James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

You’ll need to cover all the bases when planning your siding replacement this season. This doesn’t just involve hiring a reliable contractor for the job–you also need to consider which material can give you the best value for your money. Siding replacement, after all, is a huge investment and you’ll want a good-looking, durable material that can deliver superior and lasting performance.

There are many options available in today’s market, each with their own pros and cons. Wood, for instance, is highly prized for its natural charm but does turn off many homeowners with its high maintenance requirements. Aluminum or steel, on the other hand, are durable but can be prone to dents and chalking, while vinyl is the most affordable of the bunch but is susceptible to warping when exposed to extreme temperatures.

While these siding materials all have something to offer, you can still do even better with fiber cement siding. Developed in the early 1980s by James Hardie as an asbestos-free, cement-based product, fiber cement is also known as reinforced cement. Today, a lot of homeowners have actually made the move to use fiber cement siding, with James Hardie products, for instance, gracing over 5.5 million homes across the United States. James Hardie fiber cement siding offers many rewarding features that make it your number one choice. Specifically, it is:

5 Features of James Hardie Fiber Cement

Stylish and Versatile

You’ll want new siding that allows your home to make a bigger impression from the curb. Fiber cement siding from James Hardie can deliver this in spades. It comes in a wide selection of colors and baked-on finishes via exclusive ColorPlus Technology, which means you can choose the palette that best fits your home’s style. ColorPlus involves the application of consistent, multiple coats on the material, resulting in lovely and durable colors which last longer than a regular paint job. In fact, they offer up to 30% fade resistance than standard paint.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is also available in a range of styles and textures. Its ability to emulate other siding materials makes it easier for you to match them with your home’s architectural style, whether it’s traditional or modern. Some of the premium choices you can invest in include the lap-style James Hardie plank siding, vertical HardiePanel, and shingle-style HardieShingle.

Durable and Low Maintenance

With proper installation and maintenance from a reputable contractor, James Hardie fiber cement siding can last up to 100 years. Its extreme durability allows it to withstand exposure to heavy rain and snow, hail, harsh sunlight, and high winds. Unlike standard vinyl, fiber cement won’t crack, swell, or warp. Using the exclusive HardieZone system, you can benefit from fiber cement siding which is specially designed to handle your region’s weather patterns. Despite this, James Hardie fiber cement siding won’t need scraping or repainting. To maintain its good looks, you only need do a bit of routine cleaning, plus a refinish every 15 years.

Thermally Efficient

James Hardie fiber cement siding helps improve your home’s thermal comfort. It can keep indoor heat in an outdoor heat out, stabilizing indoor temperature for you. Because it eases cooling and heating requirements, your home can stay cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. This reduces strain on your HVAC system, translates to more energy savings down the line.

Sustainable

James Hardie fiber cement uses sand, water, cement, and cellulose fibers, all abundant natural resources. In fact, 90% of materials used for this siding option is sourced from regional suppliers. Through waste minimization and solid waste recycling methods, plus the material’s lasting durability, James Hardie siding contributes to environmental protection by limiting trash in landfills.

Cost-Effective

The reasonable cost and distinct benefits of James Hardie fiber cement siding make it a worthy investment for every homeowner. And not only does it combine exceptional good looks, superior weather protection, and lasting performance, but it is also available with lifetime, transferable warranties which add an extra layer of protection for you and your investment.

Keep a lovelier, sturdier, and more comfortable home by choosing James Hardie fiber cement siding. The siding option has a lot to offer but you’ll only truly make the most of investing in it if you ensure that it is installed right. This is where a James Hardie siding contractor comes in. Working with a professional certified to offer and install James Hardie’s fiber cement siding is an assurance that your siding replacement project will not only go off without a hitch but that you’ll also be able to enjoy the superb performance that James Hardie products are known for.

Author Bio: Terry Klara is the president and operations manager for DryTech Roofing, LLC. Armed with more than 25 years of experience in the construction/building industry in the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD area, he has gained a reputation for being a problem-solver and an expert at managing many complex ongoing construction projects. Since joining DryTech in 2010, he has regularly shared insightful articles on the company blog. Check it out for updates from Terry!