Choosing siding for your house is a difficult decision. You can choose between buying low-cost but plain vinyl siding or spending a fortune on fixing your old wood siding. There is another siding option: a wood-look lap siding called fiber cement. First developed in the 1980s by the siding manufacturer James Hardie, it became popular for its wood-look, durability, and low-maintenance.
Looks like Wood, Feels like Cement
James Hardie siding uses cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create durability. One reason homeowners choose this siding is because of the wood-like resemblance. Their siding comes in several styles of a wood lap, cedar shingles, and wood shaker lapping. This is because of a molding called embossed texturing. While the manufactured grain may not hold up well against close-up examination, James Hardie’s embossed texturing visually breaks up the flat surfaces and gives the house a richer look.
Has Many Choices of Styles and Colors
The color options are almost unlimited. The diverse selection of styles and colors allows homeowners to add the ‘wow’ effect for their houses.
Keeps Out Insects
Carpenter ants and termites are non-issues for this siding. Unlike wood, there is not enough cellulose fiber in fiber-cement siding for insects.
Resistant to the Elements and Temperature Changes
This siding is fire-resistant. Compared to vinyl and wood, which can go up in flames easily, it is not combustible in flames.
It’s unlikely to peel, fade, or rot in tough weather elements. It is resistant to hail and debris. It can withstand warping. It is invulnerable to extreme temperature and humidity changes compared to other sidings where it shrinks or widens. James Hardie siding helps to save money on maintenance and adds more protection to the house.
Green Building Material
Since James Hardie siding contains natural materials with low toxic levels, they are environmentally friendly. The cellulose materials do not come from wood. The siding is composed mostly of cement and sand. Its durability and materials make it ideal if looking for an environmentally friendly and sustainable siding option.
Comes with a 30-Year Warranty
James Hardie’s fiber-cement siding has a 30-year non-prorated, transferable, limited warranty. This means that the full cost of coverage remains, unlike other siding warranties that reduce.
15-year warranty coverage is available for the ColorPlus Technology finish and Artisan accent trim, including all materials and labor. It protects against any signs of wear and tear.
Screens Their Contractors
Besides the warranty, James Hardie screens and certifies all their contractors. They require certain levels of certification to install their fiber siding. They also have a separate special awards system for contractors. This is because they want to ensure that the quality and brand visibility of their fiber siding equals the customer service of their contractors. Homeowners never have to do a long process of vetting home contractors when James Hardie has done it already.
Has Value Even if You Sell
It’s debatable if it’s worth the high costs of buying James Hardie siding. High demand for a low supply of fiber-cement siding drives up the price. The material is heavier than vinyl, so it requires additional cost for shipping, more specialized labor, and longer installation. Few contractors specialize in fiber-cement siding compared to vinyl siding. Fiber-cement siding usually comes with the painting that can drive up costs for the overall fiber-cement project. If it’s time to sell the house, it is worth wondering if the money will be recouped from your initial installation.
Last year, homes that had fiber-cement installations averaged 80% to 85% recouped value when they were in the real estate market. Very few projects are close to 100% from initial costs. Over the past decade, fiber-cement siding has returned between 78% to 100% of the value.
So, Is Siding from James Hardie Worth It?
James Hardie siding is a great, environmentally friendly choice for overall curb appeal and home value. It will give your home a new look and feel to it. It is an attractive choice with guaranteed durability and quality. It provides an amazing return on investment. If you go with fiber-cement siding from James Hardie, it is important to maintain it to prolong its lifespan and ensure it will be a worthwhile investment for your house and for your wallet. If you think James Hardie siding is right for you, make sure you reach out and get in contact with us!