Have you been looking into home siding options? If so, you may have noticed one product name popping up over and over again: HardieⓇ Plank.
And there’s a reason HardieⓇ Plank is so popular (a few, actually). It’s a fantastic siding option that comes with a slew of powerful benefits for homeowners—making these fiber cement panels a great fit for many homes in our region.
But there are a few exceptions. So to help you understand if HardieⓇ Plank might work for you and your home, our siding experts are here to give you the real deal on HardieⓇ Plank fiber cement siding…
So you can choose the best siding option for your home.
Let’s go.
What is HardieⓇ Plank?
HardieⓇ Plank is a brand-name product made and sold by James Hardie. HardieⓇ Plank panels are made from fiber cement (AKA “cement board siding”). This compound is manufactured by mixing cement, sand, and cellulose fibers into a durable panel.
Due to its composition, fiber cement boards are resistant to fire, rot, pests, and problems associated with extreme weather swings—a few of the reasons homeowners opt for HardieⓇ Plank over other types of siding for homes here in southeastern PA.
What Do Homeowners Love About HardieⓇ Plank?
The fanfare surrounding HardieⓇ Plank siding isn’t hype, and this product has earned its stellar reputation fair and square.
Here are a few reasons HardieⓇ Plank is so popular among homeowners comparing exterior siding options.
- Serious Durability: Fiber cement won’t rot like wood, doesn’t attract insects, and holds up far better than vinyl to extreme temperature swings and heavy impact.
- Fire Resistance: In a controlled test, HardieⓇ Plank siding did not burn after direct and uninterrupted torch exposure for ten minutes.
- Low-Maintenance: While not maintenance-free (keep reading for more maintenance information), HardieⓇ Plank is much lower maintenance than wood panels.
- Curb Appeal: One of the main reasons homeowners love Hardie Siding is the premium feel it gives their home (and associated boost in resale value).
Curious to see HardieⓇ Plank on a few of your neighbors’ homes? Swing by our Gallery page and check out the following:
How Long Does HardieⓇ Plank Last?
When installed properly, HardieⓇ Plank siding can last 30–50 years or more.
That said, maximizing lifespan requires some effort. For instance, factory-finished boards tend to hold paint longer than site-painted panels. Additionally, routine inspections—often the last thing on homeowners’ minds—go a long way toward extending the life of your exterior.
So if you’re willing to give your siding a bit of TLC now and again, HardieⓇ Plank fiber cement is a material built to last.
When Isn’t HardieⓇ Plank the Best Choice?
While we full-heartedly stand behind HardieⓇ Plank (and the James Hardie brand), these products aren’t always the best fit.
Be sure to consider the following:
- Upfront Costs: Fiber cement has a higher upfront cost than vinyl panels (but may still may make the most sense in the long-term).
- Material Weight: Due to its composition, fiber cement weighs much more than wood or vinyl per square foot—making the right installation crew essential.
- Not for DIYers: Fiber cement siding is not DIY-friendly—something to consider if you’re hoping to self-install or repair down the line.
- Color Fading: While fiber cement planks are durable, they do need to be repainted every 10–15 years
Why Does Installation Matter with HardieⓇ Plank Siding?
Most big-name modern products are well-engineered, manufactured, and durable. So when homeowners run into problems with their home’s exterior—especially on shorter timelines than a few decades after installation—it tends to be the result of poor siding installation.
HardieⓇ Plank siding is no different. To make the most of this fantastic product (and the full extent of HardieⓇ Plank’s 30-year warranty), your siding must be properly flashed, spaced, and installed to James Hardie specifications.
This means there’s absolutely no space for cutting corners—and installation by a reputable exterior contractor is an absolute must.
How Do I Know if HardieⓇ Plank is Right For My Home?
Choosing the right siding type for your home, budget, and goals is a big deal. The good news is, with so many great products—styles, colors, and material types—it’s tough to make a poor choice.
That being said, HardieⓇ Plank may be a great fit for your home—especially if:
- You’re seeking a durable, long-term solution with minimal maintenance
- You like the look of wood but not the constant chores and upkeep
- You plan to stay in your home long-term—at least another 10-20 years
On the other side, HardieⓇ Plank may not be the best choice if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You prefer a DIY installation
- You’re planning to sell your home
Of course, if you’d like some expert guidance on choosing the right siding for your home, our friendly sales reps are ready to go through all of the most popular options together.
So, What’s the Deal with HardieⓇ Plank Fiber Cement Siding?
HardieⓇ Plank fiber cement siding is a fantastic siding option that’s durable, attractive, and long-lasting.
When compared with other home siding options, fiber cement stands out for its balance of performance, appearance, and long-term value. The key, then, has more to do with understanding your priorities than worrying about this proven product.
If you’re curious about how HardieⓇ Plank will look and perform on your home, please reach out to one of our friendly sales reps. They’re ready to talk through your goals, desires, and budgets, and help you land on the perfect solution for your home.
Because here’s the real deal.
Our crews at Smucker Exteriors know how important your home is. It’s where you and your loved ones live, and it needs to be kept safe, dry, and comfortable. Sometimes, that means updating old work.
So reach out today to the exterior contracting team that’s been keeping Pennsylvania homeowners safe and dry for over 25 years. We’ll be thrilled to hear from you.
