What Makes James Hardie Siding Your Best Option?

Whether you’re building a new home and want long-lasting cladding options or replacing your siding and want unbeatable durability and

Overview

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.

What our customers say

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Greg Crable profile picture
Greg Crable
15:21 08 Oct 25
I can't say enough positive about Powell Ext. the owner, Dave Powell came to our house to discuss our project and was directly available to us throughout the process. His team (Jimmy, Lady and Marie) were very professional, hardworking and friendly. The installation took two days (WOW!) On day one they found electrical line running through the wall where the window was to be installed, Dave had an electrician out to our house the same day, to reroute the line, to allow the project to be completed on following day. We paid more for the electrician but it was a necessary cost that was not foreseen. I took three estimates, two from large companies the advertise on TV. Both were two times the estimate from Powell and I was told that the estimate would go up by $5,000 if I did not sign a contract on the spot. Avoid any contractors other than Powell Exterior, we plan to use them again for new windows in our family. Thanks Dave, Jimmy, Lady and Marie
P B profile picture
P B
20:45 19 Aug 25
I had vinyl siding repairs to be done. It was very easy to communicate with Dave the owner. He had the work started the next day. Jeremy who made the repairs was very polite and professional. He did an excellent job. When I had a question about one section of the repair Dave sent Jeremy back out the next day. I can't say enough good things about Dave who responded quickly to any concerns I had. I highly recommend hiring Powell Exterior KC.
Jared Comfort profile picture
Jared Comfort
00:53 18 Aug 25
Powell Exteriors installed the new siding on our house, and we could not be happier with the product we received. Dave walked us through the whole process in detail answering all of our questions. Throughout the entire process, the projects lead(s) as well as the crew were extremely professional, communicated over the top, and far exceeded our expectations. I would recommend Powell to anybody looking to have a project done. I will be reaching back out to them for future projects.
Mary Greene profile picture
Mary Greene
21:31 07 Jun 25
I can’t leave a positive enough review for how absolutely amazing Powell has been to deal with. We went through the unexpected loss of our senior dog during the beginning process and they were sympathetic and understanding while we were dealing with the loss and just trying to figure things out.

