Complete James Hardie Siding Guide for Homeowners
Everything You Need to Know About Hardie Board Siding for Your Home
Your home exterior does more than just make a first impression—it protects everything inside.
At American Way Exteriors, we know Ohio homeowners want siding that looks stunning, lasts for decades, and won’t buckle under pressure from storms, pests, or ice. If you’re noticing wear and tear, warping, or fading on your current siding, it’s time to consider an upgrade that offers more than just surface-level beauty.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is the gold standard for performance, protection, and design flexibility. And when installed by a certified Elite Preferred Contractor within the James Hardie ALLIANCE, like American Way Exteriors, it becomes one of the smartest home improvement investments you can make.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Hardie siding—from benefits and style options to pricing, warranties, and expert installation tips.
What Is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie siding is a premium fiber cement product made from a durable blend of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. It’s often referred to as Hardie Board or HardiePlank, and for good reason. It set the industry standard for high-performance, low-maintenance siding solutions that elevate curb appeal. Hardie siding can protect your home for decades.
Unlike vinyl or wood, James Hardie siding is:
- Thicker for a more authentic wood-like appearance
- Engineered for climate, with custom formulations made specifically for wet winters and hot summers–Ohio weather
- Resistant to pests like termites, woodpeckers, and stink bugs
- Noncombustible, meaning it won’t fuel a fire like wood or plastic siding can
Why Homeowners Love Hardie Siding:
- Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance
- Holds color longer with factory-baked ColorPlus technology
- Stands up to Ohio’s toughest weather conditions
- Comes with an industry-leading 30-year limited warranty
Pro Tip: American Way Exteriors installs James Hardie siding according to the manufacturer’s strictest standards to preserve your warranty and ensure optimal performance.
The Advantages of Hardie Siding
Green, Sustainable Siding
James Hardie was named Greenest Siding Brand by Green Builder Media—and for good reason. Hardie siding is a low-waste, long-life product that requires fewer replacements and uses environmentally responsible manufacturing processes, including their Zero to Landfill initiative.
Pest and Fire Resistant
Fiber cement siding is naturally noncombustible and resists damage from:
- Fire and extreme heat
- Woodpeckers and carpenter bees
- Termites and other pests common to Ohio homes
You’ll never have to worry about warped, chewed, or fire-compromised siding again.
Engineered for Climate
James Hardie’s HZ5® product line is specifically formulated for Midwest weather. It stands up to:
- Ice, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles
- High humidity and UV exposure
- Driving rain and harsh wind
Your siding will stay intact, sealed, and beautiful season after season.
Stunning Hardie Siding Style Options
Hardie siding is as beautiful as it is durable. Whether you’re updating a craftsman home or transforming a tired exterior into a modern farmhouse, James Hardie has a design that fits.
Hardie® Plank Lap Siding
The classic look that mimics traditional wood lap siding—timeless and versatile.
Hardie® Panel Siding
Perfect for board-and-batten designs or modern minimalist styles with clean vertical lines.
Hardie® Shingle Siding
Get the texture of cedar shingles without the rot or upkeep—ideal for Cape Cods and gables.
Hardie® Trim & Hardie® Soffit
Add detail and dimension around windows, corners, eaves, and gables with complementary colors and venting options.
Countless Color Options with Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology
Say goodbye to frequent repainting. With Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, you get a high-performance finish that stands the test of time. This factory-applied process bakes the color into the board in multiple coats, ensuring it resists:
- Peeling
- Chipping
- Fading
Why Homeowners Love ColorPlus®:
- 15-year limited warranty covering paint & labor
- Gorgeous, consistent color
- No need to repaint every few years
You can choose from:
- The Statement Collection™ – Regionally popular shades for a timeless look
- The Dream Collection™ – Over 700 colors to suit your unique style
- The Aspyre Collection™ – For a truly luxurious, artisanal touch with exclusive, high-end color options
- Primed for Paint – Customize further with pre-primed boards ready for your painter’s touch
ColorPlus Warranty
James Hardie ColorPlus Technology comes with a 15-year limited warranty that covers paint and labor to protect against peeling, chipping and cracking.
Learn more
Hardie vs. Vinyl, Wood, and Brick: Which Siding Performs Best?
