Pros & Cons of Hardie Board Siding
When it comes time to replace the siding on your home, you want to choose a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing material. One popular new siding option for many homeowners is Hardie Board. As a James Hardie preferred contractor, our team at Tevelde and Co. has installed Hardie Board siding on dozens of Omaha homes!
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What is Hardie Board Siding?
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s start with some background on Hardie Board siding. The James Hardie company has been manufacturing fiber cement building products for over 100 years. The company pioneered the use of fiber cement technology in the building industry. Today, Hardie Board fiber cement siding is the #1 brand of siding in America!
Top-Rated Home Exterior Products from James Hardie
James Hardie products have earned an unmatched reputation for enduring performance and protection. Their siding stands up to weather, fire, moisture, bugs, and more while maintaining the beauty and curb appeal homeowners desire. When you choose Hardie Board siding, you get quality and innovation from an industry-leading manufacturer.
Robust Fiber Cement Siding Solutions
Hardie Board siding consists of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers to create a moisture-resistant material that stands up to the elements. The fiber cement boards made by James Hardie resist rotting, cracking, and swelling; they retain their shape and structural integrity in all climates and seasons, year after year!
Hardie Board siding comes pre-primed from the factory with James Hardie’s advanced ColorPlus Technology finishing. This innovative pre-finish penetrates deep into the fiber cement, delivering longtime fade and chalk resistance. Hardie Board siding arrives ready to install on your home; there’s no extra painting or staining required for lasting beauty and protection.
- What is Hardie Board Siding?
- Top-Rated Home Exterior Products from James Hardie
- Robust Fiber Cement Siding Solutions
- What are the Advantages of Hardie Board Siding?
- Disadvantages to Hardie Board Siding
- Tevelde and Co. is Proud to be a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
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.
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!
Tevelde and Co. is Proud to be a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor serving Omaha for over a decade, Tevelde and Co. has the expertise to properly install Hardie Board siding and back it with the manufacturer’s warranty.
Serving Omaha Homeowners Since 2013
We have ten years of experience transforming home exteriors in Omaha and surrounding cities. We are locally owned, operated, licensed, bonded, and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Tevelde and Co. has improved homes with our quality roofing, siding, windows, and other remodeling services since 2013.
Trusted Solutions for Siding, Roofing, Windows, and More
In addition to being a certified James Hardie installer, we also have extensive experience and accreditations for roofing, windows, and other exterior home remodeling work. Homeowners in the region trust us to handle all major projects properly so your investment stays beautiful and functional for decades!
Article Updated: 4/16/24 | Published: 8/30/23
About The Author: Todd Tevelde
Todd Tevelde wrote this helpful article about the Pros and Cons of Hardie Board Siding to help educate homeowners about their siding options. Todd is an expert in home exterior renovations and the founder of Tevelde and Co. With over 10 years of experience helping homeowners, Tevelde and Co. has become one of the most trusted contractors in the greater Omaha area. For more information contact Tevelde and Co. today!
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
As the leading fiber cement siding on the market, James Hardie® siding is trusted by homeowners and siding contractors alike for its reliable performance. With its patented technologies that help it withstand any weather and hold in color, Omaha homeowners can rely on James Hardie siding to last for decades while continuing to look beautiful.
Want to know more about James Hardie Siding?
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