Hardie Siding Gray on House

FIBER CEMENT SIDING

Your home’s exterior siding serves two essential purposes: protection and visual appeal. It acts as a protective layer, helping to prevent deterioration of your home’s walls. James Hardie fiber cement siding stands out by being specifically engineered for different climate zones, ensuring better performance in your region. When installed correctly, this siding can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs—potentially saving homeowners hundreds of dollars each year.

Siding is one of the first features people notice about a house, playing a key role in curb appeal. If you're thinking about selling, new siding can enhance your home's market value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Hardie Board Siding

Is Fiber Cement Right for You?

Choose fiber cement siding if you want:
Long-lasting, weather-resistant performance
A wood-like look without wood's maintenance issues
Fire and insect resistance
A balance between aesthetics and durability

Avoid it if:
You're looking for the cheapest upfront option
You want a DIY-friendly installation

For those who love the look of wood but not the upkeep or cost, fiber cement siding offers an excellent alternative. It's designed to be more durable than wood, with strong resistance to termites, warping, cracking, and damage from rain or frost. It’s also non-combustible, highly resistant to UV rays and water, offering long-term peace of mind.

If you’d like to better understand the benefits of fiber cement siding for your home, let us know, we would be happy to assist!

Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding

  • Durability

    Resists warping, cracking, and rotting
    Can withstand extreme weather—rain, snow, hail, high winds
    Typically lasts 30 to 50+ years with proper maintenance

  • Fire Resistance
    Non-combustible and fire-rated—won’t ignite when exposed to direct flame
    Often preferred in wildfire-prone areas

  • Pest and Insect Resistant
    Impervious to termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects

  • Low Maintenance
    Doesn’t require frequent repainting or sealing like wood
    Holds paint well due to its composition, so finishes last longer

  • Versatile Aesthetics
    Mimics the appearance of wood, stucco, or masonry
    Available in a wide range of colors and styles (lap siding, board-and-batten, shingles)

Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding

  • Higher Initial Cost
    More expensive than vinyl siding (both material and labor)
    However, costs are often offset by its longevity and minimal upkeep

  • Labor-Intensive Installation
    Heavier than most siding materials—requires skilled labor and special tools
    Incorrect installation can lead to moisture issues

  • Not Waterproof (but water-resistant)
    Must be installed with proper flashing and water management
    Can absorb moisture if improperly installed or if caulking fails

  • Can Be Brittle
    Susceptible to chipping or cracking if hit hard (e.g., by hail or lawn equipment)

  • Limited Insulation Value
    R-value is low (not great for insulation), so it may need additional thermal barriers behind it