Request a Free Consultation

A Guide to the James Hardie Siding Types in Blue Bell, PA

While it was once a popular building material here in Bluebell, PA, stucco just simply isn’t cut out for our wet Pennsylvania weather. When homeowners come to us asking about the stucco replacement process and which siding material they should install in its place, our answer is almost always James Hardie siding. 

If you’re wondering whether James Hardie siding is the right choice for your home’s exterior, our team here at MHX Designs is here to help. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you learn more about what makes James Hardie siding a great choice for our climate and an in-depth look at the different types of James Hardie siding available to you. 

We encourage you to read through it to help you feel more prepared for your siding replacement project!

What Sets James Hardie Siding Apart?

Before we take a deep dive into the different types of James Hardie siding, it helps to have some background on why exactly this material is one of the best options on the market. First of all, James Hardie siding isn’t made from vinyl or wood, like so many other siding brands. 

Instead, it’s made from fiber cement, which is a mixture of the following ingredients:

  • Water
  • Sand
  • Cellulose fibers
  • Portland cement

This unique blend of ingredients, combined with certain additives results in one of the most durable siding materials on the market. In fact, James Hardie siding is specifically designed to withstand damage from high winds, termites, moisture, and more. And, as a non-combustible material, it won’t contribute fuel in the event of a fire. 

Perhaps best of all, this durable material is also extremely low maintenance. Regardless of the type of James Hardie siding you choose, gently washing it with soap and water once or twice a year is all you need to do to keep it looking great. 

It truly is an unmatched material, so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular option with our customers!

Different Types of James Hardie Siding

When you’re planning your siding replacement project, one of the most exciting parts is the design process. Think for a moment about what you envision for your home’s new exterior. Do you dream of classic neutrals and traditional siding? Or maybe you want something bold and a little unique to make your house stand out?

Either way, James Hardie siding has something to fit every homeowner’s design aesthetic. Here’s a closer look at the different collections that James Hardie siding offers.

Hardie® Panel Vertical Siding

While most siding is installed horizontally, Hardie® Panel is a unique, vertical siding option that gives your home an eye-catching boost of curb appeal. Vertical siding can also make your home look taller, as the siding draws the eye up. If you have a ranch-style home, vertical siding could be a great option for your exterior.

This vertical siding is available in two finishes: Sierra 8 and Stucco. 

Sierra 8

Considered a “classic” vertical siding look, this option has small dividends between the boards for a clean look. You can choose either a smooth finish or Cedarmill® finish, which mimics the look of wood grain, but with all the durability of fiber cement.

Stucco

If you love the textured look of stucco, but you’re tired of the moisture issues it leads to, opt for the Stucco vertical siding option. It has the same look and feel of stucco, but none of the durability concerns.

Hardie® Plank Lap Siding

Largely considered the most popular type of James Hardie siding, Hardie® Plank is a classic horizontal siding option. There are three different Hardie® Plank options available to homeowners, all of which are available in a smooth or Cedarmill® finish. 

Traditional Lap

When you choose Traditional Lap siding, our installers will place each board so that it slightly overlaps the board below it. In our experience, this is the most common type of siding that local homeowners choose because of its clean, traditional look.

Beaded

Beaded planks are installed just like the Traditional Lap siding, except there is a small strip of material placed between each board. This is a modern and contemporary look and is inspired by coastal communities. However, it also looks great in our area!

Custom Colonial™

Also known as James Hardie’s Dutch Lap style, the boards of this siding option are separated by inverted segments of the siding. This gives a more defined look between each plank. 

Hardie® Shingle Siding

As the name suggests, HardieShingle® siding mimics the look of roof shingles on the side of your home. This style is also known as shake siding and is a popular option for Cape Cod-style homes. 

While Hardie® Shingle siding is only available in a Cedarmill® finish, it does come in three different styles: Straight Edge, Staggered Edge, and Scalloped.

Straight Edge Panel

These shingle-style panels are all cut at the same length, for a straight-across look, but the shingles vary in widths. The result is a classic, cottage-style look. 

Staggered Edge Panel

These panels are also cut into different widths, but the lengths of the panels also vary for a more staggered look. It’s a more rustic look that appeals to many homeowners. 

Scalloped Panel

The edges of these panels are rounded and uniform, creating an almost fish scale-like look. This option is perfect for creating a coastal look on your home’s exterior. 

Hardie™ Architectural Collection

The newest addition to the James Hardie lineup is the Architectural Collection, which is made up of architectural lines and contemporary textures to give your home a modern look. The collection includes the following finishes. 

Fine Sand

This is an even, slightly textured look that mimics fine grains of sand. It’s available in horizontal or vertical panels. 

Fine Sand-Grooved

Featuring the same fine sand texture, these panels have grooves added every 16 inches to create nice, clean lines. 

Mounded Sand

If you’d prefer a more intense texture, mounded sand could be perfect for you. The rough texture is similar to the look of stucco and adds a nice visual element to your curb appeal. 

Seagrass

Inspired by nature, the Seagrass panels feature soft, gentle vertical lines for a subtle touch of design.

Magnolia Home | James Hardie Collection

Do you love the work of Chip and Joanna Gaines? Then you’ll love the Magnolia Home | James Hardie Collection. This collection, which was meticulously curated by Joanna Gaines herself, pulls its inspiration from nature and features a variety of beautiful, neutral designs. 

The color options range from dark browns and blacks to cool greens and soft whites. The Magnolia Home collection is available on Hardie® Panel, Hardie® Plank, and Hardie® Shingle options as well as Smooth and Cedarmill® finishes. 

With the wide variety of options available in this collection, you can truly tell your home’s story and transform your exterior so that it looks straight out of your favorite episode of Fixer Upper.

The Importance of Hiring a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor

Now that you know more about the different types of James Hardie siding available to you, you’ll need to find the right contractor to tackle your project. Your best bet is to hire a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, like our team here at MHX Designs. 

So, what does this mean?

This is the highest designation that a contractor can receive from James Hardie. In order to earn this designation, a contractor must meet certain standards and qualifications like:

  • Maintaining compliance with James Hardie installation best practices
  • Maintaining a satisfactory background check with past customers and a satisfactory credit report
  • Having liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance
  • Taking a professional sales approach
  • Maintaining a satisfactory record with the Better Business Bureau

By hiring a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re working with a team that’s uniquely qualified to install your siding. As a result, you won’t have to worry about common siding installation issues that plague homeowners who hire unqualified contractors. 

Additionally, using a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor gives you access to an unmatched warranty. MHX Designs is proud to have been one of the select contractors chosen by James Hardie to offer their special 10-year warranty offer, which covers all labor and James Hardie materials for a decade. 

Schedule Your Bluebell, PA Siding Replacement Project

After reading through this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of what makes James Hardie siding a great option for stucco replacement and the different types of James Hardie siding available for your Bluebell, PA project.

When you hire the MHX Designs team for your siding replacement, we can go into more details about each of these options and show you material samples to help you get a better sense of which panels, finishes, and colors will look the best on your home. When you’re ready to get started on your Bluebell, PA project, we’ll be here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn about siding and window replacement costs.

You can trust the experts at MHX to get you one step closer to the exterior of your dreams.