HardiePlank fiber cement siding is one of the most popular types of siding used on homes today. Made from a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, HardiePlank is known for its durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance requirements compared to other types of siding like wood or vinyl. This article provides a comprehensive overview of HardiePlank siding, covering the basics of materials, installation, costs, pros and cons, and more.
What is HardiePlank Siding?
HardiePlank siding is a brand name for James Hardie’s line of fiber cement siding products. Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers come from recycled wood and paper. When mixed with cement, these fibers create a strong, durable material that stands up well to damage from impacts, fire, moisture, termites, and other external forces.
HardiePlank boards are available in a variety of styles that mimic the look of traditional wood siding, like clapboard, shingles, and tongue and groove boards. The siding comes in horizontal and vertical applications. Most HardiePlank products have a smooth, paintable finish that makes an attractive exterior surface.
Compared to vinyl, wood, and other types of siding, the benefits of fiber cement HardiePlank include:
- Durability: Withstands rot, termites, hail, and fire better than many other sidings
- Low maintenance: Does not need regular repainting like wood
- Customizable: Comes in different styles and can mimic wood siding
- Impact resistant: More dent and damage resistant than vinyl
- Fire resistance: Rated class A fire resistant per ASTM E108
- Long lifespan: Can last over 50 years with proper installation
Within the HardiePlank brand, there are different levels and types of fiber cement boards. The Premium series offers the most design options, while the Prime series is more affordable but has fewer style choices. There are also boards designed specifically for trim, soffits, fascia and other exterior finish work.
HardiePlank Siding Materials
The primary ingredients in HardiePlank siding include:
- Portland Cement: The main binding ingredient, cement is mixed with sand and cellulose to create a strong and rigid material.
- Sand: Usually coarse, crystalline silica sand. Sand improves the durability and impact resistance of the boards.
- Cellulose Fiber: Recycled fibers from wood and paper help reinforce the cement and improve tensile strength.
- Additives: Additional proprietary ingredients help increase the weather and fire resistance.
- Coating: The smooth factory finish is usually a coated acrylic layer. Some products have ColorPlus technology with pigment throughout the board.
HardiePlank siding contains no asbestos and is considered a non-toxic building material. The cement-based boards are more environmentally friendly than vinyl, which is derived from fossil fuels. Fiber cement siding is about 25% recycled materials.
The exact ratio of the raw ingredients varies by specific HardiePlank product. But in general, they contain around:
- 20-30% Portland cement
- 50-70% recycled cellulose fiber
- 10-30% sand
- 5-10% various additives
Different additives give each HardiePlank line added properties like moisture-resistance, flame resistance, or color variation.
Types of HardiePlank Siding
HardiePlank comes in a wide range of styles, textures, and appearances to suit different architectural designs. Some of the most popular options include:
HardiePlank Lap Siding
Lap siding, also known as clapboards, have horizontal, overlapping boards like traditional wood siding. HardiePlank lap comes in smooth and textured finishes, different widths, and various pattern options:
- Beaded: Lap siding with a rounded upper edge
- V-Rustic: Boards with a V-groove cut into the lap
- Cedarmill©: Lap siding with a textured, grooved woodgrain pattern
HardieShingle® Siding
These fiber cement panels mimic the look of cedar shake and asphalt shingles. The staggered, layered pattern provides a rustic, natural appearance.
HardiePanel® Vertical Siding
Vertical siding boards provide a more modern, sleek look compared to traditional horizontal sidings. HardiePanel comes in smooth and textured finishes.
HardieTrim® Boards
Perfect for fascia, trim, frieze boards, rakes, window boxes, and other detailing jobs, HardieTrim is thicker and more rigid than lap siding. It comes pre-primed and ready for paint.
HardieSoffit® Panels
Fiber cement soffit panels designed for the underside of roof overhangs, HardieSoffit resists moisture and holds paint longer than plywood or wood soffits. Vented and solid soffit options are available.
In addition to these main siding types, James Hardie also offers fiber cement products for other exterior applications:
- Corner trim
- Window flashings
- Band boards
- fascia
- Rainscreen siding underlayment
- Floor underlayment
HardiePlank Siding Styles and Finishes
HardiePlank siding comes in smooth and textured surface finishes to achieve different architectural looks:
Smooth HardiePlank
- Clean, uniform appearance
- Takes paint readily
- Lap siding, panels, trim boards available
Textured HardiePlank
- Looks like real wood grain
- Cedarmill© and Stucco finishes
- Hides imperfections better
- Lap siding, shingles, and vertical boards available textured
In addition to surface textures, HardiePlank siding comes in a variety of styles and configurations:
- Traditional clapboard lap sizes from 4” up to 12” wide planks
- Shingles in half- and full-round edge designs
- 48” wide panels for quick coverage
- Beaded edges for a cottage-style look
- V-grooved lap siding for a rustic aesthetic
- Historic profiles like tongue and groove
HardiePlank siding also comes pre-finished in a range of ColorPlus colors. These fiber cement boards have a factory applied coating with integrated color pigment for long-lasting curb appeal without painting. However, pre-colored boards are only available in smooth textures and lap siding styles.
