Choosing the right siding for your home is important. You want a siding that will improve curb appeal, while also helping to keep your home well insulated against Kansas City weather.
Two common siding choices are polymer and James Hardie fiber cement siding. Here we look at the two options to help you decide which is the best siding for you.
What is Polymer Siding?
Polymer siding is made from polypropylene resin. Although it is environmentally friendly and durable, it is also extremely expensive. In fact, it is almost twice the cost of other sidings. While you might feel this is because it is durable, the truth is fiber cement siding is just as durable, if not more so as it is also fire resistant.
Polymer siding is touted as being low maintenance, but you have to be careful in how you clean your polymer siding. For example, it can be scratched easily so you can’t use a hard brush on it to remove dirt and grime. As a result, it takes more elbow grease to clean because you’ll need to use a rubber scrubber or soft cloth. You also can’t use cleaning solutions as these can discolor the siding.
If you have an area of the siding you need to spot clean, you have to be very careful to avoid things such as grease removers, or solvents like bleach. Last but not least, you might consider using a high-pressure washer, but this can also damage the panels. So you’ll need to waste more water using an ineffective garden hose if you want to spray down your siding.
What is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie is a high-quality fiber cement siding. Hardie siding is made with a blend of cement, sand, cellulose, and fibers. It offers superior strength so it is resistant to any weather Kansas City can throw at it, while also looking good. It is fire-resistant which helps reduce risk should a neighbor’s home catch fire. The non-combustible material passes rigorous fire-safe evaluations even when exposed to direct flames. Whether it is the heat of the sun, extreme wind conditions, rain or hail, the “Hardie Zone System” bases siding engineering on climate.
James Hardie siding is designed to withstand the harsh weather of Kansas City. The siding is installed based on your specific climate zone, guaranteeing its performance when faced with the harshest weather in Kansas City. It is non-combustible making it a fire-safe siding.
Its beautiful finish is practically indestructible standing up to everything from water to the harsh UV rays of the sun and from pests to fire. It is also maintenance-free and won’t fade, warp, rot or grow mold. As a result, your home maintains its curb appeal thanks to the no-fade Color Plus technology.
Comparing James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding and Polymer Siding
While they are both options for Kansas City homeowners, there are some other key differences between the two.
James Hardie siding has a very high return on investment (ROI). In fact, Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report” found that replacing the siding on your home with fiber cement siding provides the number one return on investment of any major exterior remodel. Fiber cement siding is fade-resistant, low-maintenance, and extremely durable. James Hardie provides a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty.
Polymer siding can become brittle with age and exposure to the elements. Because it is essentially plastic, it melts quickly when exposed to a direct flame. It is susceptible to warping and cracking and shows age from the weather in as few as 10-15 years.
More Siding Styles for Your Home
When it comes to appearance, you want a siding that is as beautiful as it is durable. While polymer does offer style options, they can’t compare to the number of choices and customization options that James Hardie provides.
HardiePlank Lap Siding works well with a variety of home styles from traditional to modern and allows homeowners to mix and match for a truly personalized look. Among other options are HardiePanel vertical siding, which creates a board-and-batten look, and Hardie Artisan Siding with extra thick boards to create dramatic detail and dimension.
Smart Exteriors: James Hardie Siding Experts
As siding that lasts for up to 50 years while maintaining its color and appearance, James Hardie siding is the logical choice for just about any homeowner.
Speak to our team at Smart Exteriors to learn more about James Hardie siding or to get a free siding replacement quote.
