It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare. You discover holes in your siding. At first it doesn’t seem like too big of an issue, the holes are small and you’ve noticed nothing amiss inside. If they are bigger, you can just patch them up and everything will be fine, right?
WRONG! Moisture has already seeped in and damaged the underlying layers. The longer you wait, the worse it can be. Ultimately, it can lead to some pretty serious issues in your home. It can cause cracks in your window sills, your structure may start to crumble, and mold growth can harm your family’s health.
James Hardie siding can help preserve your home for years to come. If you’re a homeowner wondering if you should replace your siding, keep reading as we explore:
- What is James Hardie siding
- The benefits
- The color options
- The cost
- …and if you should try to DIY hardie board siding installation
What is James Hardie siding?
AnJames Hardie siding is an exterior option made of fiber cement. The design is fire resistant, keeps out pests, and is low maintenance and long lasting. The curb appeal of this exterior is also exceptional, making it an attractive and practical asset to your home.
James Hardie siding often comes with a 30-year warranty. Vinyl, Aluminum, and Wood siding all have lifespans of between 20 and 40 years. The expected lifespan of hardie board siding is upwards of 50 years. It is by far the most durable of all your options.
What are the benefits of James Hardie siding?
In addition to protecting you from manufacturer defects, your James Hardie waJames Hardie siding is not only beautiful and strong, but also offers long-term value for your home. This fiber cement siding is fire resistant, termite resistant, and low maintenance keeping your home looking great for decades.
The material is much more substantial than vinyl or wood which can easily fall victim to the whims of nature. Homeowners often spend thousands of dollars maintaining these types of exteriors whereas James Hardie siding requires little updating. Its tough ColorPlus Technology prevents the need to hire painters. It resists cracks, peeling and fading compared to wood siding that will need regular paint touch-ups.
Our siding experts have thought of everything. You don’t have to worry about moisture damage, leaking, or warping with this type of siding. Also you’ll eliminate termites’ food source, protect your home, and keep it looking great.
What are the color options for James Hardie siding?
James Hardie siding comes in an array of different colors and textures. You won’t have to sacrifice curb-appeal for protection. It can either resemble stucco or traditional wood siding. Homeowners can choose from over 700 color options including both neutrals and more bold, modern hues.
How expensive is James Hardie siding?
The price of James Hardie siding can vary. The lowest you’re likely to pay, on a new construction with no issues, is an average of $25k.
There are companies that will offer you lower costs than others, and it’s important you know what to look for in pricing. One of our competitors won a job in the Graduate Hospital area. They charged about $15,000 less than us, but the project had major issues. This is the risk that clients take when they choose a company that provides à la carte pricing.
While the base might be low cost, you never fully know what you’re getting into until the walls are open. Even if you get an inspection, that only tells you where the problem lies, not how bad it is.
This client ended up paying $35k over their base price, $20k more than our quote. With Friel, we provide all-in pricing. You’ll avoid surprise costs by knowing what’s beneath your home’s exterior.
Can you DIY install James Hardie siding?
The short answer to if you should DIY install James Hardie siding is no.
We recently visited a home owner whose roofer installed their siding. Many roofers may be capable of installing vinyl siding. But for fiber cement, like hardie plank lap siding, you need a siding expert.
There are a lot more things that can go wrong. From uneven spacing to leaking and improper draining, not hiring an expert can cost you much more than you think you’re saving.
If someone is not in the James Hardie Alliance book, you probably shouldn’t risk trusting them with your home’s siding.
James Hardie siding is a great option for homeowners looking for a lasting update to their home’s exterior. Call Friel’s expert siding contractors and we’ll give you a transparent quote, and get the job done right the first time.
Turn to a Trusted James Hardie Siding Provider
The durability and beauty of your home’s James Hardie siding will rely on the quality of the installation. For this reason, it’s beneficial to search for an authorized installer with excellent installation skills. A detailed selection process will help you find the best James Hardie installer.
Friel Exteriors is a certified installer of James Hardie siding as well as vinyl, stucco, and other types of siding. To discuss your siding needs, contact us today.
