If you are considering fiber cement siding for your upcoming exterior remodeling project, chances are, you have heard the name James Hardie. However, before making such a significant investment, you may have questions about this popular siding material’s durability, appearance, longevity, and cost.
Keep reading to discover the most asked questions (and our answers) about Hardie siding, so you can determine if this industry-leading material is the right fit for your home.
James Hardie Siding FAQ with Remodeling Concepts
1. How long does Hardie siding last?
When properly cared for, Hardie siding can last up to 50 years. It’s quite possible that Hardie siding is the last (or only!) siding replacement you’ll ever need for your home.
2. What is the cost of James Hardie siding?
The total cost of your siding replacement will depend on the siding styles you select, where your home is located, if there is any underlying damage beneath your existing exterior material, who you hire to complete the project, and other related factors.
However, fiber cement siding is generally more expensive than vinyl siding, but cheaper than brick and stucco siding. It’s a cost-effective material that is worth the investment!
3. What is fiber cement siding made of?
Fiber cement siding is made of a blend of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. Because of its durable makeup, fiber cement siding can withstand damage from weather and pests.
4. Is Hardie Board siding difficult to maintain?
Hardie siding is relatively easy to maintain. It won’t develop rot or require time-consuming painting, sanding, and staining, like wood siding. Unlike stucco, fiber cement boards won’t harbor moisture or damage underneath.
5. How can I keep Hardie siding clean?
You can rinse dirt, grime, and grease off your fiber cement siding with a garden hose, soft-bristled brush, and some elbow grease once or twice a year (in the spring, fall, or both). There is no need to paint, stain, or power wash fiber cement siding.
6. What is the best way to purchase Hardie siding?
For access to all the best siding styles, colors, and accessories (and, of course, expert installation) — it’s best to purchase your siding through a trusted contractor like Remodeling Concepts. We can also offer you better deals and warranties on your siding than you could find at a big-box hardware store.
Don’t just take our word for it — look at what these happy homeowners had to say about working with us on their siding installation (and other home projects).
7. What siding styles are available from James Hardie?
James Hardie offers three popular siding styles — HardiePlank®, HardiePanel®, and HardieShingle® — that you can mix and match to create the perfect look for your home’s architectural style. Each siding also comes in different textures, including Ceadarmill® and Smooth®, so you can create a historic, rustic look or sleek, modern appearance for your home.
8. Will Hardie siding hold up in harsh Pennsylvania weather?
Hardie siding is Engineered for Climate®, meaning that your siding boards are crafted to handle the most extreme weather conditions where you live, whether that be hurricane-force winds and brutal humidity or powerful rain, hail, and snowstorms, which are common in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
When you install Hardie’s HZ5® (recommended for the northern half of the United States), you won’t have to worry about your siding cracking, swelling, or developing mold.
9. Does fiber cement siding fade?
When you install Hardie siding, you can select boards either pre-primed for paint or pre-finished with ColorPlus® Technology — a process that applies paint to your siding in a factory-controlled setting for lasting finishes that never need to be touched up.
Choose from dozens of timeless shades in popular collections from James Hardie, like the Statement Collection®, for vibrant, baked-on color that lasts.
10. Will my Hardie siding come with a warranty?
James Hardie offers some of the best warranties in the home remodeling industry:
- 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty for siding products
- 15-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty for trim products
- 15-year limited warranty for products with ColorPlus Technology
It’s crucial to have your siding installed by a professional contractor trained by James Hardie, like our team at Remodeling Concepts, to take advantage of these warranties.
11. What types of trim can I use with Hardie siding?
Though we suggest using HardieTrim® — the trim manufactured by the James Hardie company — you can also use fiber cement, natural wood, engineered wood, vinyl, or corrosion-resistant aluminum trim with your new siding boards.
12. Will fiber cement siding hold up in a fire?
Unlike other siding materials that can melt, combust, or burn when exposed to flames, fiber cement siding will not contribute fuel to a fire or ignite when exposed to a direct flame.
If the outside of your home catches fire, your family will have time to escape while you wait for the fire department to arrive to extinguish the flames. Because of its fire-resistant qualities, many insurance companies will even offer a premium discount to homeowners who install Hardie siding on their homes.
13. How much will my Hardie siding replacement cost?
Contact our team at Remodeling Exteriors to get a quote on your siding replacement. During your consultation, we can also answer any further questions you have about Hardie siding.
Learn More about James Hardie Siding Installed by Our Experienced Team at Remodeling Concepts
Hopefully, we’ve been able to answer your most pressing questions about Hardie siding before investing in this popular material for your siding replacement. However, if you still have questions more specific to your project — we’d love to help you answer them!
Learn more about James Hardie siding, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions (or to get a quote) for your upcoming project.
