If you’re in the market for new siding, considering several options can help you make a more informed, strategic decision. Hardie Plank siding is one of the top-performing siding products on the market. However, like any siding material, it has its pros and cons.
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we’re passionate about helping customers make the best decisions about their roofing, siding, and gutters. We’ve created this guide to let you know all about Hardie Plank siding and help you determine whether it’s right for your home.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Hardie Plank siding, then contact our contractors at 724-581-8147 to schedule a siding estimate.
What Is Hardie Plank Siding?
Hardie Plank is a type of fiber cement siding from the manufacturer James Hardie. You may also see this form of siding under the name “Hardie Plank lap siding.”
Hardie Plank siding is James Hardie’s best-selling product. It’s also the most popular brand of siding across North America due to its impressive performance and wide range of benefits.
Hardie Plank lap siding comes in two varieties:
- Select Cedarmill: Lap siding with a natural cedar appearance and a soft, wood-like texture
- Smooth: Sleek, modern siding with a smooth appearance and texture. You can choose the perfect color from the Statement Collection or get your Hardie Plank siding primed for paint.
Pros of Hardie Plank Siding
Hardie Plank siding is one of the most popular siding products in the U.S. for a reason. This siding offers numerous benefits for your home:
Curb Appeal
Hardie Plank siding looks incredibly attractive and high-quality. Your neighbors will see a clear improvement between your old siding and your new Hardie Plank siding. This siding product comes in several styles and designs, allowing you to choose the appearance that best matches your home’s exterior design.
Impressive Durability
Hardie Plank siding is built to last. This siding presents superior durability and protection against a wide range of everyday and less frequent hazards, ranging from snowstorms to hurricanes and fires to torrential downpours.
The siding’s fiber cement build is engineered for any type of climate, making it ideal for changing Minnesota weather patterns.
Altogether, you can expect Hardie Plank siding to last for up to 50 years on your home.
Lifetime Value
James Hardie products come with a 30-year non-prorated warranty. If your siding happens to experience any structural flaws, you can receive free repairs or a full refund during this period.
Lower Insurance
Hardie Plank’s impressive resistance to weather, fire, and impact may allow you to reduce your home insurance premium. You can talk to your insurer about lowering your costs when you install Hardie Plank siding on your home.
Moisture and Rot Resistance
Hardie Plank siding is also highly moisture-resistant, which can help prevent the siding material from rotting. These qualities allow Hardie Plank siding to last longer on your home than traditional vinyl or wood siding.
Fire Protection
Hardie Plank siding will not ignite when exposed to direct flame and can withstand prolonged high temperatures. As a result, this siding may be able to slow the spread of a house fire.
Pest Resistance
This fiber cement siding is not appealing to insects and animals the same way wood siding is. Its durable build can also prevent animals from damaging its integrity.
Cons of Hardie Plank Siding
There’s no doubt about it — Hardie Plank siding is one of the best siding products in the industry. So why doesn’t everyone have Hardie Plank siding on their homes?
Here are a few minor disadvantages of this siding product.
Upfront Investment
Hardie Plank siding costs more to purchase and install than traditional siding products. As a result, you’ll face a more expensive upfront investment when you choose this siding.
However, this siding is just that — an investment. While traditional vinyl siding may only last 20 years on your home, Hardie Plank can last up to 50.
Maintenance After 15 Years
Your Hardie Plank siding may require a new paint job after about 15 years on your home. This product uses ColorPlus Technology, which comes with a 15-year warranty. After that time, you’ll be responsible for any updates.
Longer Installation
When you hire our team to install Hardie Plank siding on your home, we’ll work quickly and efficiently to finish the process within a few days.
However, this siding does require a more intensive installation process than traditional siding. If you’re in a hurry, it may not be your best option.
Is Hardie Plank Siding Right for Your Home?
If you’re looking to maximize your siding’s durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal — and if you don’t mind an initial investment — Hardie
Plank siding may be perfect for your home. James Hardie also sells a range of other siding products, including:
- Hardie Panel Vertical Siding
- Hardie Trim Boards
- Hardie Backer Board
- Hardie Shingle Siding
- Hardie Soffit Panels
We provide siding installation, repair, and maintenance services throughout Pittsburgh, Allison Park, Cranberry Township, Wexford, and the surrounding areas. Contact our Gotcha Covered Contracting team today at 724-581-8147 to schedule your Hardie Plank siding estimate.
