Choosing siding for your house is one of the most important decisions many homeowners are likely to make. The wrong decision can quickly lead to deterioration, an unsightly appearance and damage from the elements, leaving you to ask why you spent the money in the first place. The right decision can lead to a beautiful, durable home exterior that will stand the test of time for decades.

Here’s why James Hardie Siding may be the best choice for your home.

James Hardie is the Preferred Brand for Cement Board Siding

James Hardie is the best-known brand for siding in the world and the global leader in cement board siding. More than 5.5 million homes in the United States already enjoy the benefits of James Hardie products, and thousands more join their ranks every year.

The James Hardie company has been around in various forms for more than a century, and its oldest corporate ancestor set up shop more than 125 years ago, in 1888. James Hardie siding products are routinely awarded accolades for their high quality and environmentally friendly characteristics and have won awards from Midwest Living, Money magazine and the NAHB National Green Building Program.

In 2013, the company’s HardiePlank lap siding products even won the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, one of the hardest achievements to earn in the entire industry.

Rot and Pest Resistant

Wood siding products may present a beautiful appearance when newly installed, but the very nature of their organic construction means weather and pest damage is inevitable. Every time the wood gets wet or experiences a swing in temperatures, the wood fibers loosen and warp on a microscopic scale. Over time, that degradation can lead to full-on rotting, and any pests that are attracted to wood will easily be able to gain access.

Even vinyl and other plastic types of siding degrade over time, as the sun’s UV rays and weather alters the plastic’s chemistry, making it brittle and less able to withstand the expansion and contraction that occurs during normal conditions. Over time, the siding will begin to warp, giving pests and moisture easy access to the structure underneath.

James Hardie Siding’s cement fiber construction provides a beautiful organic appearance, but since it’s not made from lumber, it won’t attract wood-loving insects. Additionally, cement fiber isn’t damaged by weather and sun the way other synthetics are, so it won’t degrade over time and allow footholds for rot and infestation.

Even woodpeckers and termites won’t be attracted to the siding since there’s no exposed wood to lure them nearby.

James Hardie Siding Stands up to All Weather Conditions

JamesHardieSiding.jpgThere’s really no such thing as “one-size-fits-all siding” since every climate region in the world presents different challenges to building materials. For that reason, James Hardie developed the HardieZone system, which splits the world’s climate zones into 10 separate categories.

Colorado is in Zone 5, corresponding to the HZ5 line of siding products, which are expressly tailored to match the state’s weather conditions. In this case, it means that the James Hardie products are engineered to withstand both harsh and cold winters, as well as long and hot summers.

James Hardie Products Come With a 30-Year Warranty

With Hardie board siding, you know you’ll get your money’s worth since every product comes with a 30-year warranty. Thanks to the company’s award-winning construction and high-quality materials, many siding installations last even longer than that!

Hardie Board Siding is Impact Resistant

James Hardie’s proprietary cement fiber material offers the best of both worlds when it comes to durability, with the hardness and strength required to withstand impacts, and the microscopic flexibility necessary to prevent cracking or cratering.

This means your siding won’t take damage in even the heaviest hailstorms and can even withstand most impacts caused by wind-driven objects and other weather conditions.

Requires Little Maintenance and Cleaning

In contrast to wood siding, which requires near-constant staining, sealing and other upkeep, James Hardie cement fiber siding requires almost no maintenance. Once installed, it will stay in place and maintain its original appearance for decades, and in most cases, you won’t need to do anything but occasionally rinse off accumulated dirt with a garden hose.

This means you won’t need to factor exorbitant maintenance expenses into your siding’s lifetime cost, saving money that you can undoubtedly put to better use.

Also see: James Hardie Siding Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Boasts High Durability

Thanks to its hardy cement fiber, James Hardie siding is more durable than cedar or vinyl siding and won’t require complicated maintenance to keep up its original appearance over time. That durability means you won’t need to worry about the quality of your siding from season to season and can reap the benefits of your investment for decades to come.

James Hardie Siding Resembles Real Wood

James Hardie siding is more than five times as thick as most vinyl products, which allows it to hold a much deeper faux-wood grain that convincingly mimics the real thing. You’ll have no difficulties finding a product that looks exactly like actual wood, and instead of having to worry about various types of wood stains and lumber-specific options, you can instead choose from the entire world of synthetic paints and color coatings.

Are you considering James Hardie siding for your Colorado home? Contact us and let us help get your siding project started today!