Once we got that straightened out everything went smoother and quicker than I could have imagined. James and Steve really went above and beyond on building my new back deck and in the repairs to my front patio. Everything looks amazing and will make my backyard oasis even more enjoyable for years to come.
Nick Warren profile picture
Nick Warren
00:44 18 Apr 25
I wish I could give Powell Exteriors 10 stars. Dave came out to the house and listened to what we wanted. He came up with ideas that fit into our budget. We called him several times with modifications and he was quick to return our call and get us the information we needed. We chose to go with their quote even though they were not the cheapest. Dave just made us comfortable with his knowledge, timely responses and the products they could offer. The crew was AMAZING. They showed up around the same time every morning and worked all day. When it was quitting time they stacked all their tools and the supplies neatly and cleaned up after themselves. They even swept the concrete. I have never seen a crew so clean. We tried to stay out of their way but they were polite anytime we had a question. They even came out and painted one of the downspouts to match the house. That was above and beyond. Give them a call you will not be disappointed.
Sean Lanyon profile picture
Sean Lanyon
14:22 15 Apr 25
The crew came in and worked hard, safely and professionally. Our exterior looks amazing and the detailing is perfect. I definitely recommend Powell Exteriors
Sheryl Riley profile picture
Sheryl Riley
13:53 12 Apr 25
Just had a roof put on and they did an excellent job. The roofers were very friendly and couldn't ask for a better experience. They did a great job cleaning up after the job was complete.
Patrick Madden profile picture
Patrick Madden
16:22 07 Apr 25
I'm extremely grateful for Powell Roofing! They were very helpful in many ways and great to work with. They were responsive, affordable, went the extra mile in every effort with insurance and with us in providing the best solution for our needs. Installment was done right and beautiful. Clean up was thorough. Definitely recommend them!
Jeanne Kimball profile picture
Jeanne Kimball
14:45 26 Mar 25
I don't know what I would have done without the help from Dave in repairing the storm damage to the front of my house! His crew did an outstanding job! I would highly recommend Powell Exteriors! They deserve more then 5 stars, 10 stars from me!
Rudy Quiason profile picture
Rudy Quiason
22:46 24 Mar 25
Chris is very helpful and suggested items that only need to be replaced. The project was quickly completed. The crew installers are very good and very professional. Yes, I would recommend Powell Exteriors.
Jay Fain profile picture
Jay Fain
20:11 24 Mar 25
I am very pleased with Powell Exterior KC. As a wounded disabled veteran they did a superb job building me an accessible ramp and porch for easier and convenient access to my house. I highly recommend them if you are looking for someone to build you what you need.
Travis Ebert profile picture
Travis Ebert
23:11 03 Mar 25
James Snider profile picture
James Snider
04:21 23 Feb 25
Powell Exteriors is the best in every way. They're kind and have a very keen business sense. I would recommend Powell Exteriors KC to absolutely anyone. If you've ever heard "you get what you pay for".... you certainly get piece of mind and commitment from Powell knowing you won't have a single issue with anything. Their business model is to make the customer happy. Your vision will become reality for your home!
Mary McClay profile picture
Mary McClay
22:45 19 Feb 25
Powell Exteriors did a great job on my deck. It was very nice having the same person to ask questions to during the process. I highly recommend this company.
Sebastian Wentz profile picture
Sebastian Wentz
15:11 14 Feb 25
Back in November My wife and I had our windows replaced. We are so thrilled with the job that Powell Exteriors KC did, The windows hold out the cold very well and we have already seen savings in our utilities. We can't thank these guys enough for the amazing work! The crew who did the work was awesome, friendly, and really knew what to do. Great job for the installers they were the best! I work form home and the team was very courteous and informed me when it was going to get loud. Communication was a 10 out of 10 The Overall quality of the install 10 out of 10 The overall value 10 out of 10. From the owner coming in and working out our quote to the final clean up of the job we were always given honest information and the best quality customer service. We try to always use locally owned businesses and this is why, Perfect job all the way around. We highly recommend Powell Exteriors KC!!
Gary Naugle profile picture
Gary Naugle
21:40 07 Feb 25
From concept study and design to the finished product this was a great experience. We got exactly what we wanted and are anxious to finishing and furnishing in the spring. Beautiful product at a great price.
Dennis Henn profile picture
Dennis Henn
22:43 03 Sep 24
We love our new patio cover Powell Exteriors KC installed. It came totally protected for shipping to us. Cory was our salesperson who was very great at explaining what would be done & the timeframe to install it. Our installers were Kenny & Silver who were very professional, knowledgeable & courteous. They were all great to work with & will allow us to enjoy our patio rain or shine for years to come. I highly recommend Powell Exteriors KC.
Barb Kemmis profile picture
Barb Kemmis
22:54 15 Jul 24
Powell Exteriors completely replaced all the old windows in our house, which is a tricky 2-story. These photos show just a few of the quality windows they installed. We were impressed from the beginning with the strong business ethic when Dave, the co-owner completed our bid, then when Chris followed up with excellent communication about when to expect each step from delivery to installation, then with Jimmy & crew who efficiently and professionally installed each window with care. We love our woodwork, and there was not a scratch in the process as you can see. Small problems came up, as is normal with any home repair project, and they were handled kindly & professionally. With confidence, we completely recommend this company for your exterior project.
David Blentlinger profile picture
David Blentlinger
01:12 14 Jul 24
We really appreciate the great work Powell Exteriors KC contractors did with our deck. It looks amazing! They were extremely helpful in the selection process during the initial sale and were very knowledgeable about what we purchased when they were onsite. We had some materials that were delivered wrong and they took care of getting them returned and getting the correct items quickly. They were even able to get the matching siding for the area that needed replaced. The workers were very friendly and professional while working on our project. They even put in extra time to make sure the project was completed in a timely manner when having to deal with bad weather. We definitely consider using them again for future projects.
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