James Hardie fiber cement siding is one of the most durable siding types available. Because it is manufactured explicitly for various climates, it can withstand harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and heavy winds, depending on your area.
Although the facts and statistics are widely available to the public, many homeowners still have hesitations and misinformation about Hardie siding.
One common misconception homeowners have about fiber cement siding is that it is too heavy for their home and can compromise the integrity of their home’s foundation. (Some siding companies even tell this to homeowners to scare them from choosing fiber cement siding over other types, like vinyl or aluminum).
This statement is simply false, and we’re here to debunk this myth.
Southwest Exteriors has installed James Hardie siding for San Antonio homeowners since 1989. We exclusively offer this type of siding because of its exceptional durability, longevity, and ability to combat and last against the harsh South Texas climate.
We want to provide you with the honest and right information you need to accurately learn about this type of siding and understand what’s true and what’s false.
How Much Does James Hardie Siding Weigh?
To first debunk the myth that Hardie siding is too heavy for your home and will damage your home’s foundation, you first need to know how much it weighs.
James Hardie siding weighs around 2.3 pounds per square foot.
Now, what does this truly mean? Is 2.3 pounds per square foot heavy or light? To put its weight into perspective, here are some common siding types and how much they weigh.
Weights of Common Siding Materials
Brick and stone siding are extremely common siding types, especially in the San Antonio area.
- Brick siding weighs around 39 pounds per square foot.
- Stone siding weighs about 14-29 pounds per square foot. Its weight varies depending on the stone type and size.
Vinyl and aluminum siding are other popular types and are more affordable than fiber cement, brick, or stone siding.
- Aluminum siding weighs around 3-5 pounds per square foot.
- Vinyl siding weighs about 1-2.5 pounds per square foot.
As you can see, brick and stone siding are much heavier per square foot than fiber cement siding and are just as common in the market.
While vinyl is one of the lightest materials for exterior siding, it weighs about the same as James Hardie siding.
Looking at the facts, this debunks the myth that James Hardie siding is too heavy for your home.
Will James Hardie Siding Compromise My Home’s Foundation?
Now that you know the average weight of Hardie fiber cement siding and other popular siding types, let’s explain why Hardie siding will not damage or compromise your home’s foundation.
The belief that James Hardie siding will compromise your home’s foundation because of its weight is false.
The biggest threat to your home’s foundation is foundation shifting. This occurs naturally and is unavoidable, no matter what siding type you have on your home.
Foundation shifting happens when the ground beneath your home moves with the earth over time. This causes your home to move with the ground.
Signs your home may have foundation issues include cracking on your exterior siding, stucco, mortar, drywall, or concrete.
The probability of any siding compromising your home’s foundation is minimal to none. Even heavier siding types will not cause your house to move or damage your foundation because of its weight.
Is James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Right For You?
After debunking the myth that fiber cement siding can damage your home’s foundation and understanding how its weight compares to other common siding materials, you can take the next step in determining if it is right for you.
James Hardie siding is the top fiber cement siding manufacturer in North America. It is highly durable, weather-resistant, and rot-resistant.
- James Hardie siding may be the right option if you want a durable, long-lasting one that can withstand harsh sunlight, weather, and general impact.
- If you are looking for a less expensive siding and aren’t concerned about the performance or longevity of your siding, then Hardie is not the best choice for you.
Because of its high quality, it is one of the more expensive siding types on the market.
No matter the siding material you choose, any siding replacement is an investment. This is why knowing what your goals are for your project is crucial to finding the right siding and contractor for you.
Still aren’t sure if James Hardie siding is right for you? Check out this article that answers if James Hardie is worth it or not so you can take the right next step in your siding replacement project.
Ready to start your James Hardie siding replacement project?
Southwest Exteriors exclusively offers high-quality James Hardie siding with professional installation to ensure your siding will last a lifetime.
Ready to start your project with a contractor you can trust? Contact Southwest Exteriors today to get the look you love coming home to!