Fiber Cement Siding

HARDIE PLANK SIDING INSTALLATION IN RICHMOND, VA

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 homeowners.


About James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding


James Hardie® invented fiber cement siding in the mid-1980s. 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. 


As Richmond's top siding company, we'd love to help you choose the right siding for your home. Learn more about Hardie® Plank fiber cement siding below, and give us a call at 804-258-6300  if you would like to schedule an appointment for a siding quote.

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Four Facts About Hardie Plank Siding

01

It's Eco-Friendly

Invented by James Hardie®, fiber cement is a combination of “sand, water, cellulose fibers, and Portland cement, which is a mixture of limestone, clay, and gypsum,” its website says.

02

It's Versatile

Hardie® siding 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.

03

It's Extremely Durable

Hardie® boasts fire resistance; durability against cracking and swelling from moisture; water damage resistance; pest aversion; and the ability to stand up to harsh weather conditions, such as hail and freezing temperatures. 

04

The Price Difference

Higher quality comes with a higher price tag. 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. 

Hardie Vs. Other Siding Types

Hardie: The mercedes benz of siding

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 and test different colors and styles to gauge a virtual application on their home. 

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Five Major Signs You Need To Replace Your Siding

 While answering the question, “When should I replace my siding?” largely depends on the type of siding you have, there are certain factors that apply across the board.


Here are the top 5 signs you need to replace your siding.

01

Damaged Boards or Panels

If you notice any physical damage to your siding – whether it’s warping, rotting, or soft to the touch – it’s time to replace it. 

02

Loose, Cracking, Fading, or

Peeling Siding

These are all signs of natural wear-and-tear, from sun exposure and inclement weather to the ebbs and flows of frost and thaw cycles. And if you try to paint your siding but it doesn’t seem to hold, it’s time to replace it.

03

Water or Moisture Damage

Any rotting, mold, or fungal growth on your siding means water is getting past it. This damage may appear as warping, rusting, or swelling, depending on the siding material you have. 

04

Interior Wall Damage

Any moisture damage or mold growth inside your walls could point toward a siding issue, no matter how your siding looks outside. Interior wall damage, including paint peeling or wallpaper bubbling, often points to a serious problem requiring immediate attention.

05

High Energy Bills

Hurting your home’s energy efficiency, overlooked gaps or holes in your siding may present themselves in the form of high utility bills every month. 

FAQs:

Your Hardie® Plank Siding Questions, Answered

  • How Much Will It Cost To Re-Side My Home With Hardie®?

    Your estimated cost for residing your home with Hardie® Plank will depend on the size of your home. It's not the cheapest siding option on the market, but it has a lot of benefits that come with its 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. 

  • How Do I Maintain My Hardie® Siding?

    Hardie® siding doesn't require much in terms of maintenance. 


    The warranty on the factory finish is 15 years, and we usually advice folks to paint their siding every 7-10 years after that mark. Otherwise, a simple power wash should do the trick, if you feel it needs a little TLC.

  • Do I Have To Worry About Woodpeckers?

    No. Unlike wood siding, Hardie® siding is made from a substrate that is not appealing to wordpeckers, termites, and other pests. 

  • How Will Updating My Siding Change Its Look?

    Siding is the most noticeable exterior feature of a home. You can see it from every angle, so it’s really important that it looks nice.


    Changing worn and dated siding can revitalize your home while protecting it for many years to come. Plus, depending on the siding material you choose, you can change your home's overall aesthetic simply by choosing a different color, texture, or style than its current siding. 

REPLACING YOUR SIDING AT THE RIGHT TIME IS CRITICAL.

IF YOU WAIT TOO LONG, PROBLEMS MAY WORSEN.

If you think it’s time for new siding, call Retex Roofing & Exteriors at 804-258-6300 or click the button below to schedule a complimentary vinyl siding assessment. We proudly serve Richmond, VA and surrounding communities and offer a lifetime workmanship warranty for all Hardie® Plank siding replacements.

CONTACT RETEX

YOUR TOP CHOICE FOR 
ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS, & GUTTERS


If you're looking for an excellent exterior contractor, we invite you to contact RETEX ROOFING & EXTERIORS. Our courteous, professional installation experts are licensed and insured, and they work hard to make sure you're "over the roof" with your home exterior project.


We would be happy to give you a complimentary estimate – call us at 804-358-6300 to schedule your appointment.