There’s been a lot of talk lately about a relative newcomer to the scene when it comes to siding for homes. Fiber cement siding such as James Hardie siding, is often touted as “the new stucco” in that it has many of the same benefits as stucco, such as durability and low maintenance, but with none of the drawbacks, such as a vulnerability to moisture and humidity, that’s always made stucco less suitable for more rainy or humid areas.
But what happens when we take Hardie siding and put it up against a siding process that’s not so old? Stucco is one of the oldest techniques around, so of course, it’s not going to compare favorably to something using the latest materials. But what about more recent products like vinyl? Vinyl siding showed clear advantages over traditional aluminum siding, which is why it quickly overtook that material. How does Hardie siding compare to vinyl? Let’s take a look!

The Time Test

When it comes to how long siding can protect your home, Hardie siding wins over vinyl siding. Vinyl will last from 20-40 years with proper care. The fiber cement material of Hardie siding, on the other hand, lasts as long, or longer than stucco, which was so popular because it had a 50-75 year lifespan. So when you get Hardie siding, you get coverage for your home that’s likely to last longer than you’ll live in it.

The Heat Test

Fire is one of the worst things that can happen to a home, but most people think all you have to worry about is the inside. The outside, however, is exposed to the same stresses and heat. In this regard, vinyl is not as resilient as Hardie siding. Even when it is treated, vinyl siding can still warp and melt when exposed to a hot enough temperature, whereas Hardie siding actually has flame retardant properties. It’s important not to confuse this with being flameproof, but when it comes to enduring heat, James Hardie siding will last longer and stand up to it better than vinyl siding will.

The Customization Test

When it comes to personalizing the look of siding, this is another area James Hardie siding tends to win out over vinyl. Because fiber cement siding actually has some wood fiber in it, it is more flexible and more configurable than vinyl. Because it is a thicker material, it can simulate the grooves of wood, or it can appear perfectly smooth. Vinyl can simulate the look of wood with paint, but can’t actually sport the same texture. Hardie siding is also easier to paint, though it can also come in many available colors before installation, so paint isn’t even required.

Try It On Your Home

If you’re interested in seeing how James Hardie siding can improve the look of your home, add value to your property, and even help lower your heating and cooling bills, contact us. The siding experts at Tulsa Renew will be more than happy to visit your home, evaluate what you’ve got, and give you a free consultation and quote so you know exactly what it takes to get a better protected, better-looking home with Hardie siding.