Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Choosing the best siding material for your home’s long-term needs can be a daunting task. At Approved Contractor, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to need home exterior upgrades. That’s why we take time to educate you on options so you can make the best choice for your home.
Over 8,000,000 homes are protected by James Hardie fiber cement siding. Here are some of the top questions homeowners ask when it comes to James Hardie siding.
1. Can you tell me about the makeup of fiber cement siding?
James Hardie fiber cement siding is made of cement, sand, and cellulose. This outstanding combination helps it stand up to weather and last up to 50 years.
2. Can I achieve rustic chic Farmhouse Design with James Hardie siding?
Yes! The board-and-batten look is easily achieved with James Hardie siding. Enjoy the Farmhouse look with beautiful, low maintenance Hardie Board siding.
3. How does James Hardie siding compare to brick, vinyl, and stucco when it comes to price?
When it comes to HardiePlank siding, it’s less expensive than synthetic stucco, more expensive than vinyl, less than brick, and equal to or less than composite siding.
4. What type of trim products are used with HardiePlank lap siding?
HardieTrim, wood, engineered wood, vinyl, coated or corrosion resistant aluminum.
5. Can you tell me about the installation process?
- Meet with contractor to outline your needs and get estimate.
- Choose your James Hardie siding style, trim and colors.
- We pull permits, deliver a dumpster, and strip your old siding off your home.
- We inspect your home exterior for rot or decay.
- HardieWrap is installed and seams are taped.
- Trim is installed.
- James Hardie siding is installed according to the manufacturer’s strict standards.
- We caulk all seams as the manufacturer specified.
- We do a final inspection and the homeowner signs off.
6. How does James Hardie fiber cement siding compare to vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding is more cost effective, but it dents and warps easily. Vinyl will melt due to heat or a fire, and its overall durability and strength are limited. Vinyl’s color can fade unevenly, making your home’s curb appeal decrease. Fiber cement is noncombustible, lasts up to 50 years, and stands up to your climate with ease.
7. What does it mean to be a James Hardie Preferred Contractor?
The James Hardie company takes the guesswork out of hiring the optimal contractor for your siding installation. The company trains their installation specialists, so you can have peace of mind your siding will perform as it was designed to. James Hardie Preferred contractors:
- Comply with installation best practices
- Receive random installation audits by the James Hardie company
- Have a professional sales approach
- Maintain a satisfactory record with the BBB
- Have a satisfactory credit report
- And more!
- 8. Will James Hardie fiber cement siding protect my home in case of a fire?
Fiber cement siding is noncombustible. It’s heat and fire resistant, so it won’t contribute to a fire like wood siding does. Some insurance companies even give a discount to homeowners who have James Hardie fiber cement siding due to its noncombustible makeup.
9. How do I know fiber cement siding is as good as the James Hardie company says it is?
HardiePlank lap siding was third-party tested and awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. This esteemed honor was given after rigorous testing for fade resistance, moisture retention resistance, fire resistance and more. Homeowners gain confidence in their siding investment, knowing fiber cement has the approval of such a prestigious organization.
10. What style of James Hardie siding works well for contemporary homes?
The James Hardie company’s latest line of siding products is the Aspyre Collection. It’s a luxury collection and ideal for contemporary homes. It combines the thick, distinctive patterns of Artisan® siding with the smooth, geometric Reveal® Panel System. It provides you with creative options that allow you to express your individual style.
11. Does color last on James Hardie fiber cement siding?
Some siding materials (such as vinyl) fade and lose their original color with time, but James Hardie siding maintains its color so your home continues to look beautiful. James Hardie siding and trim products come with two options when it comes to color: pre-primed at the factory (and painted the color of your choice after installation), or baked-on.
The baked-on color option—ColorPlus® technology—gives you beautiful, vibrant color that endures. With multiple color combinations from which to choose, you’re sure to find the perfect complement for your home. ColorPlus technology comes with a 15-year warranty. Once that timeframe is up, you will likely need to repaint your siding.
12. How does James Hardie siding hold up against the weather elements?
James Hardie siding products are literally Engineered for Climate®. They will stand up to the specific weather in your geographic location. The HardieZone System ensures your siding will endure even severe weather elements and keep performing as it was designed to.
13. What type of warranty is included with James Hardie siding installation?
James Hardie siding comes with one of the best warranties in the industry: a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty. As long as you have your James Hardie siding installed by a James Hardie Preferred Contractor, your warranty will be protected, giving you peace of mind.
14. What other names is James Hardie siding known by?
HardiePlank, Hardie Board siding, and fiber cement siding are all synonymous with James Hardie siding.
Why Homeowners Choose Approved Contractor for Siding Replacement
- We install James Hardie fiber cement siding with precision and according to the manufacturer’s standards.
- We complete jobs on time and on budget.
- We communicate consistently with you throughout the installation process.
To discover all the benefits James Hardie siding can provide, take a look at our Guide to James Hardie Siding.
