My Westchester County-based siding team and I favor James Hardie fiber-cement siding for many reasons, including its incredible durability, best-in-market strength, un-beatable beauty, and its affordability.
James Hardie® Fiber Cement
When I’m asked why I have James Hardie siding on my own home and why I suggest it to my friends, family and customers for me it comes down to three simple reasons.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here we get to work and answer the questions our community + clients ask us most!
How does James Hardie siding hold up here in Westchester?
Really, well! We live in HARDIEZONE 5!
Our region has extreme seasonal temperature variations and year-round precipitation. James Hardie HZ5 products are formulated with the highest quality raw materials and proprietary additives to reduce moisture intrusion. This helps prevent your siding from growing mold, shrinking, swelling and cracking.
Siding is exposed to Mother Nature all day, every day, for years. Weather, water, time, fire and pests—all can lead to trouble. That’s why James Hardie’s hardworking products are engineered to stand up beautifully, whatever the elements.
How does James Hardie siding do over the course of time?
One thing’s for sure: As the years go on, we all show signs of aging. But since James Hardie products are created to stand up to the demands of your specific climate, they will look great for years, potentially saving you time and money.
With James Hardie’s added benefit of ColorPlus® Technology—a baked-on color option that resists fading—your siding will look great without excessive maintenance.
Is James Hardie siding made of stone? Is it a masonry product?
The Uniform Building Code defines masonry as a form of construction composed of stone, brick, concrete, gypsum, tile, glass block or other materials laid up unit by unit and set in mortar.
Although James Hardie products are installed with nails, like most masonry materials, they are primarily cemented with performance characteristics similar to brick, stucco and stone. These characteristics include fire, moisture and insect resistance. Many cities include fiber-cement in their masonry definitions for these very reasons.
Can I receive a discount on home insurance for using JH products?
Because JH products are non-combustible, many insurance companies offer a discount. We recommend sharing the information on this page with your insurance company if they are not familiar with fiber-cement siding’s fire-resistance.
IRE PROPERTIES & FIRE PREVENTION TECHNICAL INFORMATION
James Hardie® fiber cement exteriors have been tested by various IAS Certified Laboratories to ASTM International standards and are classified as listed below.
Non-combustible (ASTM E136)
See Section 3.1 of the NER-405 Report or
See the Warnock Hersey Product Listings
Approved for fire-resistance rated construction (ASTM E119)
See JamesHardie® Fire-Resistance Rated Wall Assemblies
Flame spread index of 0 (ASTM E84)
See Section 3.1 of the NER-405 Report or
See the Warnock Hersey Product Listings
Smoke developed index of < 5 (ASTM E84)
See Section 3.1 of the NER-405 Report or
See the Warnock Hersey Product Listings
The NER-405 is a National Evaluation Report published by the International Code Council Evaluation Services showing testing and installation for all James Hardie products.
How does the cost of James Hardie siding prices compare to the prices of brick and vinyl?
While prices vary year-to-year a bit, this is how HardiePlank siding compares in installed price with its competitors:
· More expensive than vinyl
· Less expensive than brick
· Equal or less than hardboard or composite siding
· Less expensive than synthetic stucco
What types of trim can be used with HardiePlank lap siding?
The following are suitable trim products for use with HardiePlank lap siding:
· HardieTrim
· Fiber Cement
· Real Wood
· Engineered Wood
· Vinyl
· Coated or Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum
What is HardieWrap® weather barrier used for?
HardieWrap weather barrier may be used as both a water-resistive barrier and as an air barrier in accordance with nationally recognized residential and commercial building codes as specified in ESR-2658, HardieWrap weather barrier is installed over the sheathing, beneath the exterior siding (cladding) to reduce water infiltration and air infiltration, while allowing potentially damaging water to escape from the building interior.
Can I use HardieBacker cement board in an exterior application?
HardieBacker cement board may be used in some exterior applications, download the installation guide for more details.
Can I put HardieBacker(r) cement board over linoleum or vinyl composite tile?
Yes, Hardiebacker can go over linoleum or vinyl composite tile. Even though you may go over vinyl composite tile, James Hardie does not recommend you install HardieBacker board over cushioned vinyl.
How do you clean Fiber Cement Siding and Trim?
Follow these recommendations to clean the exterior of your home and to help maintain the beauty and value of your James Hardie siding.
- Wash down the exterior surfaces every 6 to 12 months with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris, gently clean your siding with a soft brush or wet soft cloth in a side to side motion in the direction of the plank siding.
NOTE: Clean by working small sections at a time, starting from the top down to prevent dripping or streaking onto the cleaned area. - A low-pressure water spray* and a soft medium bristle (non-metal) siding cleaning brush is most suitable for cleaning fiber cement products.
NOTE: Acid and high pressure washing can damage the fiber cement surface and is not recommended. - Clean James Hardie ColorPlus® products by using water and a soft brush or cloth. For stubborn dirt or stains, a mild detergent and a soft brush may be used.
NOTE: For paint applied in the field, refer to the paint manufacturer for washing and maintenance requirements.
I personally talk with and quote each of my clients on every project GIANT bids on. I’ll come to your home and we can discuss your expectations and what we can do for your home.
I am not a salesman, so you don’t have to worry about pitches and gimmicks.
There’s no obligation to buy while we’re discussing your options, and you can be sure that there are no hidden fees in our price quotes. I am simply invested in making sure you can get the best product for your budget and style.
I’ve been in this business for a long time, I’m knowledgeable and confident in our products, and customer satisfaction is and has always been my top priority.
As the Elite Preferred James Hardie installer of Westchester, and former President’s Award Winner, GIANT is Hardie’s best partner in the market. We have completed every Hardie training and attend both the Annual National Summit and Regional Summit. GIANT’s process follows the install guidelines to a T.
Perry Hayes – Owner