Not all siding is created equal. Here's how James Hardie siding compares to other popular materials:
James Hardie Siding
- 30-year limited warranty
- Noncombustible, pest- and rot-resistant
- Available in over 700 colors
- Low-maintenance with factory-finished ColorPlus®
- Made for Ohio’s climate
Vinyl Siding
- Prone to warping, fading, and cracking
- Can lower home value
- Offers limited impact and fire resistance
- Inexpensive, but short-term
Wood Siding
- Natural appearance
- High maintenance: needs sealing or painting every few years
- Vulnerable to pests, rot, and moisture
- Flammable and not climate-engineered
Brick
- Fire-resistant and long-lasting
- Limited design flexibility and color options
- Expensive and difficult to paint
- Requires professional labor for installation and repairs
When it comes to durability, design, and long-term value, James Hardie siding stands above the competition. With its superior resistance to weather, pests, and fire, combined with low maintenance and a 30-year warranty, it’s the most reliable choice for homeowners seeking a siding solution that delivers both performance and peace of mind.
Ideas and Inspiration for Stunning Results
Not sure where to start with your siding replacement project? With so many styles and colors to choose from, it’s essential to gather inspiration to ensure you end up with a look you’ll love for years.
Whether your home features a classic colonial design or a more modern aesthetic, your siding should complement your unique style. Perhaps you're envisioning a clean, sleek look with HardiePanel® siding for a contemporary farmhouse vibe. Or, you might want to experiment with vibrant colors and trim to achieve the charm of a Craftsman bungalow or a cozy Cape Cod cottage.
If you're drawn to timeless design, the traditional colonial look with white HardiePlank® siding, black window trim, and a pop of color on the front door is always a winner. For those ready to take a bolder approach, Hardie siding offers plenty of opportunities to experiment with modern color palettes and textures.
James Hardie also provides a color and design visualizer tool, allowing you to visualize your exact siding style and color combinations before making a final decision. It’s easier to trust your choices when you can see them come to life digitally. Whether you're exploring options or working with our siding experts, you’ll be confident in selecting the perfect style and colors for your home.
For more inspiration, check out a few of our recent siding projects completed right here in Dayton!
The Hardie Installation Process (Done Right)
When it comes to installing your James Hardie siding, precision matters. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring your home is well-protected from the elements and pests for years to come. Proper installation is critical to achieving long-lasting results, and that’s why you need a contractor you can trust.
At American Way Exteriors, we don’t treat your project as just another job. We treat it like your home—because it is. From the initial consultation to the final touches, we handle every detail with care and expertise, ensuring your siding is installed to perfection.
Our Proven 3-Step Plan:
- Consult – We start with a thorough inspection of your current siding, discuss your needs, and provide a custom, itemized proposal with no high-pressure sales tactics.
- Install – Our factory-trained team follows James Hardie’s strict guidelines at every step, from prep to installation and cleanup. We take the time to ensure everything is done right, using the right tools and techniques to deliver the best results.
- Relax – Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a flawless installation, knowing your siding will look great, perform better, and is backed by our Lifetime Labor Warranty.
What Sets Our Installation Apart?
- Attention to Detail: We store James Hardie products in their original packaging to protect them from moisture before installation. Each piece is cut custom to fit your home perfectly.
- Proper Techniques: We use recommended caulking, flashing, power nailers, and direct-to-steel fastening tools to secure your siding and prevent moisture from entering your home.
- Clean Workspace: We use catch-all nets to protect your landscaping, leaving your yard clean and free of debris after installation.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, we follow the highest standards for installation. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we ensure that every detail of your siding installation is completed with the utmost care, so you can enjoy your home’s beautiful new exterior for years to come.
The Cost of James Hardie Siding
Replacing your siding is a major investment—but it doesn’t have to be unpredictable or confusing.
How Much Does Hardie Siding Cost?
On average, expect to pay around $10 per square foot for James Hardie fiber cement siding, including both materials and installation. However, your total cost will depend on several factors, such as:
- Home size and design complexity
- Style and trim selections
- Accessibility of the worksite
- Necessary structural prep
At American Way Exteriors, we provide a custom itemized proposal tailored to your project, ensuring there are no surprises.
