Why James Hardie Is Winning The Race in Siding Industry?
Siding, also known as wall cladding is your house’s first line of defense against the elements of nature. A good siding will beat the sun, rain and snow, offering more stable conditions on the other side. Since it is the final layer of your house, it is important to find a siding that also looks good along with being effective.
We often find our customers unable to choose between James Hardie fiber cement siding and other renowned brands popular for engineered wood siding. Both have their individual merits and demerits. We have drawn a thorough comparison to help decide which siding is best suited for your requirements.
James Hardie Fiber Cement VS Engineered Wood Siding
Constituent Materials
The material of your siding is going to be a major player in determining the look and durability.
● James Hardie
Made of fiber cement material, James Hardie is a sustainable option. Ingredients like wood pulp, fly ash and Portland cement mean low levels of toxic emissions which contribute to greener and healthier living environments.
● Other Brands for Engineered Wood Siding
These products are made of engineered wood scraps bonded with resin. Another popular choice for green building materials. In addition to being low-emission, other brands are also actively involved in reforestation and wildlife preservation drives.
Looks and Appearance
Swankier siding equals better curb appeal. The wrong siding can make your house look bleak. Thankfully, both James Hardie and other engineered wood brands have a plethora of stylish, upscale options to choose from.
● James Hardie
Fiber cement is a flexible material to work with. It can be made to resemble vinyl or wood and can easily deliver a siding to match your aesthetic. James Hardie offers a range of over 700 color options. It has also made available pre-primed siding that can be painted over once installed.
● Other Engineered Wood Siding Brands
Engineered wood is a great choice for those leaning towards the natural wood, rustic side of the spectrum. You can choose from different textures and around 16 color options. While the color options are considerably lower in number, it is easily amended by their pre-primed varieties which can be painted after installation.
Durability and Sturdiness
We understand that you might be tempted to get the best-looking siding but always remember to never compromise on longevity and strength. This crosses out certain materials like wood and vinyl from the list but James Hardie and others both have a bunch of products that look dapper without compromising on durability.
● James Hardie
James Hardie products are extremely sturdy and can withstand even the harshest weather from winds up to 130 mph to torrential downpours
Fiber cement siding is also rot-resistant and keeps out mold and pest infestations. The company’s 100% coverage, 30-year warranty exemplifies the same.
● Others
Since many other popular and reliable brands brings wood to the equation, it is more susceptible to damage. It is still more durable than pure wooden siding since binders like resin etc. help its case to a certain extent. These brands offer a full warranty for the first 5 years post-installation and then for the next 50 years, the amount of warranty you get decreases by 2.2 % each year.
Cost and Maintenance
James Hardie and others have an almost similar price point, with James Hardie costing only $1 more per square ft. than LP SmartSide. However, the company’s warranty and dependability makes up for it.
● James Hardie
Bi-yearly cleaning with a soft brush or washcloth, warm water and mild detergent is enough to keep your siding looking shiny and new. Rinse off the soap properly before letting it dry. A pressure washer is recommended to avoid damaging the siding.
● Other Brands
You can clean your engineered wood siding, similarly, using a soft brush or cloth, warm water and mild detergent. For stubborn stains that don’t come off with regular soap, use diluted white vinegar and water.
Revamp Your Siding with Salute Exteriors
Veteran owned and the only James Hardie sliding elite preferred contractor in Oklahoma City, Salute Exteriors promises you service of the highest quality. We have built our reputation on a strong foundation of customer satisfaction and first-class performance.
With Salute Exteriors you can rest assured that your project will be handled by extremely skilled professionals, and you won’t have any room to complain. Reach out to us via the contact form on our website or give us a call at (405) 550-2444.
