What is Hardie Plank Siding?
Hardie Plank siding is the most recognized name in fiber cement board siding. While the most recognized name in fiber cement board siding other manufacturers include Certainteed (now Allura), GAF and many others.
What is Fiber Cement Board Siding?
Fiber cement board siding is pretty much what it says it is… a mixture of sand, cement and cellulose that is imprinted and then baked into planks or shingles. It is basically a cement product giving you the many benefits of cement. There is no other product that will give you the look and feel of wood siding or a cedar shake like a fiber cement product. This is a Premium Siding Product and the initial installation will be more expensive than cedar siding. But over the long haul Hardie Plank or an equivalent product will recoup savings over time. It will require less painting and will maintain its look for many years to come.
The Pro’s of Fiber Cement Board Siding
Low Maintenance The lowered cost of regular maintenance and the longevity of the product will reduce many of the hassles that come with real wood siding. If you get the product painted from the factory in carries a 15 year paint warranty. Because Hardie Plank is mostly a cement product it does not warp, twist, crack and delaminate so when you do have to repaint you are not looking at replacing damaged boards or scraping and sanding like you do on a wood product. It is rot and insect resistance as well as moisture resistant.
The Look No other product comes as close to looking like wood siding as a fiber cement board siding such as Hardi Plank. If you didn’t know it was cement board siding you would think it was wood.
Longevity Again, because it is essentially a cement product it reduces or eliminate the typical problems of other products. No warping or twisting that you get with vinyl, no rot cracking or twisting that you get with a wood product and no swelling you get from masonite. If maintained properly your Hardie Plank siding will look as ggod 30 years down the road as it did upon installation.
Fire Proof The product is made up of 90% sand and cement making it a highly flame resistant product.
Green All of the components that go into making the fiber cement board siding are highly renewable. Sand and cement are in great abundance and the cellulose comes from fast growing plants. An often overlooked factor is that the product last so long it does not require replacement for a very long time, adding to the “greenness” of the product.
If you are looking for premium alternative to wood siding, consider Hardie Plank or another fiber cement siding material. Its longevity, low maintenance and other benefits make this an attractive siding product for those who are considering residing their home. Many upscale neighborhoods being built will may provide you with Hardie Plank Siding. Yes you will pay more for it, but you will reap the benefits for years to come.
