Water and weather are some of the toughest challenges your home can face — and your exterior siding is a first line of defense. Come hurricanes and flood waters, tropical storms, and storm surges, your chosen siding material stands between a secure home and potentially thousands of dollars' worth of exterior siding damage.

So how does Hardie^® fiber cement siding stand up to water compared to other siding materials? We put it to the test: Through seven days of extreme water saturation, Hardie^® fiber cement saw no visible signs of swelling in thickness. Our products are warranted to not crack, split, warp, or edge check as a result of damage from water, heat, and freezing temperatures when tested in accordance with ASTM C1185.

Watch the demonstration below and see the results for yourself:

MYTH: ALL SIDING MATERIALS EQUALLY STAND UP TO WATER AND WEATHER

It’s a common misconception that all exterior siding materials are weather resistant. When put to the test, siding materials such as cedar and engineered wood are more susceptible to water damage compared to Hardie^® fiber cement.

“Wood naturally absorbs water and swells,” explains Lupe Olive, Senior Research Scientist at James Hardie. “As a result, it can lead to a number of maintenance issues for the homeowner, including splitting and the development of cracks.”

If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, such as coastal areas, flash flood zones, or low-lying coastal cities, choosing a water-impervious siding can help protect against damage from moisture, chiefly mold and rot. In extreme cases, standing water from flooding can leave harmful pollutants on a home's exterior if the siding material can't be properly cleaned.

Compared to fiber cement siding, wood-based siding is more likely to be damaged by water. FEMA has certified Hardie^® siding as flood-resistant, meaning that our fiber cement siding is highly resistant to damage by water. It’s also rated for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones by Miami-Dade County Florida, among the nation's most stringent extreme weather regulations.

Other Hardie™ exterior solutions, such as Hardie™ Weather Barrier, provide extra protection to prevent water damage, mildew, and energy loss.

FACT: HARDIE® FIBER CEMENT WITHSTANDS EXTREME WEATHER

As part of our ongoing durability demonstrations, James Hardie submerged three different exterior siding materials, including cedar, Hardie^® fiber cement, and engineered wood, in water for seven days.

By day two, the engineered wood had already swelled several inches above the starting height, which could create severe edge checking and cracking on a home’s exterior. By day five, the cedar expanded so much that the boards began to slide against one another. By day seven, only Hardie® fiber cement siding remained at the starting height.

Through seven full days of complete water saturation, Hardie^® fiber cement showed no visible swelling or change in thickness from water damage. How? The key to Hardie^® siding being water-resistant is its blend of high-quality ingredients:

• Portland cement
• Silica sand
• Cellulose fibers
• Water

Our unique fiber cement blend is highly resistant to extreme weather damage whether from a hurricane, tropical storm, or flood. Compared to wood-based siding, Hardie^® fiber cement siding offers superior water resistance.

SHIELD YOUR HOME FROM UNEXPECTED DAMAGE

Mother Nature can be unpredictable. That’s why Hardie^® fiber cement products are Engineered for Climate^® to protect against the unexpected, whether it’s extreme weather, pest damage from woodpeckers and termites, or even wildfires.

The design flexibility and durability of our products are what make Hardie^® siding trusted on more than 10 million homes* and counting. However, it’s not just resistance to water damage that sets Hardie^® fiber cement siding apart from the rest.

• Fire resistance: Hardie^® fiber cement siding will not ignite when exposed to a direct flame, nor contribute fuel to a fire.**
• Weather resistance: Hardie^® products are Engineered for Climate^® to withstand strong winds, extreme heat, UVB rays, freezing temperatures, and more. Plus, FEMA has certified Hardie^® siding as flood-resistant, meaning it’s highly resistant to floodwater damage.
• Pest resistance: Hardie^® siding holds no appeal for woodpeckers, termites, and other pests.

Hardie^® products are designed to withstand the unexpected, whether it’s a sudden storm or a termite takeover. When your home’s exterior is your first line of defense, Hardie^® products have you and your home covered.

TRUST JAMES HARDIE FOR TRULY DURABLE SIDING

Water damage, extreme weather, wildfires, or pests — Hardie^® products are engineered to withstand it. That’s why Hardie® siding is not only the #1 brand of siding in North America,*** but also a leading innovator in the building industry.

• Learn why Hardie® products are the best option for your home.
• Explore design options to create your own dream home.
• Find a contractor in your area through the Contractor Alliance^® Program.
• Watch our other durability demonstrations.
• Read more about our commitment to durability.

*Estimate based on James Hardie North American siding sales and average housing unit size.

**Hardie^® siding complies with ASTM E136 as a noncombustible cladding and is recognized by fire departments across the U.S. including Chicago IL, St. Paul MN, Flagstaff AZ and Wayne County, OH. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames.

***Based on Freedonia 2022 Global Siding (Cladding) demand estimates and James Hardie sales in North America