Read our James Hardie® siding reviews, including the pros and cons of fiber cement siding from an installer with 20+ years of experience.

James Hardie® Siding Reviews

We've discussed all there is about James Hardie® siding below. Let’s begin with the types.

James Hardie® has three main siding products, namely;

• HardiePlank® Lap Siding 
• HardieShingle® Siding
• HardiePanel® Vertical Siding

Types of James Hardie® Siding

I. What Is Hardieplank® Siding?

HardiePlank® siding is one of the lap siding styles of fiber cement siding products made by James Hardie®. The siding is available in factory primed or prefinished colors featuring ColorPlus® Technology – a factory-applied color that is baked in to increase durability.

II. What Is Hardieshingle® Siding?

James Hardie® also makes fiber cement shingle sidings that add instant character to all types of homes. The siding is designed for sidewall applications. The siding is available in factory primed or prefinished colors featuring ColorPlus® Technology – a factory-applied color that is baked in to increase durability.

III. What Is Hardiepanel® Vertical Siding?

James Hardie® also makes vertical siding made of fiber cement. As the name suggests, the siding is for vertical sidewall applications. The siding is available in factory primed or prefinished colors featuring ColorPlus® Technology – a factory-applied color that is baked in to increase durability.

James Hardie® also has other siding options:

IV. Hardietrim® Boards

This trim option accentuates corners, doors, columns, windows, and more. They are a perfect way to add contrasting or complementing color (darker or lighter shades) to the exterior of your home. The trim is available in factory primed or prefinished colors featuring ColorPlus® Technology – a factory-applied color that is baked in to increase durability.

V. Hardiesoffit® Panels

This soffit option reinforces vulnerable gaps between exterior walls and eaves to keep pests and moisture out of your home. The product is available in factory primed or prefinished colors featuring ColorPlus® Technology – a factory-applied color that is baked in to increase durability.

About James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding

What Are James Hardie Products Made Of?

James Hardie® is a renowned global manufacturer of fiber cement products. In fact, James Hardie® is the largest manufacturer of fiber cement products globally. The company invented modern-day fiber cement materials that are free of asbestos. James Hardie® products are made of fiber cement (a mixture of sand, Portland cement, and wood fibers).

How Much Does Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Cost to Install per Square Foot?

The actual cost of installing Hardie fiber cement siding varies. On average, it will cost $10 per foot. While this may appear costly, the siding lasts a lifetime, making it a smart choice for homeowners.

It's worth noting that contractors, like Preview Construction, need to evaluate your home for structural integrity before installing siding. They'll look at every beam or stud for strength. Hardie siding is heavy (300 pounds per 100 sq feet). The need for structural integrity can't, therefore, be overlooked.

In some cases, your home may need some repairs. These costs can increase the overall cost of installing Hardie fiber cement siding. With labor included and little to no repairs, the cost averages $10 per foot or slightly more. Price can also vary depending on your area, size of your home, and the contractor you choose. Professional installers will charge installation fees that include material costs, labor, debris removal, disposal, permitting, and warranty.

The actual cost of fiber cement siding also varies on factors like thickness. Hardie lap siding is available in traditional clapboards and panels. Clapboards vary in size (4 to 12 inches). The length is standard at 12 feet.

Tips for Maintaining James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Hardie Fiber cement siding is highly durable given the properties of fiber cement i.e., resistant to fire, pests, UV rays, wind, and other elements known to damage typical siding. As a result, James Hardie® siding will require less maintenance than other siding made of natural materials like wood.

Nevertheless, the siding needs to be inspected on a yearly basis just to ensure it is in great condition. Inspections should be focused mainly on where two pieces of siding meet. The caulking should be inspected and redone if necessary (if there are holes or cracks).

The siding also needs to be washed periodically. When washing the siding, start from the top and work downwards. A power washer can be used. However, it should not be set too high or you risk peeling the paint or leaving markings. Remember, Hardie warranty doesn't cover damage resulting from power washing or other damage related to improper maintenance procedures. A pressure garden hose can be used instead of a power washer.

