What is Hardyboard?

Hardie board is a special siding material that uses cement fibers to create a more durable and attractive product. Cement is combined with sand, water and cellulose wood fibers to create a material particularly suited to protect home exteriors. Hardie board is an innovative product, but it's not new or unproven.

Also to know is, is Hardie board better than vinyl?

Alternatively, hardie board is denser (usually more than a quarter of an inch thick), just like real wood siding, which makes it much more durable than vinyl. Since it is composed of cement-like materials and wood fibers, it is stronger than vinyl and much less susceptible to wind and weather damage.

Additionally, what is cheaper stucco or Hardie board? The negative is that it is brittle and heavy (remember it's fiberous concrete), so installation can be tricky. From a cost standpoint, stucco does cost less than hardie. If you do go with stucco and choose the Mediterranean style, these savings will likely be eliminated due to the tile vs. shingle roofing.

Secondly, what is hardiplank made of?

A combination of cellulose fibers and cementitious materials, HardiePlank is fiber-cement siding that comes in long, horizontal strips, just like wood lap siding. HardiePlank is partly wood, in the form of cellulose, and partly mineral.

What does Hardie board look like?

Appearance: Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. Color options are virtually unlimited. Fire Resistance: Hardie board siding is 90 percent sand and cement which makes it fire-resistant.

Do termites eat Hardie board?

On the plus side Hardie Board is primarily made of concrete. It is a fibrous concrete board that termites don't eat. This is good news for warmer climates where termites stay active most of the year. Hardie siding is also impervious to moisture.

How often does hardiplank need to be painted?

I have clients that tell me that hardiplank should be painted every 8 to 10 years, but it should be cleaned and maintained to make it last that long.

How much more expensive is Hardie board than vinyl?

According to an RSMeans 2014 Residential Cost data report, vinyl siding costs $201 per 100 square feet to install while fiber cement costs around $300. This is due to the fact that vinyl siding is easier to install from a labor stand point and comes pre-painted.

Does Hardie board add value?

James Hardie siding will not only give your home a whole new look and feel; it will also significantly increase its value, as it has consistently been ranked one of the top projects with the highest return on investment by Remodeler Magazine's Cost vs. Value report.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Vinyl siding

Can you power wash Hardie board?

Tips for Cleaning Your Siding. There's nothing like the look and feel of clean. Don't use a high-pressure power washer to get the job done, as it turns out a low-pressure hose and a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is the best way to remove dirt and debris from James Hardie® siding and trim.

Does Hardie board need to be painted?

Painting: Hardie board siding is known to retain paint longer than wood. Because it is moisture-resistant, it never swells or rots so the paint never peels, chips or cracks. It also comes in a variety of pre-painted colors from which to choose, allowing you to select the proper shade without lifting a finger.

Does fiber cement siding increase home value?

Fiber Cement Sliding is a Value Raise One way to instantly increase your home's value is to add fiber cement siding. Adding fiber cement siding to your home adds to the curb side appeal, as well as keeping a lid on energy costs.

Is Hardie board waterproof?

INTRODUCING: THE FIRST & ONLY WATERPROOF CEMENT BACKER BOARD The all-new HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology delivers exceptional performance with a waterproof composition throughout the board.

Is Hardie board cheaper than brick?

At face value, fiber-cement siding appears to cost less than brick. When maintenance and painting are factored into construction costs, however, brick becomes a much better value for homeowners and builders. Brick is naturally insect- and moisture-resistant. The same cannot be said of wood and fiber- cement siding.

Does Hardie board absorb water?

Hardie siding does a great job of wicking moisture when it is installed on the wall, but when it's uncovered and flat on the ground it will absorb water. Luckily, it takes lots of water to saturate Hardie products! It's no problem for a contractor to install James Hardie products in light rain.

Is Fibre cement the same as asbestos?

Today asbestos has been replaced by Fibre Cement; a material with almost identical properties, but without the dangerous fibres. Asbestos typically will have a distinct pattern on it which looks similar to the dimples on a golf ball. Fibre concrete also has a texture on it, however it is far less grooved.

Is Hardie board fireproof?

Yes, HardieBacker® 1/4" Cement Board is deemed noncombustible when tested to ASTM E 136 and can be used in conjunction with other noncombustible materials around a fireplace. This does not mean that clearances to combustible building materials can be reduced by using HardieBacker 1/4".

Does Hardie board contain asbestos?

Since 1987, Hardie products have not contained asbestos; the fiber replacement is organic wood pulp. James Hardie building products installed before 1985 may contain asbestos.

Is Fibre cement fireproof?

Fiber cement is a composite material made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers. Fiber cement siding has several benefits since it is resistant to termites, does not rot, is impact resistant, and has fireproof properties.

Can cement board be used outside?

It can be used on the exterior of buildings as a base for exterior plaster (stucco) systems and sometimes as the finish system itself. Cement board adds impact resistance and strength to the wall surface as compared to water resistant gypsum boards.