Hardiplank is a fiber cement siding that offers textures similar to wood. Unlike vinyl siding and other lap siding options, it is more weather-resistant and, in fact, can last up to 40 years. The downside? Having a HardiePlank siding costs more and requires hiring professional siding contractors.
In this article, we’ll go over what Hardiplank is and if it’s worth the extra investment to have it on the exterior of your home.
Table of Contents
What Is Hardiplank?
As mentioned earlier, Hardiplank is a fiber cement exterior siding for residential houses. It is manufactured by James Hardie, a world-renowned manufacturer of building products.
Unlike lower grade and cheap siding, many residential owners prefer James Hardie siding products such as the HardiePanel Vertical Siding, Hardie Shingle Siding, Hardie Plank Lap Siding, and the Hardie Architectural Panel because of their durability and 30-year limited warranty guarantee. There is also a wide range of color options to match your home’s exterior design.
What Is Hardiplank Made Of?
What makes Hardiplank different from other siding options is its construction. It combines sand, cellulose fibers, cement, and even wood pulp. This mix makes the siding fire and termite resistant. And by using ColorPlus Technology, the exterior of your home is less prone to fading and chipping even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. This, in return, means lower maintenance costs for you in the long run.
How Is Hardiplank Siding Installed?
You can do the Hardie siding installation yourself, but hiring a contractor is highly recommended. This is because the siding is a highly specialized product that requires a lot of know-how to install correctly. The installation is not just about how well you can measure and cut—you also need to be able to join pieces together so that they don’t show seams or gaps between them.
Installing a Hardiplank siding on your own or with the help of a contractor involves:
- Initial inspection and project planning: Make sure to have secure oriented strand board (OSB), as well as foam and plywood. Then, use chalk to mark the location of the studs.
- Cutting the Sidings: You can use a circular saw to cut the siding. You can also pneumatic shears, provided that the siding is not thicker than 7/16 inches.
- Fastening the Hardiplank: Blind nailing is recommended for Hardiplank installation.
- Installing the trim: This trim helps hide gaps between boards and keeps water from seeping into cracks where it can cause damage over time (especially during heavy rains). It also makes your home look more professional and finished, making it more appealing to potential buyers when you’re ready to sell down the road!
- Installing the sidings: After you have the trim in place, the last step is to install the sidings.
Want to know more? Check the installation requirements.
What Are the Pros of Hardie Plank?
Durable
Hardieplanks are renowned for their durability. Since it is a fiber-cement siding, you can say goodbye to wood rot and pests like termites. And unlike other sidings, it does not warp or quickly fades even when you are located in a state with harsh climate conditions.
Worried about fires? Don’t be. Although Hardiplank is not technically fireproof, it offers better fire resistance than vinyl or wood.
Wood-Like Curb Appeal
Always love the idea of having cedar siding for your house but don’t want to deal with wood rot? Hardie boards are the answer. One of the most appealing advantages of Hardiplank is that they have a wood-like texture but are tougher and more resilient against water and sun.
This material comes in several different styles and colors, so you can choose what look you want for your home. And because it’s so durable, you won’t have to worry about replacing your exterior siding soon.
Eco-Friendly
When it comes to building materials, Hardie Board is a great choice not only because it is durable but also because it is made with recycled materials. In 2020, James Hardie was named the Greenest Siding Brand by Green Builder® Media.
Low Maintenance
Hardie board is the easiest residential exterior siding that you can get. Thanks to its durable construction, all you need to do is spray it down a garden hose and use a brush to remove accumulated dirt and debris.
What Are the Cons of Hardie Board?
Expensive
The boards are more expensive than other options, so you may end up going over your budget than you wanted to, especially if you have a large home construction project. In addition to the price of the planks, you’ll also need to consider costs for a professional Hardiplank installation.
Long Installation Process
Depending on the size of your home and the layout of your walls, installing Hardie Board siding could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months. Hardie Board requires special installation tools and skills, so if you don’t have those things on hand, you’ll need to hire a contractor.
Labor Intensive Installation
Each piece of Hardie board is heavy and often requires two people to move it. This makes installation much more complex than other siding materials since you’ll need help getting everything into place around posts and windowsills.
Hardiplank FAQ
How Much Does Hardiplank Cost?
A Hardiplank costs $7-$13 per square foot, including labor costs for installation. Remember that the more complex your project is (such as if there are multiple levels), the higher the price will be.
How Do You Maintain Hardiplank?
As mentioned earlier, Hardiplank is low-maintenance. Using a spray hose and a brush can keep your Hardiplank siding in excellent condition. If there are visible stains or dirt, you can use a mild detergent.
Cleaning out gutters and downspouts is also a great idea to prevent water from overflowing over the siding. If there are signs of caulking wear, recaulk immediately.
How Many Hardiplank Sidings Do You Need?
Determining how many Hardiplank sidings you need will depend on the total square footage of your home. Measure the length and width of each wall in feet. Then, multiply these two measurements to get your space’s total square footage.
For example, if your room measures 10 feet by 10 feet, it will have 100 square feet (10 x 10 = 100). We recommend using an online siding calculator to help with this process. Alternatively, you can hire a professional contractor to calculate for you.
How Many Years Does Hardiplank Last?
It lasts about 30 years in most cases. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (like high winds), expect it to last even longer—around 40 years.
The quality of your home matters too. The best way to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible is by choosing quality materials and hiring a professional contractor who knows what they’re doing when installing it on your house.
Take Away
Ultimately, Hardiplank is an excellent alternative to traditional siding and has a lot of excellent properties that make it valuable and worth the investment. Just make sure you get the right Hardiplank installer!