Every myth or misconception begins with a true statement that becomes embellished through the years. It often sounds like the truth, and many people believe it. When you’re researching new siding for your home renovation, you’ll likely come across a few misconceptions about various products.
Like any popular product, James Hardie siding has its fair share of misconceptions that cause some homeowners to rule it out as an option. However, several myths about this famous siding brand need debunking. The siding you choose is a big deal, and you deserve to know the truth to make an informed decision.
What Is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie siding is one of the top-ranked names in the fiber cement siding replacement business. It is made from wood pulp, sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. These products combine to create an extraordinary material to enhance and protect your home.
This siding has become increasingly popular because of its longevity, durability, and potential to add value to a home. James Hardie siding may not be as cost-effective as comparable materials, but it could last a lifetime once it’s installed.
Pros of James Hardie Siding
Every siding material has pros and cons, but the pros overshadow the cons with this modern material. Those pros include the following:
- It’s incredibly durable
- It adds curb appeal to any home
- It resists pests like termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers
- It has many options for complete customization
- It’s fire resistant
- It has an unmatched warranty
Although it comes with a more significant initial investment, the advantages of choosing this material outweigh the price!
Misconceptions About James Hardie Siding
Before deciding on your new siding, you should learn the common misconceptions about James Hardie siding. You’ll want to get the facts right to ensure you’re choosing the best product.
Myth 1: There Are Limited Style Options
Technological advances have made fiber cement siding a versatile, stylish option. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and thousands of colors — this unmatched versatility can give your home more style. This makes fiber cement siding a top choice for improving your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal.
Myth 2: It Requires a Lot of Maintenance
Fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance because of its durability. James Hardie siding comes with a 50-year warranty; however, the product is hardly 50 years old, so it’s hard to gauge how long it lasts. But current evidence indicates it will last longer than most other siding products.
Myth 3: It’s Prone to Cracking
Fiber cement siding can indeed crack, but this is not usually a problem. The key to preventing this is ensuring a qualified professional completes the installation correctly. Many cases of cracking occur during the installation process if the material is not handled correctly.
Myth 4: It Doesn’t Need Repainting
Fiber cement siding is low maintenance, not no maintenance. One thing you may need to do is paint it. Typically, siding requires repainting every five to seven years. But James Hardie siding has a 15-year warranty on just the paint! You can expect the color to last two to three times longer than on other siding brands.
Myth 5: It’s Not Much of an Improvement over Vinyl
James Hardie siding and its vinyl competitors aren’t in the same league. Vinyl protects your house but is vulnerable to damage and requires ongoing maintenance. It’s also not very eco-friendly. On the other hand, fiber cement siding is more durable with lower maintenance costs.
Vinyl doesn’t stand up very well to the wear and tear of everyday life when compared to fiber cement. Insects and pests can easily create holes in vinyl, which they can’t do to fiber cement products. The increased weight of fiber cement also makes it stand up better against wind. And, while vinyl can melt from reflected sunlight, fiber cement won’t even melt when exposed to fire.
Myth 6: Installation Is Very Expensive
Fiber cement siding is a more significant investment to purchase and install when compared to more conventional products like vinyl. However, it’s less expensive than options like cedar siding.
The higher cost results from the combination of materials used to create it and the challenging installation process. Because it is more durable and will last longer than competitors, you’ll have a high return on investment and lower maintenance costs.
Myth 7: It’s More Suitable for New Home Construction
Fiber cement siding is a popular choice among contractors for new home construction. But that doesn’t mean it can be used only for that purpose. James Hardie siding can also be used as replacement siding for your existing home.
Adding this material to your existing home provides more benefits to homeowners because you may see an increase in your home’s insulation ability. You’ll also give your home a fresh appearance, making it more eye-catching.
Myth 8: They Use Asbestos to Make It
This is a perfect example of how a misconception starts with the truth. When fiber cement siding was first created, asbestos was being used for numerous developments, including siding. However, once it was learned that asbestos was detrimental to human health, manufacturers replaced it with safer materials.
James Hardie eliminated asbestos from its products over 30 years ago in 1987. Today, its products are among the most environmentally friendly home siding options available.
Myth 9: It Will Last Forever
Fiber cement siding is durable and meant to last. Because they offer a 50-year warranty and have a national history of successful installations, it’s easy to see why people believe it lasts forever. Homeowners don’t have to worry about repairing siding damaged by inclement weather or insects.
Like any other part of your home, this siding may need to be replaced eventually. But it won’t be for a long time after it’s been installed.
Myth 10: It’s Perfect for a DIY Project
Although many homeowners throughout the United States have attempted to install James Hardie siding independently, it’s best to let a professional contractor handle the job.
Improper installation of siding is why it might not perform as expected in the first five years. It may not create the curb appeal you imagined, either. Having a fully trained installation team also ensures your warranty remains intact.
Local James Hardie Installation Team Available at Stucco Today
When you want your James Hardie siding to last, hiring a reputable installer is crucial. Since 1989, Stucco Today has provided quality results in homes throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Contact us today for a free quote for your James Hardie installation project.
