What Is Hardie Board Siding Made Of?

The Durability and Strength of Hardie Board Siding

The endurance and muscle of Hardie Board siding is due to its makeup. Cement, sand, and cellulose combine to make fiber cement siding—one of the most durable siding materials on the market.

For over 125 years, the James Hardie company has spearheaded the siding industry with not only the invention of fiber cement siding, but also the continual innovative development of fiber cement products. This industry leader offers homeowners heavy-duty siding solutions with numerous design options.

Climate Specific James Hardie Siding

The performance of James Hardie siding is unmatched, due to the amazing makeup of the product and the attributes the siding has that are relative to the climate in which the product is installed. The enduring performance of climate specific siding leaves homeowners happy with it for decades.

James Hardie siding has been used on over 8 million homes in North America. More than 18 billion square feet of this amazing siding has been installed. The future is bright as the James Hardie company builds on their foundation of success with creative and beautiful solutions.

10 Benefits of Hardie Board Siding

When choosing siding material for your home, it pays to educate yourself on each option. James Hardie siding comes with a lengthy list of pros:

1. Reliable durability

The sturdy makeup of James Hardie siding makes it a strong, robust, trustworthy siding product that will go the distance.

2. Unmatched beauty

Homeowners enjoy the long-lasting beauty of James Hardie siding. If your curb appeal is lacking, James Hardie replacement siding will give you the aesthetics you’ve dreamed of.

3. Outstanding performance

A home’s siding, and its proper installation, protects your home during extreme heat or cold. It also resists damage from the change of seasons, windblown debris, water penetration, rotting, warping, and hail. James Hardie siding is also resistant to excessive rain, snow, and even severe ice storms.

4. Low maintenance

James Hardie siding will keep you smiling year-round because it is so easy to maintain. Simply use your garden hose to rinse off your siding twice a year. Apply a nonmetal, medium bristle nylon brush to remove any dirt from your siding, and rinse thoroughly. It rarely needs to be repainted, and holds up to harsh weather, maintaining its beauty with little to no maintenance.

5. Pest resistance

Wood siding can actually attract termites, woodpeckers, and water penetration. But James Hardie fiber cement siding resists unwelcome pests including termites, insects, and woodpeckers. Avoid the unnecessary trouble pest infestation can cause by investing in trusted James Hardie siding and trim products.

6. Third-party tested

HardiePlank lap siding is supported by the Good Housekeeping Seal from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. The distinguished honor was granted after using state-of-the-art equipment to test HardiePlank lap siding for its ability to endure weather, repel water retention, resist fading, and resist fire and heat. This stamp of quality is awarded only after rigorous product assessment.

7. Increased home value

Boost your home’s overall value with this trusted siding product with a track record you can rely on, giving you peace of mind. The initial investment you make in this amazing siding pays off for decades due to its durable makeup. You’ll save time and money in the long run from this wise investment.

8. Outstanding warranty

All James Hardie siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, and the trim products come with a 15-year non-prorated warranty you’re sure to appreciate. This is the best warranty in the siding industry. When installed by a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, the fabulous warranty is honored by the trustworthy James Hardie company.

9. Customization options

Get the look you love by selecting from a wide variety of siding options such as HardiePlank lap siding, HardieShingle siding, HardiePanel vertical siding, HardieTrim for your home’s finishing touch, and HardieSoffit.

10. Fire-resistant siding

James Hardie siding is resistant to flames and heat (unlike wood or vinyl siding). It doesn’t contribute to fueling a fire, giving homeowners peace of mind regarding their safety. Because it is rated as noncombustible, it can sometimes even help lower your homeowners insurance.

How Hardie Board Compares to Vinyl Siding

Let’s take a look at how James Hardie siding compares to vinyl siding.

Aesthetics

James Hardie siding—Hardie Board siding is five times thicker than vinyl, so it can easily mimic the look of wood siding. Its deep grooves give a more genuine wood look to Hardie Board siding.

Vinyl siding—Vinyl siding is actually plastic, and can’t mimic the look of wood siding.

Function

James Hardie siding—This noncombustible material resists warping, sagging, and melting.

Vinyl siding—This siding material melts easily in a fire or from intense heat. It can warp or crack from weather elements.

Durability

James Hardie siding—This strong siding lasts 30-50 years, and carries a reliable 30-year transferable warranty on it.

Vinyl siding—This siding lasts approximately 15-20 years, and will likely need to be replaced once its lifespan is complete.

Eco-friendly

James Hardie siding—This is the greenest siding material on the market. It’s super sustainable, and the perfect choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Vinyl siding—Vinyl siding isn’t recyclable or eco-friendly. It’s made of plastic PVC and won’t last as long as James Hardie siding. It will end up taking up space in a landfill once its lifespan is complete.

Get a Replacement Siding Contractor You Can Trust

At Lifetime Exteriors, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to need home exterior upgrades. That’s why we developed a simple process to educate you on material options so you can make the ideal choice for your home. For over 10 years, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in the Portland metro area install durable exterior products that protect their home.