Benefits of HardiePlank Siding
Compared to natural wood, vinyl, composite, and other types of siding, HardiePlank has several notable benefits:
Durability and Longevity
HardiePlank resists rot, termite damage, and fungal decay far better than wood siding, because of its non-organic cement composition. The dense fiber cement material withstands hail, hurricane winds, and extreme weather better than less impact-resistant vinyl siding. Installed and maintained properly, HardiePlank lasts over 50 years.
Fire Resistance
Fiber cement HardiePlank siding achieves Class A fire ratings based on ASTM E108 testing. The noncombustible cement material is far more fire resistant than wood siding, which can contribute to the spread of exterior flames.
Low Maintenance
HardiePlank siding won’t rot or decay like wood, so it doesn’t need regular sealing, staining, or repainting to maintain its appearance and performance. The occasional power wash is the main cleaning needed. And with ColorPlus factory-finished boards, you don’t have to paint at all.
Energy Efficiency
The dense cement boards offer good thermal mass, so they don’t flex or expand and contract with temperature changes like some other sidings. HardiePlank helps insulate homes for lower energy costs.
Resists Moisture Damage
HardiePlank holds up to wet climates and humidity without swelling, buckling, or cracking like wood. It resists damage from rain and sprinklers better than absorbent wood sidings. The primium products have a moisture-barrier backing.
Resists Pests/Termites
Termites, carpenter bees, and woodpeckers cannot penetrate the dense, non-organic fiber cement boards. HardiePlank doesn’t have the pest and vermin vulnerability of wood sidings.
Environmentally Friendly
Made from recycled materials, factory finished to avoid VOC paints, and able to last for decades, fiber cement HardiePlank is greener than vinyl siding derived from fossil fuels. It has lower manufacturing impacts than wood.
Cost Effective
Although more expensive upfront than vinyl siding, HardiePlank is a good value over the many decades of extended service life compared to other sidings that need frequent replacement.
Range of Appearance Options
With all the different styles, textures, and colors available, HardiePlank can achieve a huge range of desired architectural looks, from historic Victorian to sleek modern.
Good ROI
Durability, low maintenance, and attractive curb appeal make HardiePlank siding a great investment. Homes sided with HardiePlank tend to have higher resale values.
Strong Wind Resistance
The impact-resistant cement boards stand up to hurricane-force winds, hailstorms, and other extreme weather better than many other sidings that can become damaged.
Noise Reduction
The dense, sound-dampening qualities of HardiePlank fiber cement boards help insulate against outside noise 22% better than vinyl siding.
Drawbacks of HardiePlank Siding
While fiber cement HardiePlank has many benefits compared to other siding options, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider:
- Heavy weight: Heavy boards can be awkward for DIY installation and may require added structural bracing.
- Brittle material: Cement boards can crack if mishandled, especially in cold climates. Corners and edges need extra care.
- Professional installation recommended: Getting HardiePlank siding installed completely straight and sealed properly requires skill. The cost is higher than installing vinyl siding yourself.
- Can’t be machined like wood: Things like custom cutouts or trimwork are not really possible. The boards must be installed as-is.
- Higher upfront cost: HardiePlank siding costs more than vinyl, wood, or other siding options initially. However, the long service life brings savings over time.
- Finishing required: Unless you choose pre-colored ColorPlus products, HardiePlank needs prompt priming and painting after installation for proper moisture protection.
- Not totally maintenance-free: Periodic repainting, caulking, and cleaning are needed to keep HardiePlank looking its best and to avoid damage from moisture.
- Can crack if not installed correctly: Improper spacing, fastening, or aligning of HardiePlank boards leads to cracks as they expand and contract.
- Not suitable for every home design: The contemporary, geometric look of wide panels doesn’t fit every architectural style. Smooth HardiePlank looks modern.
For certain applications, weaknesses like weight and brittle material properties require special installation preparations like adding bracing and leaving expansion gaps. But overall, HardiePlank remains a top siding choice for durability and performance.
Installation and Replacement Costs
Here are some typical price ranges for HardiePlank siding installation:
- Total project cost per square: $6-9 per square foot installed, including boards, labor, and accessories
- ** lap siding materials per square:** $2.25-3.75 per square foot of siding boards only
- ** labor costs:** $3.50-5 per square foot for professional installation
So for a typical 2500 square foot home, total installed costs often range from $15,000-22,500. Higher labor expenses in some markets or more complex installations can drive costs even higher.
Replacing existing siding with new HardiePlank covers over existing wall defects and damage, so costs are usually a little lower than installation over bare framing. Expect $4.50-7 per square foot for tear-off and replacement.
