James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: Everything You Need to Know

Is James Hardie siding worth it? Here’s why many say yes. 

1. Exceptional Durability

Unlike traditional wood or vinyl siding, James Hardie fiber cement siding is built to withstand the harshest conditions.

• Warping & Cracking: Extreme temperature changes won’t cause expansion or contraction like you often experience with vinyl siding.
• Moisture Damage: Unlike wood, it won’t rot, swell, or attract mold from exposure to rain and humidity.
• Pest Resistance: Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-damaging insects have no effect on fiber cement siding.

2. Fire Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of James Hardie siding is its fire resistance. Unlike wood, which fuels fires, or vinyl, which melts under high temperatures, fiber cement does not ignite when exposed to flames. Many insurance companies even recognize this fire resistant benefit, which can potentially lower your homeowner’s insurance rate. 

3. Fade-Resistant Colors

James Hardie® siding is designed not only for durability but also for long-lasting color retention. Homeowners can choose between primed siding, ready for on-site painting, or ColorPlus® Technology, a factory-applied finish that ensures vibrant, fade-resistant hues for years to come. Learn more about what sets James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology apart in the colordepartment.

• Consistently Vibrant Color: The pre-finished process involves baking the color onto the product, allowing for a vibrant and long-lasting color that resists chipping, peeling, and cracking. 
• UV resistance: It also is able to withstand the UV rays that cause vinyl and field-applied paint to fade. 
• Warranty: Even better, the ColorPlus Technology finish comes with a 15-year limited warranty that covers paint and labor costs. 
• Customization: Additionally, James Hardie offers a vast selection of colors to complement any style. If you don’t find the perfect shade, you can choose to customize a color to match your vision.

4. Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of James Hardie siding is its low-maintenance design, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a beautiful exterior without the constant upkeep. Unlike wood, which requires regular sanding, staining, and repainting, or vinyl, which can warp or fade, James Hardie siding is built for effortless longevity. A simple spray of a garden hose is often enough to remove dirt and debris.

What James Hardie Siding Options Are Available?

1. Hardie® Plank Lap Siding

This is our most popular choice amongst customers due to its traditional and timeless appeal. Designed to mimic the appearance of real wood, Hardie Plank Lap Siding gives you a classic wood grain look with the durability of fiber cement. This option is available in both wood grain and a smooth finish, allowing homeowners to choose the texture that best complements their home’s style.

2. Hardie® Shingle Siding

If you love the look of cedar shake shingles, but don’t want the high maintenance that comes with real wood, Hardie Shingle Siding is the perfect choice. It provides a classic shingle appearance with the same durability and weather resistance of James Hardie products. This option is great for adding character and dimension to your home’s exterior and is a very popular choice for many coastal homeowners in New England. 

3. Hardie® Panel

For homeowners seeking a modern, stylish exterior, the Hardie Panel Collection offers versatile vertical siding options, including a classic board and batten look or sleek contemporary vertical panels. Available in various textures like smooth, cedar, and stucco, Hardie Panel provides architectural depth and long-lasting durability.