All About James Hardie Siding

James Hardie siding is among the most trusted and best-performing fiber cement siding in the country. Due to its long-term durability and beautiful results, about 15% of all new homes in the country use fiber cement siding. SmardBuild is Chicagoland's  James Hardie Preferred Installer. We have taken the time and care to learn about this product and install it with the care it deserves so that your Naperville exterior remodel reaches its full potential.

How is Fiber Cement Siding Made?

Fiber cement siding is composed of two essential elements, silica (fly ash) and cellulose. The cellulose, which is wood pulp, delivers elasticity, pliability, and flexibility; and the silica operates as the filler. Portland cement bonds these elements together. 

James Hardie siding is North America’s number one fiber cement and has been installed in over 8 million homes. James Hardie siding is well known for its durability and allows homeowners to enjoy their new home exterior with confidence for years to come.

James Hardie Siding Types

The variety of colors and shapes in James Hardie siding styles offers almost endless options. This makes it easy for homeowners to make better siding selections that best fit their homes’ architectural style.  James Harding siding types include:

1. HardiePlank: Plank is James Hardie’s best seller. The standard HardiePlank board is 3/8-inch thick, 7.25 inches wide and 144 inches long. It comes in four varieties: Smooth, Beaded Smooth, Cedarmill, and Beaded Cedarmill.
2. HardieShingle: This product has a heightened cedar shingle appearance and is the best choice for houses in Cape Cod and others with a cedar shake exterior.
3. HardiePanel: Often combined with HardiePlank, the HardiePanel has clean and crisp lines that fit just about any shape. Need flashy fascia? Hardie has you covered. If you can dream it up, Hardie Panels can execute your style.

James Hardie Siding vs. Vinyl

When you're in the market for new siding, vinyl or aluminum siding is often top of mind. Vinyl is a traditional tough and flexible plastic often used for floor coverings and other construction materials. Vinyl siding is a popular and less expensive choice for an exterior remodel. It's not always the best option. Here's the difference James Hardie can provide over vinyl:

• James Harding siding is made from wood and looks like wood, providing better aesthetics and texture than vinyl.
• Fiber cement siding is not flammable, whereas plastic vinyl is.
• Vinyl isn’t technically a sustainable product. Its PVC resin isn’t environmentally friendly. We've discussed why Hardie is an eco-friendly option.
• Vinyl is susceptible to cracks and holes.
• Vinyl siding is also prone to noticeable expansion and contraction with the seasons, a problem more common in the Midwest.
• James Hardie siding is significantly less sensitive to temperature changes than Vinyl.
• Fiber cement siding can resist severe thunderstorms and violent blizzards whereas vinyl succumbs to high winds.
• Vinyl is known to retain moisture which can lead to rotting or mold.
• You spend less on maintenance and siding repair when you use James Hardie siding.

Benefits of James Hardie Siding

Fiber Cement siding costs more than some of its counterparts but delivers so much value that the cost of Hardie siding makes sense. Aside from the aforementioned benefits that come with choosing James Hardie Siding over Vinyl, this trademarked fiber cement siding has more advantages like:

1. James Hardie Siding is thick and damage resistant.
2. It is flexible enough to allow stylish embossing.
3. There is little or no cost expended on maintenance. 
4. It is generally more sustainable than other options.
5. Offers lengthy manufacturer warranties (30 years).
6.  James Hardie has the best return on investment (ROI) of sidings around (about 75% resale value).

Hardie Board Makes the Difference

An investment in James Hardie siding is a lifetime investment. It is so durable that buyers will pay a high price for a Hardie home. It can stand up to any weather condition, from heat waves of the summer sun or arctic blasts from Canada. Feel the Hardie difference for yourself. Reach out to a Hardie Preferred Remodeler in your area like Smardbuild to ensure your project is executed with the craftsmanship it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!