Siding-Fiber Cement, Vinyl and Cedar

(left to right) Individual Shingle, Half-round Notched Panel, Straight Edge Panel

Non-combustible, will not melt or release toxic fumes, eligible for insurance discounts due to non-combustibility.

Melts or burns when exposed to a significant source of heat or flame, releases toxic fumes when burns, not eligible for non-combustibility insurance discounts.

Can be painted any color you can imagine and lasts longer than with wood.

Color cannot be changed and is susceptible to fading. And it’s difficult to get a perfect match when repairs are necessary.

Designed to last a lifetime! So durable it's guaranteed for up to 50 years, even in the most severe climates on earth, withstands winds up to 130 MPH!

Become brittle in cold weather. Can be damaged by hail, limbs and other flying debris.

James Hardie siding's strength and thickness provide impact resistance caused by hail and wind. Will not sag or lose its shape over time.

Premium vinyl siding is only 5/100″ thick, has difficulty maintaining its original shape, may warp or crack over time.

JAMES HARDIE SIDING

CEDAR SIDING

Flame Resistance
Non-combustible, creates very little smoke when exposed to flame, eligible for insurance discounts due to non-combustibility

Flame Resistance
Burns when exposed to a significant source of heat or flame, not eligible for non-combustibility insurance discounts

Aesthetic Performance
Increased curb appeal and appreciation, consistent beauty from porch to street

Aesthetic Performance
High maintenance is required for cedar siding in order to maintain original aesthetic performance

Pests
James Hardie siding is impervious to termites and other insects

Pests
Susceptible to damage by termites and other pests

Durability
Dimensionally stable, will not rot, warp, buckle, swell, or deteriorate even in the harshest climates, maintains original appearance over product lifetime, holds paint up to three times longer than wood

Durability
Can split and crack over time, extreme weather causes expansion and/or contraction, knots have a tendency to shrink resulting in unsightly gaps and exposure to moisture damage, moisture issues cause paint failure

Uniformity
Consistent building surface, no cracks, knots, or other imperfections, less construction waste, reliable supply available

Uniformity
Dwindling availability of quality old-growth forest supply can result in inconsistent surfaces, cracks, knots, and other imperfections resulting in construction waste, sorting through random board lengths and qualities can be time-consuming, susceptible to resin/tannin bleeding

If you are reading this, you are probably deciding between painting or siding your home. Many homeowners struggle with this very question. In addition, this dilemma cannot be resolved with a quick answer. There are several different factors to consider regarding this situation:

• Type of siding currently on your home
• Age of that siding
• The condition of your siding
• How long you plan on living in your home
• Cost-benefit analysis of siding vs. painting your home

Let's discuss each in turn:

1. Type: The type of siding you have is of the utmost importance. Vinyl: We do not recommend painting vinyl because of its extreme level of contraction/expansion and its flexibility. Bumping up against it will bend the vinyl, which may cause the paint to crack. Vinyl also has a tendency to warp over time, which will affect paint adhesion. Aluminum/steel: These surfaces are easily paintable. We recommend painting if you do not like the color, the color has faded, the surface has chalked or there are sections on the house that have been replaced and do not match the color of the rest of the house. Stucco and other masonry surfaces: These surfaces are very paintable. We recommend painting if your stucco is stained and cannot be cleaned with a good powerwash. Wood and hardboard composites: These surfaces are also very paintable. Wood surfaces should be painted. These surfaces need to be protected from the elements in order for them to remain healthy.
2. Age: If your wood siding is very old and has multiple layers of paint on it, it may be better to re-side. Look at the back of a peeling paint chip. Is there a layer of wood grain evident on the back of the chip? Does your thumbnail easily indent the wood when you apply some pressure? If so, then it is probably time to re-side. Is your stucco crumbling? It is definitely time to re-side.
3. Condition: Has your stucco been painted and is peeling badly? The preparation during the first coat or two of paint was improper and either stripping all the layers of paint or re-siding is your only recourse. Is your wood rotted? Is your hardboard warping or buckling? Then it is definitely time to re-side.
4. Length of stay: This certainly is a key factor in your decision-making process. This is a judgment call that is completely dependent on the above three factors. Your realtor and/or your siding professional can help lead you down the correct path.
5. Cost-benefit analysis: Again, this is a judgment best left to you and/or your realtor. Weigh the cost of the project and compare it to the value it will add to your house (both in appreciation value and in the pleasure it will give you while living there).