Technology marches on, and so do the options for home siding. Fiber cement options such as Hardieplank siding have been on the market for quite a while, and 5.5 million families have decided to make the leap, but many people still stick with the wood or vinyl that feels more familiar.
After all, if it was good enough for grandpa’s house, shouldn’t it be good enough for anybody? And certainly, there is nothing wrong with these materials, but where Hardieplank siding, installed by Siding & Windows Group, really shines above the other options is in its durability.
This, of course, brings up the question: Exactly how durable is Hardieplank siding, really?
The Hardieplank lifespan.
While fiber cement siding looks similar to vinyl siding, the similarity ends there. It is actually made of cement that has been reinforced with cellulose to make it stronger and more durable.
As a result, it has the same durability as brick or stone. And just as with a brick or stone home, Hardieplank siding should last for the life of your home. James Hardie offers a 30-year warranty on their product, which shows just how confident they are in the long life of their product.
Paints and finishes.
Of course, the structural integrity of the siding itself is not the only concern when it comes to making a choice about the exterior of your home. The durability of the appearance is also a major factor, as anyone who has ever painted a home knows. Every year that doesn’t require scraping and painting or staining is another summer of time with your family and money in your pocket.
Since Hardieplank’s color is applied at the factory rather than after it has been installed, the application is much more thorough than a traditional coat of paint. Multiple coats of your chosen color are applied and then baked on in between coats, leaving them more resistant to the elements. ColorPlus technology also results in a UV ray resistant color that won’t fade as quickly as traditional paint.
Designed with your weather in mind.
Of course, “durability” depends on climate. A product that thrives in the Albuquerque sun might not succeed so well in a Chicago winter. The last thing you want to do is to install a supposedly long-lasting product, only to discover that the climate it resists only exists hundreds of miles away.
This is why James Hardie developed their Hardiezone system. Hardiezone 10 is for areas where heat and sun are the primary culprits when it comes to damaged siding, while Hardiezone 5 products are designed to withstand wet and cold, and prevent the mold, swelling, and cracking that often come with it.
Safe in an emergency.
While it’s not fun to think about, weather and other disasters can hit at any time. Like brick, Hardieplank siding is fire resistant. Where vinyl melts and wood burns, James Hardie siding does … nothing, offering your family crucial seconds to get to safety and prevent the spread of fire from one building to the next.
Some insurance companies will actually offer a discount for Hardieplank sided homes as a result.
This sounds amazing, how much does it cost?
Generally, a bit more than vinyl, and a bit less than brick. But finding out what it would take to install Hardieplank siding on your home is absolutely free. To request a free quote, just fill out this quick form and Siding & Windows Group be in touch right away to help you come up with a plan to keep your home safe and beautiful for years to come.