As a James Hardie Preferred Remodeler, we have installed this fiber cement siding on over 3000 homes in the San Antonio area since 1997. Here are a few questions we have addressed with our clients that may not be common knowledge:
- What type of cost difference should I expect when comparing HardiePlank siding versus vinyl siding? Depending on the grade of vinyl siding you may be considering, James Hardie Fiber Cement siding might cost anywhere from 0% to 40% more. Low end vinyl siding may be substantially less expensive, whereas foam back vinyl or composite siding might be equivalent in material cost. There are substantial differences in the raw materials, manufacturing, and overall performance of these materials that affect the cost.
- Will HardiePlank siding be too heavy for my house with its normal wall framing? Durability and strength can come with a cost in weight. Fiber-cement siding can weigh as much as 300 lbs per square (100 square feet) versus about 25% of that for vinyl siding. In the thousands of HardiePlank® siding projects we've completed, we've never seen weight be an issue on any home, but we love for our clients to feel educated and confident about the product from the start of the project.
- How good is the warranty? James Hardie offers a 30-year non-prorated, transferable, limited warranty on their prime products and an additional 15-year warranty on the paint finish on their ColorPlus product line. The warranty on James Hardie products is like many manufacturers' products—contingent on proper storage, handling, shipping, and installation of their product. James Hardie states that "failure of the installer to install the Product in compliance with the Conditions of Limited Warranty as stated in the Best Practices manual" would negate their manufacturer's warranty. So if your designated contractor doesn't install the product under James Hardie approved Best Practices, it will void your warranty through the manufacturer. Because of this, Southwest Exteriors follows the manufacturer's requirements for installation to the letter in order to ensure that the product functions the way it was designed and that our clients receive the full benefits of the warranty.
Remodeling Magazine is the industry's leading home improvement magazine. Since 1988, Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report has compared construction costs for common remodeling projects with the value they add to a home at resale in the current real estate market. This previous blog post delves into further detail about how well fiber cement siding holds its value long-term. Knowing the solid facts about the products you're considering investing in will help you make the best decision for your home.
Any further questions about James Hardie siding? Post a comment below or contact us directly.