Just the fiber cement siding boards alone cost $700-1200 per square for premium styles, or $500-900 per square for value grades, not counting essential fasteners, trim pieces, caulking, and other supplies.
Because of its weight and brittle nature, HardiePlank siding installation is usually not a DIY project for the average homeowner. Hiring a qualified siding contractor is recommended to get the straight, tight seams and proper spacing needed for maximum durability and crack resistance. Do-it-yourself installations also void the product warranty.
HardiePlank Siding Cost Factors
Many factors influence the total installed costs and price quote for HardiePlank siding:
- Type of siding (lap, panel, shingles, trim boards)
- Premium versus value product grades
- Smooth versus textured finish
- Single story or multi-story installation
- Simple or complex exterior wall designs
- Amount of trim detailing needed
- Home’s location and contractor rates in the area
- Special wall preparations needed
- Removal and disposal of old siding
- Size of project, amount of siding needed
- ColorPlus pre-finished boards versus primed boards
Get free estimates from local siding installation pros to find the best pricing. Bigger homes or commercial projects may qualify for bulk product discounts from local suppliers.
Should You Install HardiePlank Siding?
If you are considering siding replacement or installation, HardiePlank is an excellent option to explore. For homes where maximum durability, fire resistance, and weather protection matter most, HardiePlank is hard to beat. The wide variety of looks available makes fiber cement suitable for virtually any architectural style.
HardiePlank should especially be considered if:
- You want siding that will last 50 years or more
- Low maintenance and weather resistance are important
- Pests like termites are a big concern
- Fire safety is a priority
- Woodpecker damage or hailstorms are problems in your area
- You like the appearance and customizability of wood but not the upkeep
- Your home will benefit from noise reduction
- Environmental friendliness is a priority for you
- You don’t want to repaint exterior siding frequently
HardiePlank costs more upfront but saves money long term compared to repeated vinyl replacements. And it offers a longer lifespan and better durability than wood siding.
Just be sure to hire an experienced professional siding contractor, follow manufacturer’s installation recommendations carefully, and properly maintain the fiber cement boards after installation. With proper installation and care, HardiePlank siding will protect and beautify your home for 50 years or longer. It’s an investment that pays off.
Maintaining HardiePlank Siding
To keep HardiePlank siding looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:
- Inspect annually for cracks, damage, caulking failure
- Repaint when needed, typically every 7-10 years
- Wash occasionally with mild soap and low-pressure water
- Re-caulk joints and seams when cracks appear
- Control sprinkler spray to avoid excessive water exposure
- Keep soil, mulch, and plantings 6”+ away from bottom edge
- Replace damaged boards as soon as possible
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear to avoid water running down siding
With occasional cleaning, caulking, and repainting when needed, HardiePlank siding remains attractive and functional for decades. Any cracks wider than 1/8” or deterioration of paint film should be addressed promptly.
FAQ about HardiePlank Siding
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about HardiePlank fiber cement siding:
Does HardiePlank siding need to be painted?
Most HardiePlank siding needs paint within 90 days of installation for proper moisture protection. The exceptions are pre-finished ColorPlus products with factory coating. Unpainted siding risks damage from moisture.
How long does HardiePlank siding last?
Installed correctly on a sound structure, HardiePlank lasts over 50 years. Some home’s still have intact original Hardie siding installed in the 1980s. Proper installation and maintenance are key for maximum longevity.
Is Hardie siding expensive to install?
HardiePlank siding is more expensive than vinyl but less costly than some other material options. Total installed costs range from $6-$9 per square foot on average. The value grades are more affordable than premium lines.
What is thicker Hardie or vinyl siding?
HardiePlank lap siding is around 1/4″ thick. Vinyl siding is thinner at just under .044 inches typically. So HardiePlank is nearly six times thicker and more impact resistant.
Why is HardiePlank siding so heavy?
The cement-based fiber boards weigh around 2 lbs. per square foot, several times heavier than vinyl siding. The thickness and durable materials add weight. Extra bracing helps support the load.
Can Hardie siding get wet before painting?
It’s best to prime and paint HardiePlank within 90 days of installation. In damp climates, painting should happen as soon as possible to avoid moisture damage. Follow manufacturer guidelines for your region.
Does Hardie siding cause more condensation?
Not inherently. But improper installation without rainscreen panels can lead to moisture issues. Proper sealing, caulking, ventilation, and construction avoid excess condensation.
What is the fire rating for HardiePlank siding?
HardiePlank achieves Class A fire resistance, the top rating, when tested per ASTM E108 standards. The noncombustible fiber cement material is very fire resistant.
Does Hardie siding have warranties?
Yes, James Hardie offers a 30-year limited transferable product warranty, 15-year finish warranty for ColorPlus products, and an enhanced replacement and repair warranty for the