Whether you’re building a new home and want long-lasting cladding options or replacing your siding and want unbeatable durability and longevity, James Hardie siding is your best option.

Renowned for its innovative fiber cement construction, James Hardie products offer a perfect blend of strength, style, and low maintenance, making it a top choice for homeowners and builders. Unlike wood or vinyl siding, James Hardie siding is engineered to resist harsh weather conditions, pests, and even fire, providing your home with superior protection for decades to come.

In this blog, Powell Exteriors KC’s siding installers help you examine the features that set James Hardie siding apart, from its exceptional performance in various climates to its wide range of design possibilities that can elevate the look of any home.

Read on to discover why so many homeowners choose James Hardie siding as their go-to solution for a beautiful, durable exterior.

What Are James Hardie Siding Products Made Of?

James Hardie siding products are made of fiber cement, a robust and durable material that combines several ingredients to create a strong and versatile siding solution.

The primary components of Hardie siding materials include:

  • Portland cement: This is the main binding agent in fiber cement, providing your siding with its strength and durability. Portland cement is a fine powder made from limestone and clay, which, when mixed with water, hardens and binds the other materials together.
  • Silica (sand): Silica, often in the form of finely ground sand, gives your siding rigidity and enhances its durability. It helps your siding withstand impacts and wear over time.
  • Cellulose fibers: These natural wood fibers add flexibility and tensile strength to your siding. They also help your siding resist cracking and splitting, making it more resilient under various weather conditions.
  • Water: Water is used in the manufacturing process to activate the Portland cement and help in the curing process, ensuring your siding achieves full strength.
  • Other additives: In some cases, specific additives are included in the mix to enhance the product’s resistance to moisture, UV radiation, or other environmental factors.

This combination of materials creates a product that’s strong, durable, and resistant to common issues that affect other siding materials, including rot, warping, and insect damage.

Are James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Products Available in Different Styles?

Yes, James Hardie fiber cement siding products let you choose exterior cladding that reflects your taste and your home’s architectural style.

It’s a premium siding available in different siding styles, including:

HardiePlank Lap Siding

HardiePlank lap siding is horizontal cladding available in various texture profiles, including smooth, beaded, and cedarmill.

HardieShingle Siding

HardieShingle siding embodies the look of cedar shingles, which is perfect for creating a classic, rustic look. It’s available in straight and staggard edge designs.

HardiePanel Vertical Siding

HardiePanel is a vertical siding option for a contemporary or traditional look. Combine it with HardieTrim to create a board-and-batten effect.

HardieTrim Boards

Designed for use around windows, doors, and corners, it provides a finished look to your siding and helps enhance your home’s architectural features.

HardieSoffit Panels

Available in vented and non-vented options, HardieSoffit panels are used to cover the underside of your roof eaves and exterior porch ceilings to protect your roof from moisture, insects, and other elements.

Artisan Collection by James Hardie

With thicker boards and deeper shadow lines for a more pronounced look, the Artisan Collection by James Hardie is a high-end architectural siding that allows you to give your home an upscale, sophisticated profile.

Now that you know more about your style choices, let’s talk about James Hardie’s ColorPlus technology.

How Does Hardie Siding’s ColorPlus Technology Work?

Hardie Siding’s ColorPlus Technology is a meticulously engineered process that infuses fiber cement with enduring color. Unlike traditional on-site painting, ColorPlus applies multiple layers of paint directly to your siding within a controlled factory environment.

Each coat cures to create a resilient, bonded finish that defies the elements. This advanced method guarantees consistent color, exceptional durability, and resistance to fading, chipping, and peeling. The result is a stunning exterior that demands minimal maintenance.

Popular color choices include:

  • Neutrals and earth tones
  • Warm tones
  • Cool tones
  • Bold and rich colors
  • Custom colors

What Is the Lifespan of Hardie Board Siding?

Although Hardie siding requires minimal maintenance, when you take good care of it, you can expect your Hardie board siding to last between 30 and 50 years.

Do Hardie Siding Materials Come With a Warranty?

Yes! The manufacturer’s warranty on all James Hardie fiber cement siding products is 30 years.

Does James Hardie Siding Need Maintenance?

A little bit of maintenance will go a long way to preserving your home’s exterior appearance.

To take care of your fiber cement siding, you should:

  • Clean your siding annually
  • Inspect your siding for damage
  • Remove any vegetation that touches your siding
  • Keep your gutters clear to keep moisture away from your siding

Does Hardie Board Crack Easily?

No, Hardie board doesn’t crack easily. It’s strong, dense, highly durable, and resistant to many forms of damage, including breaking and minor impacts from hail or debris. It’s also UV-resistant, which means it won’t become brittle or be susceptible to cracking due to weathering over time.

How Much Does Hardie House-Siding Installation Cost?

Hardie house-siding installation costs are determined by your choice of siding color, texture, style, and the amount of siding and accessories (corner posts, soffits, window trim, fascia, etc.) required to complete your project. Labor and equipment expenses are also factored into your estimate to provide a clear picture of your project expenses.

How Long Does a Typical Hardie Siding Installation Take?

For average-sized homes, you can expect a typical Hardie siding installation to take between 7 and 14 days.

Some factors that may extend your installation time include:

  • Weather conditions
  • Complex architectural features
  • Multiple stories
  • Customization and special requests

Your contractor will tell you what to expect regarding the turnaround of your project when you meet with them for your initial consultation.

Protect Your Home With Siding Installation That Stands the Test of Time

Now that you know what makes James Hardie fiber cement siding a superior choice over vinyl, metal, and wood, you can protect your home with a siding installation that meets your elevated expectations. Choosing these quality cladding materials will set your home apart from the rest, protect its curb appeal, and give your house an aesthetic that mirrors your home design goals.

Do you need help selecting the perfect fiber cement siding color and texture options? Call Powell Exteriors KC’s James Hardie siding installers for answers to all your questions about safeguarding your home with siding solutions that last up to 50 years.

Call us at (816) 656-1160 to book an initial consultation appointment.