Your choice in siding can have a massive impact on the appearance, functionality, and value of your home, so you can’t allow yourself to pick a siding just because it “seems” like the right answer. Too many homeowners go with vinyl siding because it’s normal, not understanding the better options on the market, and even more homeowners finalize their decisions while still believing common myths and misconceptions about the siding that’s available.

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding, one of the most popular brands of which is James Hardie siding (hardieplank siding), has exploded in popularity due to its durability, longevity, and ability to add value to a home. It gets its hyphenated name because it’s technically a composite material, blending cement, sand, and cellulose fibers together to get its signature resilience. Though it’s not perfect, it is one of the best and most cost-efficient types of siding on the market—but unfortunately, there are a number of myths and misconceptions surrounding this siding type that preclude it as an option for many otherwise interested homeowners.

Myths and Misconceptions

You should be aware of the following misconceptions about hardieplank siding before you buy any new siding for your home:

1. It’s made with asbestos.

This is a misconception that actually has a nugget of truth to it. In the early days of fiber-cement siding development, asbestos was perceived as a useful material, and in some variations of the siding, asbestos was used as a small component of the overall structure. However, since then, these particles have been replaced with other materials that are much safer and more environmentally friendly. In fact, James Hardie siding discontinued all use of asbestos in its products in 1987, so it’s been nearly 30 years since asbestos was last used. Fiber-cement siding is one of the most environmentally-friendly choices you can make.

2. It’s too expensive to install.

It’s true that hardieplank siding is more expensive to buy and install than the cheapest and most conventional option, vinyl. However, there are two things to keep in mind here. First, it’s still cheaper than most advanced types of siding like cedar, and second, it’s well worth the money you put into it. It’s more expensive because of the sophisticated blend of materials used to create it and the difficulty of installation. But there’s a reason so many homeowners still choose this siding—it’s more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, and will ultimately return your investment in home value and reduced maintenance costs.

3. It needs too much maintenance.

This is a misconception of unknown origin. Fiber-cement siding actually requires some of the lowest amount of maintenance for any type of siding. It’s thick, resistant to the elements, and comes with a 50-year warranty. Because the product is scarcely 50 years old, it’s hard to say how long it can truly last, but all indications are that its lifespan is indefinite, and certainly longer than almost any other siding product on the market.

4. It will never need repainting.

However, there is one type of maintenance your fiber-cement siding may need eventually: painting. Most types of siding require repainting every 5 to 7 years, depending on how it has weathered. However, hardieplank siding comes with a 15-year warranty just on the paint job—meaning you can expect the paint to last 2 to 3 times as long as it does on any other type of siding. Fiber-cement siding can come as “pre-painted” with the paint baked into the material, or primed for painting. Either way, you’ll have a full range of options to consider when painting your siding, and you can pick a new direction when those 15 years are up. NOTE: Hardie siding now comes with a lifetime warranty on paint that can be transferred to the next owner of your home.

5. It will last forever.

Again, fiber-cement siding is built to last. With a 50-year warranty and a track record of successful installations around the country, it’s no wonder why some people believe that hardieplank siding can last forever. With it, you won’t have to worry about damage from hail or other weather elements, termites or other insect damage, or general wear and tear that other siding products can sustain. It may eventually need replacing, like any other home product, but you won’t have to think about it for a long, long time.

6. It’s better for new homes and constructions.

Though fiber-cement siding is frequently chosen as a siding choice for new homes and other new developments, that doesn’t mean it’s a choice exclusive to new construction. It can also be used as a replacement siding for your existing job—in fact, it carries even more benefits for homeowners upgrading their siding to this newer material. You’ll see a jump in your home’s capacity to insulate, and the aesthetic improvement will leave you more satisfied with your home almost immediately.

7. It’s not much better than vinyl.

Sometimes, homeowners see fiber-cement siding as the next notch up from vinyl, but the reality is these siding types aren’t even in the same league. Vinyl gets the job done, but barely—it’s flimsy, vulnerable to many types of damage, it requires ongoing painting and maintenance, and isn’t particularly friendly to the environment. Fiber-cement siding, on the other hand, improves on all these weaknesses and brings even more benefits to the table. It’s a huge step up.

Choosing a new siding for your home is a big decision—one that’s going to cost you thousands of dollars, add thousands of dollars to your home’s value, and hopefully keep you satisfied for years to come. It’s not a decision to take lightly or make before you have all the information in front of you. If you’re getting ready to replace the siding of your home, you’ll want to talk to an expert about all your options and get a professional opinion on your best next move. Contact us at Tulsa Renew today, and we’ll walk you through your options and help you make your decision with a free quote.