Pros & Cons of Hardie Board Siding

Created by James Hardie, Hardie Board siding is a type of cement board siding that has been around for decades but has the popularity that comes and goes in streaks. Often billed as a low-maintenance product built to stand the test of time but does it live up to the hype? Check out some of the pros and cons of hardie board siding, so you can determine if it is the right choice for your home or other structure.

Pros

• Long Life – Hardie Board siding has up to a 50-year transferable warranty. The warranty assures you the siding will last for decades to come—whether you own the home or not.
• Appearance – This siding style is architecturally appealing and can work with nearly any style you may have in mind.
• Fire and Storm Resistant – The resistance to both weather and fire unmatched with competitor products. There is a story that states that a fire managed to burn two fire trucks from 100 feet—but a house next door with Hardie Siding (only 50 feet away) was left unscathed. Whether or not this story is true remains to be seen, but there is no arguing that this siding is durable.
• Protects Against Insects and Rotting – You’ll have less space for insects and rot to enter the home—potentially saving money and maintenance.
• No Overlapping Seams – This means that mold and mildew growth is hampered—cutting down on allergens.
• Improves Resale Value – Homebuyers look for Hardie Board siding when making a purchase. Resale is a breeze when you upgrade to Hardie!

Cons

• Installation and Labor Costs – These costs will usually run about 2-3 times higher than vinyl siding. Higher costs can make Hardie a tough choice for some homebuyers.
• Maintenance – Unlike vinyl siding, you will have to paint the home every ten years or so. While this gives you flexibility in color choice, it does add to the expense.
• Insulation Woes – Since you cannot insulate underneath, you have to use Hardie wrap.
• 12 Foot Boards – Hardie offers only 12 ft. boards, so the result is not completely seamless.

While there are both pros and cons of hardie board siding, you’ll likely find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of this type of siding. It is worth considering the investment when you are choosing the right siding for your home. While the upfront cost may be slightly more. At the end of the day, it is worth paying a little more for quality.