior siding engineered to provide lasting value and beauty.