Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

Siding

Top 3 benefits of James Hardie siding: What makes it the best?

July 13th, 2021 | 7 min. read

Top 3 benefits of James Hardie siding: What makes it the best?

Print/Save as PDF

A close shot of the side of a home at an angle. The horizontal lap siding is a beige color with a cedar finish.

A siding replacement is one of the most expensive investments you can make in your home. When you finally decide to take that leap to replace your siding, it can be overwhelming to research all that goes into a siding replacement project.

You must consider your budget, siding type and style you like, and what contractor you choose to do the job. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could just make those choices for you? 


Video "Top 3 benefits of James Hardie siding (fiber cement siding)" link down below.

At Southwest Exteriors, we offer high-quality fiber cement siding from James Hardie. We believe this to be the best siding offered and have become expert James Hardie siding installers for over 30 years. 

James Hardie is the leading manufacturer of fiber cementious products and has gained the title of the best siding replacement solution in North America. 

This article will detail the benefits of James Hardie siding, like its material, maintenance, and installation engineering. After reading, you will understand why Hardie has become the leading siding manufacturer and installer.

It is important to acknowledge that Hardie siding may not be the best solution for every homeowner. 

It is on the higher end of the cost spectrum to replace your siding. However, many contractors offer different payment options to make it affordable. 

If you are a long-term homeowner looking to invest in new, long-lasting siding, Hardie is the best option for you. If you are looking to freshen up your home’s siding before putting it on the market, a less expensive siding type may be better for you. 

If you are contemplating Hardie for your siding replacement, this article will better help you understand the benefits of investing in high-quality siding. 

 

1. James Hardie siding is fiber cementious 

The material that Hardie siding is made of is the greatest benefit. It is made of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. 

It is also made with performance additives that make it non-combustible, resistant to water damage and rot, and able to withstand any type of climate. 

For San Antonio homes, having a siding that can stand against the brutal summers and frequent cold snaps is essential. 

Most other siding materials come with a number of issues. 

Vinyl expands and contracts in the heat and cold, causing it to crack, bend, and bow. Wood and masonite siding is susceptible to rot. Stucco can also crack and chip over time. 

Hardie fiber cement siding does not have any of these problems. It does not dry out or deteriorate in the sun, and it is incredibly durable. 

This is why Hardie siding is a long-term solution for a siding replacement, meant to last for 40-50 years. 

 

2. Hardie siding is practically maintenance-free

Because of the durability of fiber cement siding, it requires very little maintenance. You will not have to worry about repairing rot or replacing boards that have cracked. 

Hardie has designed their siding to be impervious to woodpeckers, termites, and other pests. The fiber cement does not create an ideal home, causing them to turn away. 

The best maintenance task you can take to your Hardie siding is to power wash it once a year or every couple of years. This will get rid of any dirt and grime buildup on the siding, which will keep it looking fresh and help maintain the paint.

Paint on Hardie siding lasts longer than other types of siding. However, when excess dirt is left on the siding for years, it will start to infuse into the paint layer. This makes it more difficult to repaint later, which can cost you more money in the long run. 

 

3. Hardie’s installation processes secure its lifespan

James Hardie has created numerous best practices guides for certified Hardie installers to follow for siding replacements. 

These best practices set a high standard for contractors that install Hardie products to ensure you receive the highest-quality siding replacement. Some contractors will have a certified Hardie inspector look at your siding replacement to ensure it was done under the best practices.

The installation of any siding is one of the most important aspects of a siding project. Even though Hardie is the best fiber cement siding manufacturer, it will not last as long or protect your home as it should.

This is why it is important to choose the right contractor that will install your siding under Hardie’s best practices in order to get the most out of your project. 

 

How to find a certified James Hardie installer

You can find a list of certified James Hardie fiber cement siding installers in San Antonio, Texas on the James Hardie website. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Go to the James Hardie website at www.jameshardie.com.

  2. Hover your cursor over the "Where to Buy" tab in the top menu bar and click on "Find a Contractor" in the dropdown menu.

  3. Enter your zip code in the search bar and select "Fiber Cement Siding" from the "Products" dropdown menu.

  4. Click the "Search" button.

  5. A list of certified James Hardie installers in your area will appear. You can view their contact information and website to learn more about their services and qualifications.

Note that the list provided by James Hardie is not exhaustive and there may be other reputable siding installers in San Antonio. It's always a good idea to research and compare multiple installers before making a final decision.

 

Should you use a certified James Hardie siding install for my project

Using a certified James Hardie fiber cement siding installer for your home remodeling project can be beneficial. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Expertise and Training: Certified installers have undergone training and have demonstrated a certain level of expertise in installing James Hardie siding products. This ensures that they have the knowledge and skills to properly install the siding and can help prevent installation errors that could lead to problems down the road.

  2. Warranty Protection: Using a certified installer can ensure that your James Hardie siding is installed properly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. This can help protect your warranty in case any issues arise.

  3. Quality Workmanship: Certified installers are committed to providing quality workmanship and customer service. They are typically held to a higher standard than non-certified installers and strive to maintain a positive reputation within the industry.

Ultimately, the decision to use a certified installer is up to you. If you value quality workmanship and want the peace of mind that comes with using an expert installer, then it may be worth considering.

 

Choosing James Hardie for your siding replacement

Now that you know the top three benefits of James Hardie fiber cement siding, you understand why it is the leading fiber cement manufacturer and what makes it a high-quality investment. 

Hardie siding is a long-term solution for your exterior. If you live in your forever home and are ready to spend a little more on a high-quality siding, Hardie may be right for you. 

If you are looking for a quick and inexpensive fix for your siding, then Hardie might not be the right solution for you. 

However, although it will cost you more upfront, investing in a high-quality, long-lasting siding will save you money in the long run. You won’t have to constantly worry and pay for repairs and possibly a full replacement in the near future. 

Southwest Exteriors only offers James Hardie fiber cement siding products for your project because it is one of the best solutions for your exterior. 

Although this is the only siding type we offer, we know it is not the right solution for everyone. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make the best, educated decision for you. 

Curious as to how much a typical siding replacement costs? Check out this article that details the top factors that influence the cost of a siding replacement, like square footage, type of siding, and condition of the wall.