Comparing James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding to Other Siding Materials

Erin Emanuel 1 Comment

When you are designing your home from scratch instead of just picking from the developer’s model houses, choosing the perfect exterior siding is one of the key considerations you will have to make. The same goes for those who are planning to remodel their homes, as keeping the facade visually appealing helps maintain, if not increase the overall resale value of any property.

There are various types of materials used to manufacture exterior siding. They have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it would be beneficial for homeowners like you to see how well they stack up against each other. As point of reference, we will use a JamesHardie fiber cement siding and compare it to other siding materials available.

 

Siding MaterialProsConsCost per sq.ft. installed

James Hardie Fiber Cement

jameshardie-fibre-cement

 

 

 

  • Elegant look and feel of wood
  • Extremely durable
  • Less expensive than wood
  • Planks are available in different sizes, with widths from 5 ¼ inches to 12 inches
  • Fire-resistant
  • Termite-proof
  • Impervious to rotting
  • Does not warp, shrink, or melt
  • Paint lasts for up to 15 years
  • Has a limited, transferable warranty
  • Small dents and dings can easily be repaired
$2 to $6

Vinyl

vinyl

  • Inexpensive
  • Low-Maintenance
  • No repainting needed
  • Can be cleaned with soap and water
  • Can be used with foam backing for energy efficiency and sound proofing
  • Comes in different styles
  • Painting is not an option
  • Not advised for extremely hot or humid climates, as it can crack, burn, or melt
  • Should not be exposed to high heat
  • Small dents not easily repaired
$1 to $6

Wood and Cedar

wood-and-cedar

  • Decay-resistant
  • Damaged boards can be easily replaced
  • Available as lap siding, clapboard, shakes, or shingles
  • Expensive
  • Flammable
  • High-Maintenance
  • Poor insulation
  • Prone to fading
  • Moisture can get trapped and penetrate through the seams
$1 to $5

Aluminum

aluminium

  • Fire-, decay-, and termite-resistant
  • Various enamel colors to choose from
  • Available in smooth or embossed in wood grain
  • Suitable for cold climates
  • Does not expand or contract
  • Vulnerable to scratches and rust
  • Can suffer from dings and dents
$2 to $5

Brick

bricks

  • Wide availability
  • Does not rot, fade, or burn
  • Excellent external noise cancellation/reduction
  • Great thermal insulation
  • Expect zero maintenance for up to 25 years
  • Needs ample support from the home’s foundation
  • Requires a very skilled stonemason to install
$6 to $12

Stone

stone

  • Durable
  • Elegant look
  • The most expensive
  • Not very Eco-friendly unless it is locally found
$35 to $50

 

Based on the table provided above, there is no doubt why the folks at James Hardie consider their fiber cement siding as “America’s most popular choice of siding”. Price-wise, Hardie cement siding offers value for money, with its long list of pros to offer. While each type of siding option does have its own fair share of advantages, if you want to get the most out of your money, James Hardie fiber cement siding is undoubtedly the way to go.

Author Bio

Mark Olsen has been interested in home improvement since he was in junior high, and started his career in the industry by helping his dad run the family business. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Eastern Illinois University. He devotes his free time to exercise, family, and writing. Just recently, he started blogging about roofing and other related topics at Krumwiede Roofing and Exteriors.

Erin Emanuel

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One Comment

  1. I had no idea that siding could be made out of cement! I suppose that goes to show how little I know about the subject. Maybe I should find someone in my area to help me with my project right now. It’s been a while since I’ve done any sort of DIY stuff to my home.

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