Vinyl siding is yesterday! Today’s siding is fiber cement, and the king of the hill is James Hardy. Comprised of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding beautifully mimics the look of vinyl and wood, making it a versatile alternative to other cladding options. This product was invented by James Hardie 40 years ago, and the company still has a strong position in the market. This is one of the reasons why it is preferred at G. Fedale Roofing and Siding. “It blows the competition out of the water,” says Joey Gordon, a project consultant here at G. Federle.
It’s hot, it’s hot
At G. Fedale, our mission is to educate our customers on the industry’s latest home improvement products while maintaining our dedication to the best manufacturers. Joey says 80 percent of homeowners in the South and West choose fiber cement over other siding options. But here in the Northeast, homeowners are less aware of the benefits of this increasingly popular option. This trend has recently received a huge boost thanks to the support of Chip and Joanna Gaines, who collaborated with James Hardy. The company’s Magnolia Home line includes a variety of colors, styles, and textures.
Although fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl or wood, there are many options to choose from to suit different budgets. Style options abound, from shiplap to board and batten to smooth wood grain to cedar milgrain.
Never try this trick at home!
Aesthetics aside, fire resistance is a hallmark of James Hardy fiber cement. Joey points out some amazing research using torches. Similar to the house made vulnerable by the Three Little Pigs, the vinyl, faux wood, and cedar siding house was destroyed within five minutes of his touching the torch. Fiber cement house? All I had to endure was a few softball-sized torch marks.
While safety may be paramount, this property is one of several benefits of James Hardie fiber cement siding. The materials used in the composition are resistant to insects and woodpeckers. Unlike vinyl siding, it is not affected by wind or hail. And this is one of its best features. Fiber cement siding is meant to last forever. A 15-year paint warranty ensures it looks like new, and the bright-colored finish won’t fade.
behind the scenes
Fiber cement installation is not a do-it-yourself project. Hiring a qualified Elite Preferred professional like G. Fedale is essential to ensure that the integrity of your siding is not compromised by moisture. I use Benjamin Obdyke HydroGap housewrap. This is because it is a breathable product with spacers built into the underlay. Therefore, the housewrap never comes into contact with the fiber cement. We pay close attention to areas that need drainage, patio gaps, and window and door gaps. Call us for a free quote!