Pros and Cons of Hardie Board Siding

What are the Advantages of Hardie Board Siding?

Now that you know the basics of what Hardie Board is, let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant benefits and advantages of installing fiber cement siding from James Hardie on your home.

Unmatched Durability and Longevity

Undoubtedly, one of the most significant advantages of Hardie Board siding is its exceptional durability and longevity. While wood and vinyl siding may start to show signs of wear and damage after 10-15 years, Hardie Board siding can keep your home’s exterior looking great for decades! The manufacturer warranties the product to last a minimum of 15 years, but most fiber cement boards last 50 years or more with proper installation and care.

The ColorPlus Technology used in the pre-finished James Hardie siding has shown superior fade resistance over ten years of testing. That means you don’t have to worry about the siding fading, chipping, or peeling like lower-quality vinyl and painted wood sidings often do after just a few years of exposure to the sun, high winds, and weather. The unmatched durability of fiber cement is a key reason to consider investing in your home with Hardie Board products.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Value

Replacing your outdated or damaged exterior with new Hardie Board fiber cement siding will provide an instant boost to your home’s curb appeal. The modern styles and range of color options allow you to customize the look of your exterior. This aesthetic upgrade can go a long way toward enhancing the overall perceived value of your home.

Pest and Fire Resistance

Hardie Board’s dense fiber cement composition also resists bug infestations; it doesn’t contain the cellulose that termites and carpenter ants feed on. This pest resistance can provide long-term peace of mind.

In addition to its pest resistance, the non-combustible fiber cement material is also rated as A1 (non-combustible) by ASTM E136. Hardie Board siding will not ignite when exposed to temperatures up to 1,220°F. This fire resistance adds extra protection and security for your most significant investment, your home.

Low Maintenance Over Time

Another advantage of Hardie Board siding is its minimal maintenance needs after installation. Unlike other siding materials, you’ll never need to sand, stain, or repaint Hardie Board. The low-maintenance design saves you time, hassle, and money over the life of your home; keeping up the exterior will be fast and easy!

Available in a Wide Variety of Colors and Style Options

James Hardie fiber cement siding also comes in various colors, from warm neutrals like Frost White and Khaki Brown to bold hues like Iron Gray and Cobble Stone. The ColorPlus finishes are warranted to last 15 years but typically hold up even longer.

Whether you want a crisp, modern look or prefer a more traditional wood-grain aesthetic, James Hardie offers the styles and textures to match your vision. Mix siding profiles and colors on different exterior parts for a customized designer look! With Hardie Board, you have the quality and longevity of fiber cement combined with endless siding options to personalize your home.

Are There Disadvantages to Hardie Board Siding?

For most homeowners looking for long-lasting, low-maintenance siding, the benefits and advantages of Hardie Board products outweigh the downsides. However, there are a few potential drawbacks you should be aware of as you consider fiber cement siding.

Higher Initial Investment

Homeowners should be aware that the installed cost of Hardie Board siding is often 15-30% more than standard vinyl siding. While not the cheapest option upfront, remember that the exceptional durability and longevity of fiber cement siding saves you time, money, and hassle over decades of ownership! Hardie Board siding can last over 50 years when properly installed, meaning you may never need to replace the siding again.

Installation Can Take a Little Longer

Another potential disadvantage is that installing fiber cement siding generally takes longer than installing vinyl siding. The Hardie Board sheets are thicker and heavier than vinyl, requiring specialized tools and techniques to cut, drill, and fasten properly. There’s an art to creating the seams and joints neatly; our team at Tevelde and Co. takes the extra time necessary to install Hardie Board correctly. Rushing through fiber cement installation often leads to problems down the road.

Professional Installation is Needed for the Product’s Warranty

Speaking of installation, having a qualified professional siding contractor install your Hardie Board siding is strongly advised. The manufacturer’s warranty remains valid if one of their certified Elite Preferred Contractors does the job. Unlike flexible vinyl, improperly handled or fastened fiber cement can crack and compromise the material’s water resistance.

Always hire a reputable pro like Tevelde and Co. to ensure your Hardie Board siding installation meets the manufacturer’s specifications!