James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Vinyl siding is so yesterday! Today’s siding du jour is fiber cement, and the king of that hill is James Hardie. Composed of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is a versatile alternative to other exterior options as it beautifully emulates the look of vinyl and wood. The product was invented 40 years ago by James Hardie, and the company continues to have a stronghold on the market. It’s one of the reasons why it’s the preferred choice at G. Fedale Roofing and Siding. “It blows the competition out of the water,” says Joey Gordon, project consultant here at G. Fedale.
It’s Hot, Where it’s Hot
We make it our mission at G. Fedale to educate our customers about the latest home renovation products in the industry, all the while abiding by our dedication to the very best manufacturers. Down south and out west, 80 percent of homeowners are choosing fiber cement over other siding options, Joey says. But here in the northeast, homeowners are less aware of the benefits of this increasingly popular option. The trend recently got a huge boost thanks to the endorsement of Chip and Joanna Gaines, who have joined forces with James Hardie. Their Magnolia Home line includes a variety of colors, styles, and textures.
While fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl and wood, there are plenty of options to appease a range of budgets. From shiplap to board and batten, smooth wood grains, and cedar mill grains, style options abound.
Don’t Try This Trick At Home!
Aesthetics aside, fire-resistance is a hallmark feature of James Hardie fiber cement. Joey points to an eye-opening study involving a blowtorch. Not unlike those homes made vulnerable by the three little pigs, vinyl, engineered wood, and cedar siding homes were destroyed within five minutes when they came in contact with a blowtorch. The fiber-cement home? It endured no more than several softball-sized blowtorch marks.
While this attribute may be a top safety priority, it’s one of several benefits of James Hardie fiber cement siding. Materials used in its composition make it insect and woodpecker proof. Unlike vinyl siding, it’s impervious to wind and hail. And, here’s one of the best features: fiber cement siding is meant to last forever. A 15-year paint warranty assures a pristine look, and lighter colored finishes won’t fade.
Behind the Scenes
Fiber cement installation is not a do-it-yourself project. Hiring a qualified, Elite Preferred professional like G. Fedale is essential, as we assure that the integrity of the siding won’t be compromised by moisture. We use Benjamin Obdyke HydroGap house wrap, because it’s a breathable product with spacers built into the underlayment. As such, the house wrap never comes in contact with the fiber cement. We pay careful attention to areas requiring flashing as well as patio clearances and window and door gapping. Give us a call for a free estimate!