Is James Hardie Siding Worth It? What You Need To Know
March 15th, 2022 | 6 min. read
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SubscribeWhether your home siding has become damaged beyond repair or you’ve had to constantly care for it throughout the years, you might be ready to replace your siding with something that you won’t have to worry about in the future.
Because you want something durable and long-lasting, James Hardie is on your list to consider for your siding replacement.
James Hardie is the leading manufacturer of fiber cement products in North America and has become a well-known name for top replacement siding.
Maybe you’ve seen inspiration photos and read articles about James Hardie siding and are wondering, first, if this siding is right for you, and secondly, if it’s worth the investment. These are both fair and great questions to be asking yourself.
At Southwest Exteriors, we exclusively offer James Hardie products for siding replacement projects. Because we’ve been a siding replacement contractor in San Antonio for over 30 years, we’ve seen what siding holds up against the harsh Texas climate. James Hardie is our top recommendation for a durable and long-lasting solution.
Now, although we offer and install James Hardie siding and are clear fans of the benefits, we know it might not be the right solution for everyone. But, if you are looking for a long-term siding solution for your home, we want you to know what makes Hardie worth the investment.
This article will answer exactly that question: Is James Hardie siding worth it? We will discuss the long-term benefits of Hardie siding and who it is and isn’t a great fit for.
After reading, you will understand why Hardie has gotten its reputation and know if it is the right siding option for you.
What benefits make James Hardie siding worth investing in?
It’s no secret that James Hardie siding is on the higher end of the cost range for siding replacements. So, if you’re considering replacing your siding with Hardie, you want to know that it will be worth it for you.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of investing in James Hardie siding.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is durable, long-lasting, and requires little maintenance
The largest benefit of investing in Hardie siding is its fiber cement material. This includes the durability, longevity, and lack of maintenance required over the years.
The durability of James Hardie siding
James Hardie siding is made of fiber cement. It is made of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. It also has non-combustible properties, is resistant to water damage and rotting, and is durable against any climate.
Other siding types are susceptible to damage and wear and tear over time. Wood siding, for example, can rot and deteriorate when exposed to water. Vinyl siding tends to chip and crack over time when exposed to constantly changing temperatures. Aluminum siding can dent due to impact from weather elements or other external forces.
With James Hardie siding, you do not have to worry about any of this.
Lack of maintenance required for James Hardie siding
Because of the durability of Hardie siding, there is little to no maintenance required. With other siding types susceptible to damage, you will have to continuously check your siding and provide repairs for that siding. These costs add up over time.
Although other siding options may be less expensive now, you will pay more in the future for continuous upkeep and maintenance.
Longevity of James Hardie siding
The durability of James Hardie fiber cement siding increases its lifespan. Hardie siding is made to be a lifelong “do it once and do it right” solution. This sets Hardie apart from other siding manufacturers.
If you are looking for siding that will last on your home that you won’t have to worry about keeping up with, then James Hardie siding is worth the investment.
James Hardie siding is versatile in style and siding solutions
When looking to replace your home siding, you want to make sure it fits all your needs for durability, longevity, and aesthetics.
Another benefit of James Hardie siding is the versatility of the product. Not only do they offer numerous styles and profiles of siding boards but different types of trim, soffit, and fascia as well.
From traditional horizontal lap to scalloped shingle siding, Hardie has the right style for you. You can also take it one step further and customize your board size and color to create the perfect siding for your home.
If you’ve experienced any issues such as rotting around your soffit and fascia, Hardie also offers versatile products for those areas. While you can give your home the look you’ve been waiting for, you can also solve any problems you’ve experienced in the past. Then, you won’t have to worry about those problems anymore.
Overall, the versatility in style and function of James Hardie siding products provides your home with an upgraded look and a forever fix to past siding issues.
What you need to know about investing in James Hardie siding
Understanding the key benefits of investing in James Hardie siding is important to know what you’ll get if you choose Hardie siding for your home.
However, there are a few things you need to know before investing in it. We will outline the crucial things to know to reap the full benefits of Hardie siding.
James Hardie siding must be installed correctly
An essential thing you need to know about Hardie siding is that it must be installed correctly to function as it is meant to.
Hardie has guides and manuals for their installation best practices. These best practices are made to be followed for the products to be as durable and last as long as they are made to.
If Hardie siding is not installed correctly, it will not perform as it should. This is why finding a professional contractor that knows what they are doing is crucial to a successful Hardie siding installation.
The sooner you install James Hardie siding, the better your investment will be
James Hardie siding is a long-term investment and siding solution. Because it is made to last for a lifetime on your home, the earlier you install Hardie, the better your investment will be.
If you are a long-term homeowner or in your forever home, then Hardie siding would be an ideal siding solution for you. On the flip side, if you are not looking for a long-term solution or will only be in your home for a few years, then investing in Hardie siding might not be worth it for you.
The sooner you invest in Hardie siding, the longer you can enjoy the benefits of its versatility, durability, and lack of maintenance required.
Should I invest in James Hardie siding?
Now that you know the major benefits of investing in James Hardie siding and some key things you need to know beforehand, you can have a better idea of whether Hardie is the right siding for you.
If you are a long-term homeowner looking for a long-term solution, then James Hardie siding will be worth your investment. Although it is more expensive than other siding types, it will save you more money in the long run to invest in a high-quality product once than go with the less expensive option that requires constant repair and upkeep.
If you are a short-term homeowner or house flipper looking for the least expensive option, then Hardie is most likely not worth investing in. The durability and longevity of the siding come with a higher price point that you might not want to pay if you’re not going to be in the house long term.
Deciding if you should invest in James Hardie siding depends on your goals for your project. Consider how you want your siding to look, function, how long you want it to last, and your budget for your project.
If you’re considering Hardie siding for your home siding replacement, you need to find the right contractor that will provide you with the best installation and investment.
This article will outline five key qualities to look for in a Hardie siding contractor. Then, you will know exactly what to look for in a contractor and choose one that will meet your needs for your project.
Ready to invest in James Hardie siding?
With Southwest Exteriors, we want you to be educated on all your siding options and help guide you to the right choice for you. If you’re ready to invest in James Hardie siding for your San Antonio home, we might be the right fit for you.
Our installation teams are experts in following Hardie’s best practices for installation. Once your project is complete, a James Hardie inspector will come to your home to ensure all installation standards are met.
On top of Hardie’s 30-year product warranty, Southwest Exteriors offers a lifetime warranty on your products and installation for as long as you own your home.
Ready to start your Hardie siding replacement project? Schedule your free, in-home consultation by filling out this form on our webpage.