$10 A Square Foot On Average

Hardie board siding, on average, costs $10 a square foot. So it would cost about $12,000 to install a 1,200 square foot outside wall. However, it could be the last siding that you will need to install on your house. So for almost all homeowners, it is a very smart choice.

James Hardie is among the most well-known brands in the market. It is especially known for its cement-backer board. It is fiber cement that is mixed together with wood pulp along with some types of organic materials. It is the only siding carried by Hardie. Fiber cement benefits when it comes to appearance – it is available in a wide range of intense colors. The wood pulp in the siding also provides the boards with a more woodgrain, natural texture. Keep reading to help you decide whether or not James Hardie siding is well-suited for your house.

Installation Preparation For Hardie Board Siding

Before Hardie boards are brought to your house by the contractors, first they need to evaluate the structural integrity of your property. They will look at every beam to stud to verify that their strength is not being comprised by damage. Hardie board is very heavy. A 100 square foot section weighs 300 pounds. Any water- or pest-damaged wood will need to be repaired or replaced before your siding project can start. Your Hardie board contractor or a different company might need to provide you with a quote for the repairs.

James Hardie Siding Products

Hardie siding is available in shingle, lapboard, and vertical designs that are made out of fiber cement instead of vinyl. Typically, fiber cement looks a bit more natural compared to vinyl. It is made out of cement and wood pulp that is molded to match the appearance of a wood shake or board instead of plastic. However, some home builders and contractors are skeptical of this material because it hasn’t been available for very long.

Along with traditional styles, an Artisan collection is offered by Hardie. The board widths are thicker and it has deeper shadow lines to add to a home’s historical accuracy.

The Appearance of Hardie Siding

Fiber cement boards offer the benefit of a natural look – the wood grain textures are more refined and can be molded to the material to give the detailing a precision that may be lacking in some vinyl styles. The differences in the materials also mean that a wide range of colors can be offered, especially darker shades. Typically, vinyl siding is available in light cool colors, since darker materials may cause the boards to either crack or split. However, fiber cement gives a vast range of different color choices – from a dramatic smoky gray to a deep rust red from the brand.

James Hardie Siding Warranty

Unlike much of its competition, a 30-year warranty is offered by James Hardie, instead of limited lifetime protection. It covers manufacturer defects but might be voided if there are any repairs or alterations made to the original Hardie product. Some coverage might also vary depending on where your home is located. For example, there may be more limited policies in Northern states.

Hardie Siding – Cleaning and Maintenance

In terms of cleaning, fiber cement is a bit more durable. Therefore, you can use a traditional mold remover in your maintenance routine. Although paint is baked into the boards, over time flaking and chipping do occur, so occasionally you might need to touch it up, or redo it every 10-15 years.

James Hardie Siding Price Range

Hardie siding, including labor, costs around $10 per foot. When compared with other brands of siding, that is fairly affordable. However, keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the contractor you hire and your local area.

Hardie Complaints and Reviews

Hardie Plank boards get respectable reviews on a consistent basis from both professional reviewers and users. Like most types of siding, most of the problems appear to happen in extreme temperatures. Siding’s performance can be affected significantly by very hot or very cold weather. A majority of homeowners appear to be very happy with the natural look of the product and use it as an alternative for cedar boards.

James Hardie Siding – The Bottom Line

Deciding whether or not to use Hardie siding should start with considering the material. If the durability or look of fiber cement boards appeals to you then they might be well-suited to your preferences. However, if you want your siding to provide you with improved energy performance, you will have to look for a different product, since fiber is not insulated the way that certain kinds of vinyl are. It is very well-suited to use in Southern areas, particularly since the warping and fading of certain kinds of vinyl can be caused by the sun.