Whether you’re building a new home or updating an older house, choosing between different exterior siding materials and brands can be a strenuous process. There are dozens of different factors that come into play and the material you ultimately choose to use will have a major impact on the aesthetic qualities and durability of your investment for many years to come.
In the search for the perfect siding material, many homeowners find themselves researching fiber cement siding – and the James Hardie line of products in particular. If James Hardie fiber cement siding has made your “short list,” then you’re in good company.
Fiber cement siding is a composite material typically made from a proprietary blend of sand, cement, water, wood pulp, and fly ash/silica sand. Contrary to popular belief, fiber cement cladding is very heavy and fragile prior to installation. However, once installed, it’s surprisingly durable and long lasting.
5 Times You’ll Be Thankful For Fiber Cement Siding
Most homeowners go through a decision phase where they choose between fiber cement, vinyl, and perhaps even wood siding. And while a case can be made for each of these, it’s hard to argue against the many benefits of fiber cement. Specifically, here are a few situations in which you’ll be glad you have it on your home.
1. The Time of Installation
The first time you’ll be glad you have fiber cement siding is actually when the contractor installs that very first board. When compared to the installation processes for other materials, such as stone, brick, or stucco, installing a product like James Hardie fiber cement siding is exceptionally quick and easy.
Contractors – including our own here at Dependable Home Services – specialize in James Hardie siding and are proficient at providing quick and thorough installation that will look good and protect your home for many years.
Whereas you may have to wait a number of days or weeks for brick siding to be completed, the entire process of installing James Hardie siding can be started and completed in just a fraction of the time. That means you can get on with your life and not have to live indefinitely in the middle of a construction zone.
2. After a Storm or Inclement Weather
When a storm comes through, your primary concern is your family. But after you make sure everyone is okay, your mind immediately turns to your property. Are there trees down? Was there damage to the roof? Are there any broken windows or doors? How’s the siding?
“OSB or wood-composite siding has a tendency to expand, buckle, crack and mold when repeatedly exposed to precipitation. Vinyl siding installations may put you at risk for water intrusion, especially around windows and trim joint,” James Hardie explains. “James Hardie products are specifically engineered to withstand damage from moisture and rot, and will hold their own, come rain, sleet, or snow.”
While wood and vinyl can easily be damaged by inclement weather, fiber cement tends to hold up in even the most extreme situations. So, while it’s never fun to have a storm rip through your community, you’ll be glad that you have James Hardie siding when it does.
3. When Your Parents Visit
You may love your parents or in-laws, but you also know they can be fairly judgmental. Whether with words or looks, they’re constantly evaluating your home and letting you know whether or not it meets their standards of approval. If you’ve got dilapidated wood siding or faded vinyl, you’ll feel a bit self-conscious. However, if you have fiber cement, you can make a statement from the moment they pull into the driveway.
While every house will show signs of aging, homes clad with James Hardie siding hold up much better and longer. If you choose the option of baked-on ColorPlus technology, you’ll get even more protection from fading, wear, and tear.
4. Spring Cleaning
Nobody likes cleaning, but if you want to protect the investment you’ve made in your home, there’s no way around it. Some materials, such as wood and stucco, can be a pain to clean – and keep clean! They seem to attract and hold stains like they depend on it. But when the time for spring cleaning comes around, you’ll be glad you have fiber cement.
Cleaning fiber cement siding is exceptionally easy. Generally, the best method is to use a power washer. Some homeowners prefer a hose, but it’s usually not powerful enough to remove stubborn dirt, mold, or mildew (if present). If you only need to spot clean, it’s as simple as grabbing a soft micro-fiber cloth and using soap and water to scrub any areas that are visibly dirty.
With fiber cement siding, you can also prevent the need for most cleaning by simply trimming trees, bushes, and other landscaping materials away from the house.
5. When It’s Time to Sell
Not only is fiber cement easy and affordable to install, but you’ll also find that you can get an amazing return on your investment when it’s time to sell. By some calculations, you can recoup as much as 79 percent of the initial cost of the siding. That’s why you see so many home listings boast about James Hardie fiber cement siding. The reputation of durability and quality far exceeds that of vinyl and other materials and you’ll be able to charge a premium for it in most markets.
Contact Dependable Home Services
As you can see, there are plenty of instances in which it’s reassuring to know you have durable fiber cement siding. And while you have options when it comes to the type of fiber cement you go with, James Hardie is widely recommended as the superior brand.
At Dependable Home Services, we are proud to be a Preferred Contractor for James Hardie and would love the opportunity to work closely with your family to provide a functional and aesthetic piece of workmanship that you can be proud of for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact us today!