A home with old siding can considerably diminish not just the appearance and resale value of your home, but the function as well. When considering upgrading your siding, a common question homeowners ask is “what is James Hardie siding?” James Hardie siding is one of the most popular choices for homes that need an upgraded exterior and long-lasting facelift. Here’s more information about what exactly Hardie siding is, as well as the pros and cons.
What Is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie siding, sometimes also known as Hardie Board, is an incredibly durable and resilient siding product. It is produced by James Hardie Building Products, and it is designed to give your home a long-lasting & beautiful appearance that not only protects your investment but also increases its value.
James Hardie siding is an engineered substance that is made from a blend of cellulose fibers (~10%) and sand / a special cement mixture (~90%). These are combined to create a siding board that is rapidly becoming one of the most popular siding choices homeowners have available to boost the visual appeal and durability of their homes.
Pros & Cons Of James Hardie Siding
Now that we’ve answered the common question, “what is James Hardie siding”, let’s take a look at the pros and cons to see just how it can benefit your home and what the drawbacks may be if any.
Pros
Unmatched Durability
Hardie Board is an engineered material, so it can take weather extremes better than many other materials while standing up to direct contact with the elements. Anyone in the Chicago area knows that we can get a mind-blowing array of weather conditions, from the searing summer heat to blistering winter freezes, along with the torrential rains of spring and fall. There are even ice and hail storms occasionally, which James Hardie siding can stand up to without flinching.
Curb Appeal & Customization
The appearance of the Hardie Board can be customized and styled however you choose. Some countless colors and styles can be chosen from, and all come with a lower maintenance requirement than wood siding, and a greater visual appeal than vinyl. Homeowners typically take advantage of this to match their siding choice to their home’s architectural style and personal preferences, to achieve a perfect one-of-a-kind appearance.
Environmentally Stable
James Hardie siding is one of the most eco-friendly siding choices that you can get. Not only is it manufactured with environmentally friendly materials and methods, but those materials are also sourced from sustainable sources by the James Hardie company.
Cons
Occasional Painting Needs
While the siding itself can last for nearly half a century when well cared for, it will need periodic repainting. The material James Hardie siding is made from will outlast the paint you use on it in most cases, so even though the ColorPlus Technology will hold color for at least 15 years, at some point after that period you will need to repaint it.
Initial Investment Cost
Even though it comes with a substantial list of benefits, one of the downsides that are frequently mentioned is the initial investment of installing James Hardie’s siding. It does have a more significant cost than cheaper materials like vinyl, but it will also outlast vinyl several times over. And with lesser maintenance costs than brick wood (painting) and (tuckpointing), it is a great long-term option.
Local Professionals Can Help You Make Positive Choices For Your Home
One of the most valuable upgrades your can give your home is a siding upgrade, and you can also use the opportunity to get other renovations done, like new windows or doors. So stop googling “what is James Hardie siding” now, and reach out to an Elite Preferred James Hardie remodeler (us!) to discuss your needs and get answers to all of your questions today.
