When the time comes to replace your siding, you have a lot of options for your Portland area home. It can be difficult to choose exactly which siding is the best choice, and oftentimes, you may feel tempted to go with a less expensive siding option like vinyl.
Cost plays a big role in siding selection, but as a Portland siding replacement contractor, we know that your siding needs to stand up to the elements for years while maintaining its beauty and value. At Lifetime Exteriors, we install James Hardie® fiber cement siding because of its durability and resistance to the elements. As a siding, its list of positives is extremely long.
So, how much does this material cost to install, and how should that factor into your replacement siding decision?
James Hardie vs. Other Forms of Siding
While James Hardie siding is relatively affordable in and of the product itself, what makes it a more expensive option than a siding like vinyl is the cost of installation. Two of James Hardie’s biggest benefits are its durability and its aesthetic. Both are elevated due to the thick cut of the boards, which also makes the material heavier and more cumbersome to install.
However, even with installation costs, James Hardie siding is still more affordable than other siding options like cedar planks, brick, and stone.
Installation Cost Isn’t Everything
While the cost of a product’s installation is important and should play a role in the siding you choose for your home, it’s not the only factor you should weigh in your decision. Installation cost simply isn’t the overall cost for a siding product. No matter what siding you choose to install, it will require a certain form of maintenance over its lifespan, and this can cost money. Factors that affect the overall cost are:
- Maintenance
- Need for repairs
- Need for replacements
- Warranties
- Return on investment
James Hardie fiber cement is one of the most durable siding materials on the market. Due to its flame resistance, rot resistance, and pest resistance, the material needs fewer repairs or replacements than the “more affordable” vinyl. It comes with top-of-the-line warranties and can add great value to your home, making it a more affordable option.
Learn more about the pros and cons of James Hardie siding to see why it is one of the best choices for the Portland area.
So, What Will Your James Hardie Installation Cost?
Your project will never be exactly the same as any other project completed, so it’s important to understand what may affect the cost of your James Hardie siding installation. Here are some factors to take into account.
Size of Project
Obviously, a two-story home will cost more to reside than a single story due to the amount of square footage of the home. Factor the size of your home or area you are wanting resided into your budget. The larger the area, the greater the cost.
Product Selection
James Hardie has a variety of siding options to choose from. This is both in the style and in the board’s makeup itself. Hardie Board is designed to mimic different styles of siding without the same maintenance, from planks to shingles to stucco. The boards also come pre-primed or coated in ColorPlus technology. These styles and board options may vary in their costs. Remember that pre-primed siding will require the additional cost of painting.
Location
Where you live can factor into the product’s overall cost. Transportation costs may be higher to certain areas, making the product more expensive. Whereas, regions with a manufacturing facility nearby may have reduced costs. Tacoma, WA is the closest manufacturing facility to the Portland area.
Who Installs It
Siding installation contractors’ labor costs will vary, so whom you hire to do the job will make an impact on the overall installation cost. However, do not make the mistake of trying to install the siding yourself. James Hardie siding requires special tools and skills for installation, and its quality warranties can be voided by mistakes in the installation process. Leave it to the professionals.
Because so many factors can affect the price, it’s impossible to say exactly what your siding installation cost will be. But the greatest way to ensure you get the best price for your siding is to interview at least three contractors for bids. Just remember that installation cost is not everything. Find a contractor with a fair price but a good reputation to ensure your warranty remains intact and that you are adding as much value with the siding as possible.
A James Hardie Installation You Can Rely On
When you’re ready to update your siding and you want to give your Portland home the best, our siding replacement contractor team is ready to provide professional installation of James Hardie fiber cement siding. We are a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, so you can be certain your installation will provide the longevity and worry-free aspects that Hardie Board has to offer. Get an estimate now.
