Choosing the right siding for your home can be an arduous task.  There are a lot of choices and considerations when it comes time to replace your existing siding.  The Midwest is an unforgiving climate when it comes to the exterior of your home.  Day in and day out your home’s exterior is being exposed to ever changing elements.  Most wood siding that is commonly found on homes will eventually begin to show its wear and even worse begin to rot exposing your home to much larger problems.  This is when a decision must be made to either make continuous repairs which may get you by for the short term or to install new siding.  Repairing your home’s exterior may be the most inexpensive choice for the short term.  However, replacing your siding is the best option if you have more long term plans to stay in your home.

When the decision is made to install new siding, you open the door to many choices.  One choice may be vinyl siding.  Installing vinyl siding is a good way to transform the exterior of your home without breaking the bank.  Vinyl siding is available in many different styles and colors.  While vinyl is a good alternative to wood siding, many homeowners are just not satisfied with the “vinyl look”.  So that brings me to fiber cement siding.  If a homeowner wants to retain the look of wood on their home, but does not want all of the headaches and maintenance issues that go along with wood siding, then fiber cement siding is the absolute best way to go.  James Hardie is the world leader in fiber cement siding.  In the mid-1980s, James Hardie pioneered the development of fiber-cement technology, and began designing and manufacturing a wide range of fiber-cement building products.  Since then, they have continuously tested and improved their products to ensure they will stand the test of time.

Here are just a few reasons why James Hardie siding has become such a popular choice for homeowners:

Durability: Resists damage from wet, humid climates as well as cold, dry climates. Holds up against damage from impact such as hail, and resists flame spread as well as insects.

Longevity: Up to a 30-year non-prorated limited transferrable product warranty, as well as a 15-year finish warranty on all ColorPlus prefinished products.

Ease of Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, James Hardie Siding is warranted not to rot, warp or delaminate giving you peace of mind and ease of ownership.

Affordability: Fiber cement siding is approximately the same cost as high end vinyl siding and about 20-50% less than stone, brick and stucco.

Return on Investment: The #1 return on investment of ANY home remodeling project 8 years in a row according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report.

James Hardie products are also a green alternative to many other siding alternatives.  All of the fiber cement products are wholly sustainable and incorporate low toxicity natural ingredients.  These products are also designed to last much longer than many other siding products which in turn reduces waste.  Another important feature of James Hardy products is that they are non-combustible.  Although the manufacturer cannot guarantee the siding will protect your home from fire, the siding itself will not burn when exposed to direct flame.  James Hardy siding products are also engineered for the climate.  So you can have peace of mind knowing that the siding being installed on your home is specifically designed for the climate in your area.  Installing James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding on your home is one of the best ways to protect your biggest investment.  So when it comes time to address the exterior siding on your home, you owe it to yourself to look into the James Hardie line of fiber cement siding products.