Every home, especially the exterior, will have its share of problems. That is simply the nature of owning a property. But as a responsible homeowner, you’ll want to minimize the number of problems your home faces. Not only does this save you from unwarranted struggles but it protects the lifespan of your greatest investment.
As an experienced Portland exterior contractor, we want to see you install products that can do this for your home. The materials you invest in should bring you peace of mind and not cause you unnecessary trouble.
The Solution: James Hardie Fiber Cement
Fiber cement, specifically James Hardie® fiber cement, is the most popular siding in America due to its beauty and longevity. It is manufactured from durable ingredients to protect your home and is engineered specifically for the region in which you live.
Portland homeowners love it because it combats many of the problems their homes face from the rather wet, rain-prone climate. Here are a few problems it tackles for homeowners.
The Problems Hardie Siding Resolves
Not Lasting as Long as Promised
Many sidings don’t live up to their promised lifespans. Well, Hardie siding does. Made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, the product is sturdy and unyielding. The siding is incredibly heavy-weight and strong. And it will not succumb to temperature swings or moisture damage. With proper care, your Hardie siding has the potential to last 50 years.
Undervalued Property
For the most part, updating old, broken siding will automatically increase your home’s desirability and value. However, Hardie siding is an even greater investment than most replacement options. On the Cost vs. Value report of 2020 for the Pacific Northwest, a fiber cement siding replacement was the fifth-highest return on investment project for all home improvement projects, with as high as a 78% return.
Hardie siding is visually appealing, perfectly mimicking the look of natural wood siding options. It fits with the style of many popular Portland homes including craftsman, bungalows, ranch-style, and Cape Cod homes.
If your home falls into any of these categories, consider James Hardie siding for a value boost.
Susceptibility to Weather and Climate
No matter what siding you install, it will face the affront of mother nature. The benefit of Hardie siding is that it is exceptionally durable. It is:
- Impact resistant
- Impervious to wind and hail
- Moisture resistant
- Not prone to expansion or contraction due to temperature changes
Each of these features makes the siding less likely to crack, warp, rot, or break. With Hardie siding, you can enjoy siding without the worry that it won’t hold up to the elements.
Pests
Portland homeowners can be plagued by insects, specifically carpenter ants, and rodents. The summers see excessive rodent populations due to heavy rains throughout the year. With Hardie siding, you don’t have to stress over those mice gnawing their way into your home or carpenter ants burrowing into your siding. Hardie siding is pest resistant, leaving no place for unwanted guests to make a home in your siding.
Susceptibility to Fire and Heat
Many forms of siding are prone to catching fire when exposed to sparks or even high heat. Or that same siding can add fuel to an existing fire. Not Hardie siding. The engineered fiber cement is not combustible and will not provide additional fuel to an ongoing fire. Some insurance companies will even offer a discount for installing a noncombustible product like Hardie siding.
If you are considering this replacement option, speak with your insurance company for more information on benefits you could receive.
Excessive Maintenance
Maintenance, while incredibly important, can also feel like a burden when coupled with all the other responsibilities you have on your shoulders. Hardie siding provides some relief in that area. The cement has no need to be painted or stained, especially when you opt for ColorPlus® boards. As the siding is less likely to see damage from pests, warping, cracking, or fires, it needs fewer repairs.
To upkeep Hardie siding, you should simply clean and inspect it twice a year. Just ensure you are cleaning the siding properly to avoid voiding your warranty.
Unreliable Warranty
James Hardie does not just believe in its products; it trusts them. They choose to back their siding with a 30-year non-prorated warranty. And they even provide an additional warranty on their ColorPlus boards.
The best way to ensure your warranty remains intact is to hire a James Hardie Preferred contractor to install the product.
Not Eco-Friendly
Hardie siding is incredibly eco-friendly. It is made of natural, abundant resources that typically are locally sourced, reducing the company’s transportation carbon footprint. And its long-lasting nature means fewer replacements and less waste going into landfills.
When opting for ColorPlus boards, the use of paints with VOCs becomes unnecessary, keeping these compounds from being released into the air.
Experience Fewer Problems with an Expert Install of Hardie Siding
Our Lifetime Exteriors team is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor. We are specifically trained to handle and install James Hardie products and undergo continual training to ensure our work meets James Hardie’s standards.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your home’s exterior. At Lifetime Exteriors, you can feel confident that your expectations are being met. Our team stays in direct communication with you and provides you with the ability to remain in control of your replacement.
If you have any questions about how Hardie siding can benefit your home, our team is ready to answer them. Start by checking out our guide to understanding the ins and outs of James Hardie Siding.
