The Pros And Cons Of Hardie Board Siding | Refined Exteriors

Let’s talk James Hardie. If you’re looking to reside in your Denver home, this fiber cement option has likely been on your radar. That’s because contractors like our team at Refined Exteriors know that choosing Hardie Board over other materials can have lasting benefits for your home.

But as with every siding option on the market, comparing what your home needs and what to expect from a siding is the best way to select the right siding for your home.

What Is Hardie Board Siding?

James Hardie fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie Board, is the number one siding in America. It protects millions of homes all across the country.

Like all fiber cement siding, Hardie Board is comprised of silica sand, cement, cellulose wood fibers, and water. But it is specially designed by James Hardie to fit the exact climate in which you live, bringing you a tailor-made, lasting exterior.

But before you reside your home, you’ll want to know not only the good but also what aspects of James Hardie fiber cement you might not love so much. So we’ve created a guide to help you understand the pros and cons.

What to Love About Hardie Board Siding

Durability and Longevity

Perhaps the most well-known benefit of fiber cement is its durability. Due to its makeup of cement and silica sand, James Hardie fiber cement is resilient. It is five times thicker than vinyl, which adds to its strength and durability, making it difficult to crack or warp.

The material is resistant to moisture, keeping it from rotting, warping, and deteriorating the way other materials are prone to do.

But it doesn’t stop there with James Hardie. The siding is also:

• Noncombustible
• Pest resistant
• Weather-resistant (Engineered for Climate)
• Less likely to dent or crack

Appearance

Homeowners across the country also love Hardie Board for its elevated aesthetic. The siding competes with materials like vinyl or Masonite. So while it provides greater durability, it also provides a more expensive look.

The thick boards allow for a more realistic wood imitation. The grooves and grains designed in the planks are deeper than that of vinyl, bringing a more realistic texture to the boards.

ColorPlus

Adding to the aesthetic is the benefit of James Hardie ColorPlus Technology. This baked-on paint color was engineered to resist fading from the sun’s UV rays. It also has multiple coats applied in a factory setting for consistency and durability of the paint. This keeps your siding protected and beautiful for years. ColorPlus is covered by a 15-year, limited warranty.

Engineered for Climate

James Hardie fiber cement is a unique form of siding because it is engineered specifically for the climate it is in. James Hardie wanted its product to stand above the rest, so the company spent time researching the various climatic regions in the USA and their climatic patterns to develop different types of siding for those regions, creating siding that is tailored to your home.

Options

Accompanying its appealing aesthetic, Hardie Board possesses a wide range of options and versatility for homeowners. From color to style, James Hardie fiber cement has hundreds of combinations to choose from. You can reside your entire exterior with this durable product while still incorporating a multi-dimensional design.

Warranty

To back its outstanding fiber cement siding, James Hardie provides top-of-the-industry warranties. The siding is covered by a 30-year non-prorated, limited warranty, meaning the amount of coverage doesn’t diminish over time. James Hardie truly stands behind the integrity of its products.

What Not to Love About Hardie Board Siding

Timely Installation

As we mentioned, James Hardie fiber cement is thick and durable; this also makes it heavy. And while this is a major advantage for the longevity of the product, it also makes the material more difficult to install.

Unlike vinyl, which is a lightweight material that can easily be transported, cut, and installed, fiber cement requires more manpower and specialty skills to install properly. Its thickness makes it more difficult to cut, place, and nail into place, resulting in lengthier installations. Not to mention it requires qualified contractors.