Answers

J.H. Fiber cement is composed of 70% concrete and 30% celluoose. Cellulose being ground up paper. Both water and cement wick moisture so if you use these products be sure to read and follow installation instructions. Leave no surface unpainted or it will draw moisture and deteriorate. Seen it many times. It is also dusty if you cut it with a saw. It is heavy, breaks easily if flexed. It is also heavy so it only comes in 12 foot lengths for the most part. It has the insulation value of cement which R-1 per inch. It is 5/16 thick so you get 5/16 or R-1 which is not much.

Vinyl is plastic but it is about half the price and any handyman can install if they follow directions so it can expand and contractl. Don't expect it top lasd forever. Hail storms beat it up pretty bad if the stones are big enough. One caution with it is do not place a grill near i, vinyl melts at 150 to 165 degerees depending on how thick it is. 

In my opinion steel is a little costiler but in most cases lasts for a long time.  If you figure it out, you will replace vinyl about every seven years. My stleel has been on my home in a hail region since 1975, No hail damage. You do the math.

Check out this "How It's Made Video" and see for yourself:

https://youtu.be/LuxGDH9KVLM

James Hardie Siding (i.e. Hardieplank) is the best exterior cladding material (outside of true masonry) on the market and delivers the strongest ROI (return on investment). It's imperative, however, that you only get a trained installer to put up this product as installation issues can cause future problems.

We are certified James Hardie installer and every answer you received here is true.  It is the best siding out there bar none.  Here is one of our completed James Hardie jobs. With their ColorPlus technology that will withstand the elements your home trues colors will shine for years to come.

If you are looking to boost your home's curb appeal while also improving energy efficiency, you should consider getting new siding. When you want to go with a quality product that you know will last, James Hardie Siding, should be a serious consideration.

Why Get New Siding?

If you find that your home's current siding is worn out, tattered, cracked, or damaged by termites, getting new siding is the perfect solution. Not only will it make your house look great, but it will increase your home's value, making it a sound investment. In fact, replacing your siding was recently ranked the 2nd best remodeling option to increase home value. It will freshen up the look of your house, making it stand out from others in the neighborhood, boosting appeal to prospective buyers. You can even choose a modern siding color, such as dark gray.

New siding will help you save money year-round due to the increased energy efficency profile of new materials. High quality siding will help regulate the temperature of your home, reducing heating and cooling costs, no matter the weather.

You would be suprised to learn how much the material of your siding can change the entire look of your home. If you want to feel proud of the quality of your home's exterior, fiber cement James Hardie siding is for you.

Benefits of James Hardie Siding

In addition to the above benefits,  James Hardie siding boasts many advantages over traditional siding because it's made with fiber cement. This material is bug resistant, fire resistant and outlasts standard vinyl siding by decades. It's as close as it gets to a zero maintenance home exterior. Amazingly, James Hardie has been in buisness since the 1800's, so you can be assured of the company's product quality and timeless appeal.

James Hardie siding will give your home a high quality appearance, while also being durable and sustainable, making it eco-friendly. Being fire resistant, fiber cement siding also offers an extra layer of protection should there ever be a fire near your home. However, one of the most cited reasons why people choose fiber cement is that it will not rot like traditional siding when exposed to humidity and precipitation, making it perfect for the DC area. Furthermore, James Hardie developed the HardieZone® System, which tailors the composition of your fiber siding to your climate zone. The DC area is a part of HardieZone® 5, ensuring the best protection against hail, extreme temperature changes and humidity. This advanced system will allow your siding to resist the elements to protect against mold, swelling and cracking. 

Finally, James Hardie siding comes in a variety of attractive colors, thicknesses, densities, and designs. You'll be able to choose a beautiful, customized look for your home. This can include using various plank designs to create intrigue or accentuate different areas of your home with different styles. So if you're looking for a beautiful and strong material for your home's exterior, look no further than James Hardie.

Working with James Hardie Certified Installers

Once you've come to see the advantages that James Hardie siding offers, it's time to start thinking about the details of a potential installation. To ensure that you get quality work done to make the most of this product, you need to work with a James Hardie Certified Installer, such asBRAX Roofing. 

On any type of siding project, it's important to leave the work to professionals, which will ensure that everything is measured correctly, properly installed, and does not include any gaps. Especially when you are going for a customized design, it's essential to use professionals who will work with you to ensure 100% satisfaction.

Professionals can also give you advice and insight on what style, thickness, and design would look good with your home. If you cannot decide on a style, they will be able to steer you in the right direction of what would fit with your home, and what combinations would look good if you choose to go with more than one style