When your home needs new siding, there are plenty of choices available. In selecting a material for your siding, you’ll consider durability, cost, and maintenance care. These are just some of the factors that encourage many homeowners to choose Hardie Board siding.
If you are ready for new siding, the following Hardie Board FAQ can provide you with answers to some of your questions.
How Do Prices Compare to Other Home Exterior Materials?
The total cost you would expect to pay for any type of siding, including materials and labor, will depend on the size of your home. However, more durable materials cost more per square foot in terms of both materials and labor than cheaper types of siding. While some vinyl siding can be extremely inexpensive to install, it will be damaged more easily.
Conversely, Hardie Board siding is much more durable and longer-lasting. It’s also one of the options with a higher upfront cost. While you can expect to pay $2 to $5 per square foot for vinyl siding installation, the cost of a Hardie Board installation can reach as high as $6 per square foot.
What Is Hardie Board Made From?
When you order Hardie Board siding, you can choose the color and texture. Your design choices are almost unlimited, which is one more reason this material is a popular choice for homeowners.
These varying design options are thanks to Hardie Board siding being made from a composite of materials. The boards are manufactured by mixing cement with sand and cellulose fiber. The result is a protective, durable, and visually appealing home exterior finish.
What Warranties Are Included?
An important Hardie Board FAQ for many homeowners concerns the warranties that come with having this type of siding installed. Since this is an investment in your home’s future, you will want to make sure you have the protection of a good warranty. The manufacturer offers a 30-year non-prorated warranty on the materials.
You will have to talk to individual contractors regarding the labor and installation. Each contractor offers a different warranty on their work performance, so you should consult several installers to find those that offer the best protection. A contractor that stands behind their work with a good labor warranty can give you added peace of mind.
With a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, part of the work is already done for you. This designation is only granted to contractors who have passed James Hardie’s rigorous vetting process.
How Heavy Is Hardie Board?
Hardie Board siding weighs 2.3 pounds per square foot, which is similar in weight to sheetrock with a ⅝” thickness. The planks are installed on load-bearing posts to ensure they will have proper support. When installed by a professional contractor, the weight of Hardie Board siding won’t be an issue.
Does Hardie Board Need Painting or Refinishing?
Since you can design the look of your Hardie Board siding, you won’t have to paint it after it has been installed. You can enjoy its natural beauty for several years. The appearance of your Hardie Board siding will be protected for even longer when you choose siding with the ColorPlus® finish.
While Hardie Board siding is extremely durable, exposure to sunlight and harsh weather conditions can cause the color and vibrancy of the siding to fade over time.
After 15 or 20 years, you may want to update the siding with a fresh coat of paint. Your contractor can paint your siding and add a fresh layer of sealant to protect your siding for several more years.
What Are the Maintenance and Care Requirements?
A sealant is added to each plank of Hardie Board siding during the manufacturing process to protect it against environmental damage. As a result, you won’t see mold or mildew growth on your siding.
The siding is extremely easy to care for since the sealant adds that extra layer of protection. When the siding starts to look grimy or dirty, a light spray with your garden hose will be enough to clean the surface.
Can Hardie Boards Be Installed over Existing Vinyl Siding?
The installation process doesn’t take any less time than installing other types of siding. This is partly because your existing siding must first be removed. The removal of old siding gives the contractor better access to load-bearing walls for a more secure installation.
Additionally, removing the old siding exposes the underlying materials for a visual inspection. Your contractor will be able to identify rotted wood, broken planks, or other issues that need to be repaired before your new siding can be installed.
Why Is Hardie Board Siding the Better Option?
Due to the concrete composite used in creating this brand of siding, you can trust that your home’s siding will be long-lasting. Adding to its durability is the fact that it won’t expand or contract with changing weather conditions. Your siding will always look the same.
The materials used in this brand of siding are also fire-resistant. You can trust that exposure to heat and flames won’t cause your siding to melt or catch on fire. This adds an extra layer of protection for your home and your family.
What About Homeowners Insurance Discounts?
Since the materials used in the manufacturing of Hardie Boards are fire-resistant, some insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners.
You should contact your insurance company before you have new siding installed to find out whether they offer a discount. If not, it may be worthwhile to look around for insurers that offer Hardie Board siding discounts.
Learn More About Installing Hardie Board Siding Today
While this Hardie Board FAQ answers a few common questions, you should feel free to do your own additional research.
Many homeowners who consider Hardie Board siding find that it offers the benefits they want in an exterior home finish. As you conduct your research, you may find that it’s the best choice for your home as well.
You can enhance the quality of your Hardie Board siding when you contact Stucco Today to handle the installation. We offer a free, no-obligation estimate to help you get started. Contact us today to discuss your options for a beautiful home exterior finish.
