Fiber cement siding has gained popularity across the country and for good reason. It is a durable, versatile, and effective siding option that works particularly well with our Saint Louis climate.
It’s not a perfect product and does have drawbacks, but it is still the best siding material on the market. It will always be our go-to for siding replacement projects.
Pros of Fiber Cement Siding
Longevity
Siding made from fiber cement lasts as long as you live in your home. The combination of cellulose fiber, sand, and cement creates an incredibly strong substance that wears well. It won’t crack, warp, or fade.
James Hardie siding requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking good and working efficiently. In fact, Hardie siding offers the highest ROI, and it adds substantial value to your home.
Aesthetics
Fiber cement is an attractive product that is highly customizable. Its numerous design options allow you to create a unique home exterior.
You can create something striking in a modern or classic style with different colors and board styles. Because fiber cement boards can replicate wood, it is ideal when you are trying to replicate historical details on your home.
Resistant to Most Things
Fiber cement siding is extremely durable and is resistant to:
- Fire
- Moisture
- Termites
- Woodpeckers
- Fading
- Mold
- Rotting
Designed for Saint Louis Weather
James Hardie siding uses climate technology, making it extremely weather resistant. Not only is it weatherproof, but it is designed specifically for our Saint Louis climate. Rain, humidity, snow, and severe storms mean you want siding that can withstand the elements.
Warranty
James Hardie offers a 30-year non-pro-rated transferable warranty. If your siding fails within the warranty period, James Hardie will pay out the current market value up to x2 for the siding and labor. With a warranty like that, you know they are serious about creating quality products you can trust.
Cons of Fiber Cement Siding
Tricky Installation
Fiber cement siding is difficult to install. It is extremely heavy and needs more team members on installation day. It also takes a skilled craftsman with a lot of experience with Hardie board and the specialist equipment necessary to do an excellent installation job.
James Hardie is specific about clearances and nails, so you want to choose a James Hardie preferred contractor.
More Expensive Upfront
The extra labor and skill mean that you pay more upfront for a siding replacement using fiber cement than you would with other materials. Not only are the materials more expensive, but so are the labor costs.
You also can’t order Hardie board directly from the factory; you have to go through a contractor, which adds to the installation costs.
Why James Hardie is Our First Choice
With 18 years in the industry and dealing with the Saint Louis market, we saw a lot of vinyl siding. But Hardie has won over our clients and us quickly with its beauty and durability.
I worked directly with James Hardie for six years and saw firsthand the beauty, authenticity, and weather resistance of the siding.
James Hardie is willing to put their name and money on the line to ensure a phenomenal product. They also keep improving and are in the seventh iteration of James Hardie board.
They consider design and color trends and are constantly updating their offering.
Hawthorn Home Exteriors, Your Saint Louis Siding Company
James Hardie is our go-to siding product because it is a material we can trust. Our goal is to deliver a siding replacement project that is transparent, stress-free, and based on our client’s needs.
We are confident we can deliver fantastic results with fiber cement siding, so contact us for a consultation if you are looking for a siding replacement.
