When it comes to choosing the right siding for your home, it’s hard to find a better choice than James Hardie fiber cement. Known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and excellent fire and impact ratings, James Hardie® siding and trim offer a range of benefits that make it an excellent investment for your home.
Here’s an in-depth look at why James Hardie fiber cement siding is a superior option in our local region.
Advantages of James Hardie Siding Installation
1. Trusted Weather Durability
Hardie siding is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Made of cement, sand, and cellulose, its composition makes it resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting.
Anyone who has installed wood or vinyl siding knows how much of the installation process is designed around the expansion and contraction of those materials. With vinyl in particular, the large headed nails that are used must be installed loosely enough to not pin the siding, because if it’s actually held tightly to the home, it will cause the siding to warp.
If you live in Fairfax or Montgomery County, you know how much temperatures can change from one day to the next. A single panel of vinyl siding has been known to expand an entire inch when temperatures change from cool to warm. It’s for that reason that when overlapping two vinyl panels on a home, at each end installers have to make sure that there is approximately 3/4 of an inch between the nailing hems of each panel.
In contrast, with James Hardie siding and trim, the fibrous material makeup is extremely resistant to temperature changes, requiring only 1/8 of an inch gap between panels. Hardie panels also don’t absorb moisture, meaning that they don’t swell, rot, mold, or deteriorate like other siding materials. Check out some of the cool expansion tests that James Hardie did.
2. Reliable Fire Resistance
Another factor that contributes to Hardie’s reputation for toughness is the material’s resistance to open flames. Fiber cement is non-combustible, providing an added layer of safety to your home.
Wood siding fuels a fire and vinyl melts when exposed to flames, releasing toxic gas. In contrast, Hardie’s fire resistance is so good at protecting your home, some home insurance companies will actually discount your homeowners insurance for using it as your exterior cladding! Hardie siding and trim’s fire resistance is super impressive. You can see how it reacts when exposed to a blowtorch.
3. Simple Maintenance
In addition to being some of the toughest, most weather-resistant and fire-resistant siding on the market, Hardie siding also requires less maintenance compared to many other siding materials. The siding can be easily cleaned with a garden hose and a nylon brush, making it convenient for homeowners to keep their exteriors looking fresh over the years. Keep an eye on your siding’s caulking over the years, and as needed, replace any spots that show signs of deterioration.
Hardie siding does not need frequent painting, and its factory baked-on color technology—known as ColorPlus®—ensures that the color remains vibrant and resists fading. ColorPlus technology comes with a 15-year warranty against chipping, cracking, and peeling.
4. Outstanding 30-Year Warranty
Because of its strong makeup and reliable resistance to wear and tear, Hardie siding carries one of the best warranties on the market today. Their 30-year warranty is one of the only warranties that is entirely non-prorated. The warranty is also transferable, so it will be honored if you sell your house within 30 years. Simply have your siding installed by a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor (like us!) and maintain it well over the years, and your warranty will remain in position to be honored (in the unlikely event that it is needed!).
Get Stunning James Hardie Siding Installed to Perfection by Our Expert Team
Installing James Hardie siding can increase the value of your home. Its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal make it an option worth considering when it’s time to upgrade your home.
At Presidential Exteriors, as a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we bring top-tier expertise to every project. We are careful to stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines during your siding installation so you get the best long-term results. Following James Hardie’s best practices ensures your siding performs optimally, and protects your warranty. Learn more about how our siding services can boost your home’s curb appeal and safeguard it from the elements.
