As a homeowner, the curb appeal and value of your property are important to you. However, your time and money are also significant. When it is time to select siding for a home that is under construction or replacement siding for an existing dwelling, you will have to choose from several types. Wood siding is one of the oldest types of exterior cladding, and it has a history of use that spans millennia. Aluminum and vinyl siding have both been available for many decades. However, if you want the best combination of affordability, low maintenance, and durability, you might want to consider Hardie board siding.
How Long Does Fiber Cement Siding Last?
What Is the Life Expectancy of James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie siding products are guaranteed for 30 years when installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. If you choose the factory applied, baked-on finish, the color carries a warranty of 15 years.
Warranties, however, only tell part of the story. Tests conducted by various organizations have found that Hardie siding products could last for more than 100 years if installed and maintained by trained Hardie siding contractors. Other estimates are more conservative, placing the life expectancy at 50 to 60 years. Whichever estimate you choose to accept, the likelihood that you will ever need to replace your James Hardie siding is extremely low.
To understand why Hardie siding is so durable, it might be helpful to provide more information about the product. James Hardie siding is composed primarily of cement and sand; small amounts of cellulose and glass are also included. This makes their products resistant or impervious to many of the types of damage that can destroy other types of siding. For example, Hardie siding is resistant to insects, woodpeckers, ultraviolet radiation and impacts. It will not combust, but since it can be installed over combustible products, it can only be called fire-resistant instead of fireproof. It will not rot the way that unprotected wood siding will, it holds its color better than aluminum sidings, and it will not warp or swell the way that most vinyl siding will.
Despite what some people believe, James Hardie siding does not contain any asbestos. It is also reasonably priced; it is less expensive than brick, stucco and most wood siding, and its price compares favorably to high-end vinyl siding. Compared to aluminum and vinyl, Hardie siding has a significantly longer life expectancy, and it does not require the costly, time-consuming maintenance needed to prolong the life of wood siding.
Maintenance for Hardie board siding is minimal, economical and easy.
• Spray the siding with a garden hose at low pressure every six months to remove dirt and other contaminants.
• Check the caulking periodically and apply new caulking as needed.
• It will likely need to be repainted every 12 to 15 years; wood siding usually requires new paint or stain every five years or so.
If you are interested in learning more about fiber cement siding, contact Alpha Roofing. We are a respected Austin roofer and Hardie siding contractor. Our service offerings include wood siding, skylight, and flashing installations; asphalt shingle, and metal roof installations; chimney, flashing and roof repairs; metal fabrication; preventive maintenance programs and roof inspections; and emergency roof repairs. During our time in business, we have built a reputation as a leading provider of exceptional work and exemplary customer service delivered at reasonable prices. To request your free estimate, call our office at 512-777-1086 or submit the online quote request form.