How Does James Hardie Siding Compare to Other Types of Siding?

When you decide that it’s finally time to replace your old, faded siding that has seen better days, you’ll quickly find out that there’s no shortage of options available to you. So, how do you know which type of siding is best for your home? 

Here at MHX Designs, we recommend James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding to our customers, because we believe it’s simply the best siding product on the market. Let’s learn more about James Hardie Siding and how it compares to other types of siding. 

What is James Hardie Siding Made of?

James Hardie siding is made out of fiber cement, an innovative product that combines wood fiber, cement, sand, and water to form a durable siding material that looks like wood but lasts much longer. 

And, best of all, it requires very little maintenance! While real wood may need to be repainted every few years, fiber cement siding is made to last and could potentially save you from having to perform costly repairs down the road. 

If you’re looking for an instant upgrade in curb appeal, look no further than James Hardie Siding from MHX Designs. With so many hardie siding ideas to choose from, we know you’ll find something to love!

James Hardie Siding Types

HardiePlank Lap Siding:
Embrace timeless elegance with HardiePlank Lap Siding, a revered choice that mirrors the grace of traditional wood siding, creating an enduring and classic appeal for your home.

HardieShingle Siding:
Indulge in the rustic allure of HardieShingle Siding, an artisanal creation that artfully replicates the charm of cedar shingles.

HardiePanel Vertical Siding:
Elevate your home’s architecture with HardiePanel Vertical Siding, a visionary choice that introduces a sleek and contemporary design featuring captivating vertical lines.

HardieTrim Boards:
Craft a signature look for your home with HardieTrim Boards, meticulously designed for fascia, trim, and decorative accents.

HardieSoffit Panels:
Envelop your home in cohesive elegance with HardieSoffit Panels, specially crafted for soffit and porch ceiling applications.

HardieBacker Cement Board:
Elevate the functionality and style of wet areas with HardieBacker Cement Board. Purpose-built for bathrooms and kitchens, this durable substrate not only ensures longevity but also provides a canvas for expressing your unique taste with tile and stone.

Artisan Siding:
Indulge in opulence with Artisan Siding, a premium and luxuriously thick option boasting deeper shadow lines.

Aspyre Collection:
Unleash your creativity with the Aspyre Collection, a palette of designer-curated colors and finishes that transcend the ordinary.

James Hardie Siding vs. Other Siding Types

So, what exactly makes James Hardie Siding stand out among the rest? James Hardie is one of the leading fiber cement siding manufacturers and they have created a siding material superior in many ways.

Durability

Fiber cement siding is denser and more durable than its vinyl siding counterpart. Its extra strength comes from being composed of cement-like materials, which can withstand the elements better than vinyl or wood siding. 

Fiber cement siding also does not burn, melt, or warp when exposed to extreme heat, meaning your siding will look new for longer. And, unlike wood or cedar siding, fiber cement does not attract destructive insects like carpenter ants and termites. Simply put, fiber cement siding can help give you peace of mind that your home’s siding will be safe and last for years to come. 

Maintenance

If you’re tired of having to regularly paint or maintain your home’s siding, fiber cement is one of the best options available to you. Unlike wood siding or shingles that require regular painting and maintenance, James Hardie siding is relatively maintenance-free. 

Gently washing your fiber cement siding once or twice a year can help keep it looking new for years. Of course, all siding deteriorates a bit over time, so you may need to consider painting it and re-caulking it after 5-10 years, but that’s still significantly less maintenance than would be required for an alternate type of siding. 

Eco-Friendliness

If “going green” and sustainability is important to you, you’ll be happy to know that fiber cement is made from more sustainable materials than vinyl siding, making it better for the environment. 

The Green Building Council recognizes fiber cement siding, in particular, for not only its durability but its sustainability as well. James Hardie products like HardieBoard and HardiePlank siding can help buildings gain points for becoming LEED certified. In fact, the product is so well respected that it won the 2019 Green Builder Media’s Readers’ Choice award for “Most Sustainable Product.”

Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking for ways to lower your monthly energy bill (who isn’t?), then you’ll love that James Hardie Siding includes weather/moisture barriers and climate-appropriate insulation. Both of these features may offer energy savings and help lower your utility bill over time by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. 

Aesthetics

When it comes to pure looks, it’s hard to argue against James Hardie Siding. The beautiful material has the look and depth of real wood, with all the benefits of modern siding. 

And, since it comes in a variety of colors and styles like Hardieplank, Hardieshingle, and Hardiepanel, you’re sure to find something that perfectly fits your home’s design aesthetic. Your siding is one of the first things people notice when they visit your home. James Hardie Siding can help ensure that your home is warm and welcoming instead of an eyesore.

Home Value

Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the next few months or the next several years, it’s important to consider how any home renovation project can affect your home’s estimated value. 

According to a Remodeling.net Cost vs. Value report, installing fiber cement siding was one of the top items for the best ROI, with an average return of 87%. First impressions can make a huge impact on a homebuyer’s final decision, so think about the impression your current siding would make on potential buyers. If it’s less than desirable, consider investing in James Hardie Siding now so you can get a higher ROI if or when you do decide to sell. 

Schedule a Free Consultation

Is james hardie siding legit? We certainly think so. To learn more about why James Hardie Siding might be a good fit for your home? We’d love to talk to you to learn more about your home, why you’re looking to upgrade your siding, and how we can help get the job done. 

Contact us today to set up a time to meet with us for a free consultation and a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you transform your home!