Fiber Cement Siding Is Expensive. Here’s Why More Homeowners Are Choosing It For Their Homes, Despite The Price.

People generally associate James Hardie® fiber cement siding with a high price tag. Yet more and more homeowners are choosing this siding material for their homes. Let’s dive into why, as well as the benefits Hardie Plank offers for Richmond and Fredericksburg homeowners.

About James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie® invented fiber cement siding in the mid-1980s with a combination of “sand, water, cellulose fibers, and Portland cement, which is a mixture of limestone, clay, and gypsum,” according to its website. Today, it’s one of the top brands of siding in the United States. 

An eco-friendly product, fiber cement siding boasts fire resistance; durability against cracking and swelling from moisture; water damage resistance from rain, ice and snow; pest aversion; and the ability to stand up to Mother Nature’s harsh weather conditions, such as hail and freezing temperatures. Plus, all James Hardie® fiber cement siding, trim, and soffit products come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty. 

Compared To Other Siding Types

While vinyl siding will beat fiber cement siding out on its price and installation ease, it’s like comparing a Subaru to a Mercedes Benz. The upfront investment implies how well it will hold up in the years to come.

Vinyl siding is more susceptible to hail damage, cracks, buckling, and sagging. It’s more vulnerable to flame, grills, and solar heat reflected off low-E windows – a potential threat that isn't covered under manufacturer warranties. And its color fades noticeably, creating color inconsistency depending on the home’s sunlight exposure. Vinyl siding is also up to five times thinner than Hardie® siding.

Meanwhile, wood siding matches Hardie in being resistant to hail and impacts, easily painted, not meltable, and (of course) has a real wood look and feel, but it falls short on its combustibility, pest resistance, and resistance to warping, shrinking, and swelling in different weather conditions. 

Plus, James Hardie® offers a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and styles, so homeowners can mix and match to transform their home exactly into the look they’re after. Their website also has a HOVER Design Studio, where anyone can upload photos of their home and test different colors and styles to gauge a virtual application on their home. 

The Hardie Price Difference

Needless to say, higher quality tends to come with a higher price tag. James Hardie® requires well-trained labor as well as sheathing for the whole home to qualify for the manufacturer warranty, which will increase its cost compared to wood or vinyl siding. Plus, the size of your home will factor into the overall cost of your project, no matter the type of siding you choose.

Replacing your home’s siding will boost your home’s curb appeal, increase your home value, and amplify its durability for decades to come. But choosing the right siding for your home will come down to the material, look, and the type of investment you want to make in your home. 

If you live in Richmond or Fredericksburg, consider RETEX for your siding replacement project. We offer complimentary siding replacement estimates, and we will work with you to help you choose the right siding for your home and circumstances. And we’re James Hardie® siding experts, happy to walk you through what Hardie can do for your home.

Give us a call at 804-258-6300 or email us at   support@retexroofing.com   to request an appointment today.