Considering the value of exterior siding materials
Consider the value of Hardie® fiber cement siding. Our guide helps you understand the most durable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective options.
From the outside, your home only looks as old as your siding. If your current siding is cracking or fading, you may consider a siding replacement to revive your home’s aesthetic. If your home sustained damage from a fire or flood, or if a pest infestation has left you with undesirable housemates, siding replacement may be essential to protecting the integrity of your home.
There are many factors that impact the cost of a re-side job. Your home size, material and design choices, and contractor labor make up the bulk of your re-side costs. However, there are a few other factors you should think about before choosing a siding material. Compare your options based on the following parameters.
Aesthetic Appeal
You’ll likely live with your siding choice for as long as you remain in your home, so you should choose an aesthetic that brings you joy. Hardie® siding is a versatile option — it’s available in hundreds of factory-prepared colors and can mimic the appearance of more expensive materials like wood and stone. Hardie® siding is also easy to paint later, if you decide you want a refresh, but don’t need to replace the boards. Check out our inspiration guide to see what’s possible or use our visualizer to envision a custom look of your own.
Durability
You’ll also want to consider how well the siding material will endure the tests of time and weather. In a modern retelling of The Three Little Pigs, the wisest of the little pigs might choose fiber cement siding to affordably build the more durable house. Hardie® products are engineered to stand up to Mother Nature (though we haven’t tested them against wolves, Hardie® holds no appeal to pests such as termites and woodpeckers. Still, we’re pretty sure even the angriest of the wolf pack wouldn’t be able to blow down a home with Hardie® siding).
Hardie® siding resists damage from moisture, whether hurricanes, rainstorms, or heavy snow pose a threat in your area. It’s also recognized by fire departments nationwide for its noncombustible properties — While fire can quickly melt vinyl and destroy wood, Hardie® siding won’t ignite when exposed to a flame. Hardie® siding also holds no appeal to pests like termites or woodpeckers. Even the color is designed to resist fading and cracking, thanks to the ColorPlus® technology finishes which create a stronger bond.
Warranty Info
James Hardie is confident that Hardie® siding is a durable choice for homeowners (and little pigs), so we stand by our products with industry-leading warranties. All Hardie® siding and trim products come with a 30-year, non-prorated limited warranty, which includes a Lifetime limited transferable warranty covering materials and labor. If you end up selling your home, the next homeowner will be covered. Not to mention, our ColorPlus® Technology finishes come with a 15-year limited warranty that covers paint and labor, protecting against peeling, cracking, and chipping.
Most siding manufacturers include a warranty, but you’ll want to check the details before choosing a product.
Maintenance
Some siding materials are more difficult or expensive to maintain than others. Vinyl may be cheaper upfront, for example, but it is more susceptible to damage from the elements, such as hail, and may crack, buckle or sag as a result of extreme temperature changes.
Hardie® siding requires minimal maintenance every six to 12 months, and are more durable to resist damage from wind, rain, freezing temperatures and hail."
ROI
You may not live in your home forever, so it’s important to think about how your re-siding project will impact the value of your home. James Hardie warranties are transferable, and due to the low-maintenance durability of Hardie® products, many homebuyers see Hardie® siding as a valuable feature. In fact, replacing your siding with Hardie® siding is one of the top remodeling projects in terms of return on investment, according to the 2024 “Cost vs Value Report” from Remodeling Magazine.
As you do the math to determine the cost vs value of different products, remember that you can’t put a price tag on protecting your family or your most precious belongings. You never know when a natural disaster could wreak havoc on your community, so make sure price isn’t your only priority when replacing your siding.
But Hardie® siding is far more than utilitarian — it’s also versatile enough to achieve the look of multiple siding styles, from board-and-batten to stucco-like finishes — and in gorgeous colors to boot. Request a sample to experience the look and feel up close, and if you’re ready to install a product with superior fire resistance and aesthetic merits, request a quote and our team will put you in touch with a qualified contractor in your area.
