James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: Durable and Innovative Choice
Fiber cement siding is one of the most innovative types of siding available on the market. James Hardie is the leading fiber cement siding producer and products from this manufacturer come not only with many different style and texture options, but also with excellent warranties. These siding materials also are also extremely durable and can easily withstand tough weather conditions, so common in Illinois, and don’t require much maintenance.

James Hardie fiber cement siding is also often listed as a more affordable version of cedar shake siding, as the innovative fiber cement pieces can match the wood texture almost uncannily. However, fiber cement siding products also have added benefits, such as resistance to fire, termites, and moisture. All James Hardie products are designed to withstand extreme temperature changes and provides protection against almost any challenge Mother Nature can offer and vastly increase the curb appeal of almost any home. So, if you’re looking for the beauty of wood but don’t want the maintenance - fiber cement siding might be just the solution.
Fiber cement siding benefits
- Fire resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Pest and termite resistance
- Storm resistance
- Longevity
- Durability
- Affordability
- Many beautiful texture and color options
- Imitates cedar shake siding extremely well

Fiber cement seems to be rising in popularity, and with good reason. It’s a long lasting, versatile product that comes with a wide variety of texture and color options. It’s also resistant to termites as well as any other kind of pests, and it’s noncombustible. The long list of pros confirms that this type of siding is a good choice for almost any type of house.
The few cons of this material include the fact that they are heavy, thus more difficult to install, than vinyl or treated wood siding, which is why it’s more costly to install. Also, James Hardie fiber cement siding may come with 30-year warranties, but the finish is usually only warranteed for 15 years, meaning, that it will require repainting every once in a while. And while it can replicate the texture of wood almost uncannily, fiber cement can’t produce the same natural color as cedar shake siding.
All in all, James Hardie fiber cement siding is a great option, if you’re looking to upgrade your home for a more modern, beautiful look.
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Types of James Hardie siding
Being one the most popular manufacturer of fiber cement siding, James Hardie has developed a wide range of products with different aesthetic aspects. Surely, every homeowner, including you, can choose something from these beautiful types of James Hardie siding.

HardiePlank Lap Siding is one of the most popular siding brands in the United States. It is beautiful, strong and durable, and can enhance and protect your home in all types of climates. This type of fiber cement siding come with a variety of looks and textures, all of which are engineered for the specific climate that your house is located in.
HardieShingle Siding provides a very similar look to cedar shakes, only without the risks of rotting, cracking and splitting. This material can be used as a primary siding or to complement other James Hardie products and add an authentic touch. It is also engineered to withstand the tough climate in Illinois and come with a variety decorative edges to provide the look that fits your aesthetic needs.
HardiePanel Vertical Siding provides a long-lasting performance. Just as any other James Hardie product, vertical siding is engineered to withstand the climate challenges in your particular area. When combined with HardieTrim Boards, this material provides the traditional board and batten look. HardiePanel siding also comes with the strongest, transferable, limited 30-year warranty.
HardieTrim Boards add a finishing touch to homes, protected by James Hardie products. They provide impressive durability and help in creating a full, complete design statement with trim, fascia, gables, corners, windows, doors, column wraps and other decorative exterior elements. HardieTrim Boards come with a 15 year warranty.
HardieSoffit Pre-Cut Panels are completely fire resistant and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, no matter where your home is located. As their brand name suggest, these panels are sold pre-cut and can be vented or non-vented. HardieSoffit Pre-Cut Panels have a transferable, limited 30 year warranty.
Artisan by James Hardie collection includes luxurious exquisite lap siding and trim options. These materials come with extra thick boards and provide excellent deep shadow lines that can make your home stand out from the rest of the neighbourhood.
James Hardie siding installation and replacement services
Fiber cement is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and sand, and is quickly increasing in popularity across the United States. James Hardie siding products come in heavy blocks that make the installation process harder, which is why it takes longer and costs more to replace and install these materials. However, when done right, this type of siding provides your home with many benefits and is warrantied by manufacturers for 30 years, but when properly installed it can last for 50 years or even longer.

As with any type of siding, proper installation is key in ensuring that your investment is worthwhile and your new siding doesn’t deteriorate. VIS Exterior is proud to be a factory certified James Hardie siding contractor and offer you a wide selection of fiber cement products as well as a skilled and knowledgeable installation team. Our James Hardie siding installation services are designed in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions, and we have extensive experience with this line of siding products. This is why you can count on us to always bear in mind the proper clearances, attach the materials in the correct way and use the right nails to fix the materials in their places.
The best part about VIS Exterior installing James Hardie siding on your home is that you don’t have to worry about the process at all. During your free estimate, we agree on the terms of the project, and our crew takes care of the rest. We will arrange the disposal of any materials that need to be removed, and make sure that the exterior of your home and your landscaping is well protected. Our crew takes you comfort into consideration, which is why we leave the worksite clean at the end of each day.
Your satisfaction is our top priority which is why we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that your James Hardie siding replacement or installation experience is absolutely worry-free. We even have a flexible financing program to make sure you can get the new siding you need without worrying too much about how you’re going to afford it.
If you’re looking for a complete makeover for your home, we can help you with that as well. We also provide roofing, windows replacement, gutters installation and hail and wind damage repairs, so that you would know that your house is in capable and careful hands of our crew.
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Choose factory certified James Hardie fiber cement siding contractor
James Hardie siding is a long lasting and innovative material that protects your home for years to come. Make sure that it’s installed correctly by choosing reputable fiber cement siding experts like VIS Exterior. During our years of service we became the preferred James Hardie siding contractor in DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County and Will County by successfully completing over 500 exterior renovation projects. We are also proud to say that we have a proven record of 100% customer satisfaction - read our customer reviews to read what our customers say about their experience with us.
If you’d like some professional insight on whether James Hardie siding is the best choice for your home, you can always reach us by filling our online contact form, or you can simply schedule a free inspection and discuss your new siding with us in person. We will guide you through the siding installation process, discuss the options, available for you and provide you with a free estimate so that you can know the cost of your project upfront.
Call us at 630-230-8533 and let’s talk about your exterior makeover.