The Pros and Cons of James Hardie Siding
Here at MHX Designs, siding replacements are one of our most popular projects. When homeowners talk to us about replacing their siding, their most common questions relate to which siding type they should choose. Many of our customers opt for James Hardie siding, but how do you know if it’s the right choice for your home?
This guide can help you decide! Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of James Hardie fiber cement siding so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Pro: It Offers Unmatched Durability
One of the many reasons we recommend James Hardie siding to our customers is because it’s designed to withstand our Pennsylvania weather extremes. Unlike other siding materials, James Hardie is incredibly durable, unaffected by high winds, hail, rain, snow, ice, and harsh humidity. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about it warping, rotting, cracking, or fading over time.
Pro: It’s Customizable to Match Your Style
Your home’s exterior is a reflection of your personal style. We love that James Hardie siding comes in a variety of different styles and colors, so you can design an exterior you truly love. Regardless of your home’s architectural style or your HOA’s requirements, James Hardie has something for you.
Con: It Costs More Money Upfront
Truthfully, if you’re trying to find the cheapest siding material possible, James Hardie siding is probably not the right choice for your home. Fiber cement siding has a higher initial cost than other materials, averaging over $25,000 here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. However, keep in mind that it requires less maintenance and repairs over time. So, even though you’ll spend more initially, you can ultimately save money in repairs over the lifetime of your siding.
Pro: It Comes With an Unbelievable Warranty
Here at MHX Designs, we recognize that updating your siding is an investment and we want you to feel like that investment is protected. We love that James Hardie siding comes standard with a 30-year non-prorated warranty that’s transferable. Beyond that, James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology has a 15-year warranty against chipping, cracking, and peeling, including labor and materials.
Pro: It’s Resistant to Fire and Pests
With other types of siding, you have to worry about the threat of pests like carpenter ants, termites, and even woodpeckers. With James Hardie siding, those worries go out the window, as fiber cement siding is pest-resistant. Additionally, as a non-combustible material, James Hardie siding won’t fuel a fire. Instead, it will give you added protection in the unfortunate event of a house fire.
Con: It Has a Longer Installation Process
Updating your home is exciting and it’s only natural to want to see the results as soon as possible. When deciding which siding material to choose, keep in mind that James Hardie siding often takes longer to install than other siding materials. However, by hiring a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, like the MHX Designs team, you’ll have peace of mind that the installation is done correctly and efficiently.
Pro: It’s a Low-Maintenance Material
Our customers love James Hardie siding because it doesn’t need regular maintenance like other siding materials. Because of its unique construction, you won’t have to worry about repainting or staining it like you would with wood or vinyl siding. To keep it looking great, all you have to do is gently wash it with soap and water once or twice per year.
Con: Specific and Strict Installation Requirements
Finally, it is very important to hire an experience Hardie contractors to install your Hardie siding system. Hardie has specific installation requirements to meet their manufacturer warranty. These requirements may impact the design of your home. However, these requirements are to protect the homeowners and their products. Protect your investment by hiring a right, experience Hardie contractor.
Your Local James Hardie Siding Experts
After reading through the pros and cons of James Hardie siding, it’s time to start thinking about your siding project. As your local siding replacement expert, the MHX Designs team would be happy to answer any other questions you have, show you siding samples, or schedule a free consultation to talk about your project. Contact us today to get started!
