Replacing your home’s siding, also known as a re-side, is a significant investment. Choosing the right siding can enhance the durability, aesthetic appeal, and, ultimately, the value of your home. It can also protect your property’s brick or stone exterior, improve energy efficiency, save you money on your household bills, and keep you and your family comfortable and cozy.
Various options are available, from wood and vinyl siding to fiber cement siding. Aluminum and steel are also sometimes used, though these have become less popular recently.
James Hardie is one of the world’s leading providers of home siding, with a stellar reputation across the home improvement industry and a history of impressive innovation. At Bayside Builders Group, we are proud to supply and install James Hardie products and offer siding repair contractor services.
In this guide, we will discuss the various siding options offered by James Hardie and their advantages. We will also share some essential installation and maintenance tips to help you keep your siding looking beautiful and functioning well for many years.
What is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie provides fiber cement siding. This semi-rigid composite material is designed to cover a home’s exterior wall and can be made to measure whatever the size and shape of your property. It comprises Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. This material is highly durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance while retaining flexibility.
James Hardie’s fiber cement siding is water-resistant, UV-resistant, non-combustible, and resistant to rotting, dents, and warping. It pairs well with either brick or stone building materials.
Benefits of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
James Hardie’s products offer several key advantages for homeowners.
Durability: Fiber cement is far more durable than wood or vinyl siding, protecting your home from harsh weather, rot, and pests. It is also likely to last longer, meaning you will enjoy a greater return on your investment over time.
Aesthetic appeal: James Hardie offers a wide range of styles and colors to match your home’s aesthetics and enhance its curb appeal.
Fire resistance: Fiber cement’s impressive non-combustible properties make it an excellent choice for regions like the Bay Area with a high risk of wildfires.
Low maintenance: James Hardie’s products have a long lifespan and require minimal upkeep and repair, particularly compared to traditional wood siding.
Energy efficiency: Quality siding assists with insulation, keeping your home warm all year round and saving you energy over time.
How Does Fiber Cement Siding Differ from Wood or Vinyl Siding?
Fiber cement siding can be more expensive than vinyl siding and wood siding options. However, it offers several key benefits over these materials.
Fiber cement siding is far more fire-resistant than vinyl siding, which is vulnerable to heat and extended sun exposure. It is also much thicker than vinyl siding, allowing for deeper grooves and a more realistic grain effect for those seeking a natural wood aesthetic.
Compared to wood, fiber cement is far more water resistant and able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as snow and high winds, reducing the risk of siding damage in the Bay Area’s changeable climate.
Many contractors consider it easier to install vinyl siding than fiber cement or wood, so choosing the latter may increase your installation costs. However, since fiber cement is more durable, you will likely need to replace and re-install vinyl siding or wood siding more frequently, which can increase the cost in the long run.
What Types of Siding Does James Hardie Offer?
There are five main siding products in the James Hardie range:
HardiePlank® Lap Siding is a classic, horizontal siding option.
HardiePanel® Vertical Siding consists of modern and stylish vertical boards.
HardieShingle® Siding is ideal for a cedar shake look without the accompanying maintenance concerns.
HardieTrim® Boards are trims that complement other Hardie siding products and accentuate corners, columns, doors, windows, and more for a finished and polished look.
ColorPlus® Technology is an optional factory-applied paint finish, offering fade resistance and long-lasting color.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding Products from James Hardie
You will need to consider several factors to identify the best siding products for your needs.
First, consider the climate. James Hardie created the HardieZone™ system to ensure homeowners can find the best siding for the job regardless of where they live.
Next, consider your color scheme, aesthetic preferences, and design choices. Your siding should match the look and feel of your home, complementing existing stylistic decisions and features.
Budget and cost considerations are important, too. Perform a comprehensive cost comparison of your options, ask your contractor for an estimate, and consider both upfront costs and long-term savings. Hardie siding can cost more initially but will likely save you money over time as it will require fewer repairs and replacements.
Finally, consider the installation process and labor costs. Hiring a contractor to install your siding can cost more, but attempting a DIY approach to your project can be a mistake if you do not have the appropriate skills and tools.
Siding Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once you have chosen your siding, it’s time to think about installation and maintenance.
Installation Best Practices
Unless you have the skills and tools to do it yourself, it’s important to choose a reputable siding contractor to install or replace your siding. An independent business such as Bayside Builders Group can provide a complete siding installation service and post-installation support if necessary.
Ensure that your provider is adequately insured and that your project is covered under their warranty should anything go wrong.
Maintenance Guidelines
When you replace siding, it is vital to learn how to care for it properly after installation. James Hardie products are designed to be low-maintenance, but you will still need to keep your siding clean and perform occasional inspections to guard against damage.
James Hardie recommends washing down your siding every 6-12 months with a low-pressure water spray or garden hose and cleaning gutters, pipes, and overflows as necessary. You should also re-apply caulking when you see signs of wear, and keep plants trimmed back and away from your siding.
Do not use high-pressure water sprays, acid washes, sandblasting, or metal brushes on your siding.
Bayside Builders Group: Leading Siding Contractors in the Bay Area
Choosing James Hardie for your replacement siding is a wise investment for homeowners. It can add tremendous value to your home and improve its appearance, curb appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality.
We always recommend consulting with professional siding contractors for advice and to install your chosen siding.
At Bayside Builders Group, we are proud to provide and install James Hardie products. Our team of friendly and professional contractors can guide you through the entire project from beginning to end. We can also install vinyl siding and wooden siding and advise you on the best options for your home and budget.
Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate.