James Hardie Siding Contractor in Calgary

What is James Hardie Siding? Benefits Explained

If you could cover your home in cement for maximum protection, would you? Fortunately, you don’t have to.
James Hardie siding is made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres, creating a highly durable
and long-lasting exterior solution. This material is often referred to as fiber cement siding.

Similar to vinyl siding and metal siding, installation is straightforward.
However, thanks to its composition, it performs exceptionally well in extreme weather conditions,
including harsh climates like Calgary.

Durability doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. You can choose from classic colours like white and gray,
or opt for wood-textured finishes for a natural look.

Key benefits of James Hardie siding:

• Exceptional durability in extreme weather
• Non-combustible and fire-resistant material
• High impact resistance (ideal for hail-prone areas)
• Long lifespan (50+ years)
• Low maintenance compared to wood siding
• Premium look with wood-grain finishes available

Choosing Hardie Board Siding: What You Need to Know

1. Choose the Right Colour

Fiber cement siding is a long-term investment, often lasting over 50 years.
Make sure you select a colour you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Bold choices like red or blue can look great—but only if you truly love them.

2. Consider Insulation

While fiber cement is durable, it doesn’t provide insulation.
Adding an insulation layer underneath will improve energy efficiency.

3. Match Your Home Style

Choose siding that complements your home’s architecture.
Traditional homes work well with shingle styles, while modern homes
benefit from vertical or clean panel designs.

4. Check Material Quality

Not all fiber cement siding is the same.
James Hardie has over 40 years of experience and offers warranties,
making it a trusted industry leader. Always ensure you’re getting genuine products.

5. Hire Certified Installers

Installation quality directly affects the final result.
Fiber cement requires precision cutting, spacing, and fastening.
Working with certified installers ensures durability and keeps your warranty valid.

Cost of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

Budget plays a key role when choosing siding.
On average, fiber cement siding prices
range between $10 and $12.75 per square foot.

Simpler projects tend to cost less, while complex designs or remote locations
increase labour and overall installation costs.

Overall, Hardie siding offers excellent value thanks to its durability and long lifespan.

Cost for a 2000 sq ft House

For a 2000 sq ft home, the total installed cost typically ranges from $20,000 to $25,500.
This places Hardie board slightly above vinyl siding in price, but more affordable
than engineered wood
and aluminum siding.

What Are the Downsides of James Hardie Siding?

Like any material, Hardie plank siding has its drawbacks. To make an informed decision,
it’s important to understand the potential disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost compared to vinyl siding
• Labour-intensive installation due to heavy material
• Can absorb moisture if installed incorrectly

Does Mold Grow on Hardie Board?

Generally, fiber cement siding is resistant to mold and mildew.
However, improper installation that allows moisture to accumulate
can lead to mold growth. Regular inspections help prevent this.

Can Water Get Behind Hardie Siding?

Yes, but this typically happens only when other components fail,
such as caulking or flashing. Proper sealing and installation
are critical to avoid water intrusion.

Does Hardie Board Crack?

Cracking is rare but can occur due to expansion without proper spacing.
It may also happen if protective paint fades, exposing the material
to excessive heat from the sun.

How to Install James Hardie Siding

Due to its weight and precision requirements, Hardie siding is not ideal for DIY projects.
Professional installation is recommended. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

1. Prepare the wall surface and remove old materials
2. Install a weather barrier for moisture protection
3. Add flashing and trim to control water flow
4. Cut panels to the required size
5. Install starter strips for proper alignment
6. Fasten panels with precise spacing and stagger seams
7. Finish with trim and caulking for sealing and appearance

Installation Timeline

For an average home, installation typically takes 7–14 days.
By comparison, vinyl siding can be installed in as little as 4 days.

Panel systems such as
EasyTrim
and
Lux Panels
can be installed faster, which is useful if timing is important.

How Long Does Hardie Siding Last?

With proper installation and maintenance, Hardie siding can last 50+ years.

The manufacturer provides a 30-year transferable warranty on siding,
soffits, and trim boards.

ColorPlus® finishes are covered by a 15-year warranty against peeling,
cracking, and chipping, including both paint and labour.

Is Fiber Cement Siding Worth It?

Fiber cement siding offers an excellent balance of durability and cost.
While slightly more expensive than vinyl, it provides a more premium look
and significantly longer lifespan.

In harsh climates, alternative materials like
aluminum longboard siding
may offer additional advantages, but overall, Hardie siding remains one of the
best all-around options.

Final verdict: Hardie siding is not cheap, but it delivers strong value
for its price thanks to durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.