James Hardie is known for manufacturing attractive and durable home exterior materials. One of its most popular products is HardiePlank® fiber cement. You can count on this material to stay beautiful despite time and what nature brings. It has features that make it a significantly better option than vinyl siding.
Read on to learn more about HardiePlank siding and the benefits of installing it.
What Is HardiePlank® Siding?
Siding makes a huge part of your home’s exterior. It adds to your property’s curb appeal and overall energy efficiency. The right siding material will help keep your interior warm in winter and cool in summer, contributing to savings on your heating and cooling costs.
HardiePlank siding is a fiber cement material with a thickness of 8 mm. It is an excellent option for exterior and interior renovations and new construction. It’s made from cellulose fiber from Radiata pine trees from a plantation, Portland cement and sand water. A little amount of chemical additives is also added to the mix for enhanced durability.
James Hardie made HardiePlank siding to offer superior resistance to moisture, rot, fire and pests. It can be installed vertically, horizontally and diagonally, helping you achieve the exterior look of your dreams. You can get it in 21 different hues featuring the ColorPlus Technology. During manufacturing, it receives several coatings of paint, cured in between coats. As a result, it boasts a finish that withstands fading from the sun’s UV rays. It’s also because of this technology that it stays appealing for longer.
What Are the Benefits of HardiePlank Siding?
Superior Durability and Better Weather Protection
Excellent weather protection is something that you can count on from HardiePlank siding. The chemically added additives make it highly resistant to rain, wind, fire, hail, rot and pests. With this material, you don’t have to worry about shrinking, mold growth, warping, or cracking.
In fact, HardiePlank siding is thrice as strong as wood, and it still works well even when used in humid conditions. It is three times thicker than vinyl siding, meaning it can protect your home better against the elements.
A Siding Option Made for Climate
When selecting a siding material, one of the first things you need to consider is your climate. James Hardie studied the lasting effects different climates have on siding. From the data collected, they developed the Hardie™ Zone system. This system helps homeowners find the ideal siding for their location and climate.
The Hardie Zone system is divided into two main product categories. First is the HZ5® products, which are designed to work well in wet, freezing conditions. Second is the HZ10® products, which keep homes protected against extreme humidity, heat and UV rays.
Increased Home Curb Appeal and Value
James Hardie siding features the ColorPlus Technology, making it 30% more fade-resistant than vinyl and wood. Colors are matched using computers to ensure accuracy and consistency. With vinyl siding, repairing or replacing planks is often difficult. It’s because it’s hard to find materials that exactly match the existing ones in your home. You can save yourself from this hassle by investing in HardiePlank siding with lasting colors.
If your home is starting to look outdated, HardiePlank siding is great for giving your humble abode a refresh. It’s available in two textures, including smooth and wood grain. Whether you simply want to give your property a makeover or thinking about selling it in the future, HardiePlank siding is the perfect option for you.
Get Long-Term Savings
You’ll get more savings in the long run when you choose HardiePlank siding for your home. While vinyl costs lower upfront, it’s more prone to issues over time. With HardiePlank siding’s durability and low maintenance features, you’ll save more on repair and upkeep costs.
Another great thing about HardiePlank siding is its remarkable energy efficiency. Aside from saving on repairs and maintenance, it can also help reduce your energy use. This siding material provides added insulation to your home, so your HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your living space comfortable. You might also pay less on your insurance premium if you have HardiePlank siding instead of vinyl.
Improved Safety During Fires
Since HardiePlank siding is a noncombustible material, it’s been approved for fire-rated constructions. Meanwhile, vinyl tends to melt when exposed to fire and high temperatures. No matter how big the fire or extreme the heat is, HardiePlank siding will not burn.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
HardiePlank siding is easy and quick to install because it is lightweight. It’s also less susceptible to breaking during installation. Its clean cuts ensure your siding is aligned and snuggly fits into your home.
Following siding installation, HardiePlank requires very little to no maintenance. It withstands damage from moisture, rot and pests. All it needs is regular cleaning to stay attractive and last long. Moreover, it comes with a 15-year coverage for the chipping, peeling, or cracking of its ColorPlus® pre-painted planks. James Hardie also gives you the option to get primed planks that you can adorn or paint with a color you love. You’ll still gain access to James Hardie’s comprehensive warranties if you have your siding painted within two years of installation.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Most of the components of HardiePlank siding are natural materials except for the additives that improve its performance. It’s well-known for its low-maintenance features, durability and energy efficiency. This siding option is also low in toxicity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It helps create healthier indoor environments because it generates less dust. You can have insulation added behind your HardiePlank siding to help keep your living space warm during the colder months.
Make the most of the benefits of HardiePlank by choosing a reliable siding installation company for your project. At Peninsula Siding Company, Inc., we work with industry leaders to provide you with solutions that boost your home’s curb appeal and weather protection. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.