Why DIY Is Risky
Some homeowners may be tempted to handle siding replacement themselves to save on costs. However, installing fiber cement siding requires specialized tools and expertise. Without professional installation, you risk:
- Voiding your warranty
- Improper installation, leading to moisture damage
- You could face costly repairs down the line
American Way Exteriors is an Elite Preferred James Hardie contractor, meaning we adhere to the highest installation standards, ensuring your siding is installed correctly—and your investment is protected.
What Else Could Add to the Price?
Several factors may impact the total cost of your siding project, including:
- Structural repair (if existing framing is compromised)
- Asbestos removal (for older homes)
- Upgrades to trim, soffit, or fascia for a full exterior refresh
We’ll evaluate your home thoroughly during the consultation to provide an accurate estimate.
Financing Options Available
We understand that siding replacement can be a significant expense. To help you move forward with your project, American Way Exteriors offers financing options, so you don’t have to delay your home improvement plans.
Warranty & Maintenance: Built to Last
Investing in James Hardie siding means you’re protected by industry-leading warranties designed for long-term peace of mind. With proper care and installation, you can expect your siding to perform beautifully for many years.
Your James Hardie Siding Warranty
James Hardie products are backed by transferable, limited warranties to ensure your siding investment is well-protected. Here’s an overview of the coverage:
- HardiePlank®, HardiePanel®, HardieShingle®, HardieSoffit®: 30-year limited warranty
- ColorPlus® Technology Finish: 15-year limited warranty covering paint and labor
- HardieTrim® Boards: 15-year limited warranty
For your James Hardie warranty to be valid, proper installation is crucial. This is why working with a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor like American Way Exteriors is so important—your siding must be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications to maintain the warranty.
If you notice a defect within the warranty period, you must contact James Hardie within 30 days and provide detailed photos and descriptions of the issue.
Simple James Hardie Siding Maintenance
Maintaining your James Hardie siding is easy. To ensure longevity and protect your warranty, follow these simple care guidelines:
- Washing: Use a soft brush or wet cloth and a garden hose to clean your exterior trim, working from top to bottom. Use a low-pressure water stream to avoid damaging the siding.
- Vegetation: Keep plants and shrubs away from your siding to prevent moisture buildup.
- De-icing salts: Avoid using de-icing salts too close to your siding, as they can cause damage over time.
For HardiePlank, HardieShingles, or HardiePanels with ColorPlus® Technology, minor chips, nicks, or scrapes can be touched up with a ColorPlus Touch-Up Kit. For touch-up areas larger than a dime, we recommend replacing the section of siding, rather than repainting it.
American Way Exteriors: An Elite Preferred Contractor
James Hardie takes great pride in its products and is dedicated to ensuring homeowners enjoy their new siding for years to come. That’s why they’ve created the Contractor Alliance Program, selecting contractors who meet the highest standards for installation and customer service.
At American Way Exteriors, we are proud to be a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor. This distinction means that we have met the rigorous requirements set by James Hardie, including:
- Adherence to installation best practices
- A professional sales approach
- A satisfactory credit report
- Proper state licensing
- Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Workman’s compensation insurance
- Comprehensive background checks
Our training ensures that we never cut corners and always follow the correct cutting, clearance, caulking, and attachment techniques. This means proper installation and protected warranties—ensuring your siding performs beautifully for years.
As an Elite Preferred contractor, we specialize in the full range of James Hardie products, from HardiePlank® to HardieShingle® and beyond. You can trust us to deliver a home exterior renovation that meets your vision and stands the test of time.
Invest in Your Home’s Future
Your siding replacement is more than just a project—it’s an investment in your home’s future. James Hardie siding offers unparalleled durability, beauty, and long-term performance. When you choose American Way Exteriors, you can rest assured knowing your investment is in capable hands.
We’ve helped thousands of Ohio homeowners and property owners achieve durable, beautiful home exteriors they can rely on. We won’t pressure you into making a rushed decision, and we stand behind every project with a lifetime labor warranty on all James Hardie products.
Throughout the process, we listen carefully to your needs, ensuring we deliver exactly what you want. Our goal is to enhance your home’s value, never cutting corners to save on cost. Your home matters to us, and we’ll work diligently to ensure it looks its absolute best.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your home with James Hardie siding.
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