Most importantly, you can do the maintenance work yourself or hire a local handyman. Occasional caulking and pressure washing is enough to keep your Hardie fiber cement siding looking great for years. The maintenance routine can include traditional mold removal. In case of occasional flaking and chipping, there are Hardie touch-up kits that can be used to restore the siding.

James Hardie® Fiber Cement Warranty

James Hardie® products come with a 30-year express limited warranty. This warranty applies to HardiePlank® Lap Siding, HardiePanel® Vertical Siding, HardieShingle® Siding, and HardieSoffit® Panels.

The warranty applies only for first retail purchases and first transferees. The product also needs to be installed in the approved product zone.

Hardie will replace or repair a portion of or the entire defective products during the 1st to 30th year. Alternatively, Hardie can reimburse repair costs provided they are done following strict guidelines.

To utilize the warranty, covered persons must write a notice within 30 days (after discovering a defect). The notice should describe the defect in detail and related information from the location to the nature of the defect to allow investigations. Covered persons should also provide photos showing the defect.

The siding must have been installed properly for covered persons to be compensated. Siding should be installed by professionals following the printed installation guidelines that come with the siding as well as the applicable building codes.

Covered persons are also responsible for protecting their property upon discovering a defect/s up until the defect/s is remedied. Lastly, Hardie or Hardie-authorized agents must be given access to the property/structure to inspect the defect and photos taken.

What Types of Factors Void a James Hardie® Warranty?

Any scenarios that are contrary to the above information can void a Hardie warranty. For instance, you must qualify as a covered person to utilize your warranty. The siding also needs to be installed properly in the first place. You also need to report within 30 days after discovering a defect/s. Hardie agents also need access to your property. What’s more, you shouldn’t do any repairs without prior authorization from Hardie.

If you use an approved James Hardie® contractor, like Preview Construction, from the onset, you can avoid all factors that can void your warranty.

James Hardie Colorplus® Siding vs. Painting Primed Hardie Siding

James Hardie® siding is sold pre-primed or pre-painted. James Hardie ColorPlus® Siding is available in 15 colors, while pre-painted products can be painted any color onsite.

If you don't find any color you like out of the 15 options, it's advisable to buy the primed products and paint whatever color you like.

However, this has its cons. For instance, James Hardie ColorPlus® siding has color baked in, resulting in unmatched durability. Primed siding doesn't come with this advantage. Pre-painted siding also tends to have a better outcome. However, some colors, such as Arctic White, may not look great when pre-painted even if they can be touched up.

Factors like preferences should inform your choice between pre-painted and pre-primed siding. Both products have unique pros and cons. It helps to use a professional James Hardie® contractor to ensure you make an informed decision.

James Hardie® Fiber Cement Advantages/Pros and Cons

Pros

Hardie fiber cement siding has several notable cons that include:

1. Fire resistance: Fiber cement doesn’t catch fire

2. Resistant to pests: Fiber cement siding is resistant to vermin and insects

3. Simulates natural materials perfectly: Fiber cement siding can mimic wood siding and many other natural siding materials, including stone.

4. Good ROI: For over a decade, James Hardie® siding has delivered the highest return on investment in home remodeling projects. 

5. Low maintenance: The siding needs little to no maintenance. A yearly power wash is all you need to keep the siding looking great. 

6. Long-lasting: You just need to install Hardie siding once in a lifetime. This can be attested by the lengthy 30-year express warranty.

Cons

It’s a challenge finding anything negative from James Hardie siding reviews online. From our own firsthand experience with the siding, most cons are insignificant. While some customers may find the siding a bit costly, it lasts a lifetime.

When you consider durability, Hardie siding is cheaper than typical siding. Some James Hardie siding reviews online also touch on installation difficulties. Ideally, the siding should be installed by seasoned experts. Otherwise, you risk voiding your warranty.

About Preview Construction

Preview Construction is an approved James Hardie® contractor with 20+ years of experience installing fiber cement siding. We know everything about Hardie siding products and colors.

Most of the problems associated with Hardie siding can be linked to poor installations. When you deal with us, all your project details will be recorded in the James Hardie® database since Preview Construction is part of the James Hardie® Contractor Alliance™ program designed to link homeowners like you with professional contractors that meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction.