When it comes to your home, the siding you choose should not only give your property a great new look, it should also provide exceptional protection against the elements. Many people may get caught up in looking at siding for only aesthetic purposes but choosing a high-quality product that is specifically built for your climate will ensure that your home is properly protected.
Different materials work in different ways in various climates. This is extremely important to know when upgrading your home’s siding. For homeowners in Kansas City, you’ll want to choose siding that can withstand the severe weather that frequents the area. Additionally, you will want to find a certified installer to ensure your siding is installed correctly. At Smart Exteriors, one of our favorite siding choices is James Hardie, which uses a specialized system to create products that are built specifically for the distinct climates that are present in the USA. In this guide, we’ll explain more about James Hardie siding materials and why we consider them as one of the best products in the nation for siding.
What is James Hardie Siding?
If you have ever been around a home with siding, it was most likely made of vinyl—the cheapest (and therefore most popular choice) in the nation for siding. You may have vinyl siding installed in your own home. In either case, you may have noticed that vinyl materials seem a little flimsy. This material is cost-effective for those on a budget, but for those who face the type of weather found in Kansas City, it may not hold up to the wind and storms. This siding is very susceptible to cracking, breaking, and fading over time.
James Hardie invented fiber cement siding nearly three decades ago to provide a high-quality, durable siding that looked beautiful and lasted longer than other options on the market. With over $100 million in research and development, James Hardie has soared to the top of the industry as the top fiber cement siding brand in the US. It is also widely known as one of the top siding products in the country and a preferred choice for builders and home improvement contractors.
Why Should I Choose James Hardie Siding?
While James Hardie siding is more expensive than traditional vinyl siding, there are many reasons why. James Hardie uses fiber cement boards which are over five times thicker than vinyl. While this offers a higher level of protection, it also gives the boards more visual depth than vinyl, which results in a deeper wood grain finish for a more realistic look. Vinyl siding can even melt, crack, and split under extreme conditions. James Hardie is also backed by a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving the homeowner superior protection and peace-of-mind when investing in their home.
What is the HardieZone System?
One of the most unique features of James Hardie products is the HardieZone system. The Hardie Zone system ensures that its siding products are engineered for the different climates that exist, giving you the best performance guaranteed for the specific area of the country you live in. James Hardie has engineered this siding with different performance attributes to ensure it will perform at its best no matter where you may live.
The HardieZone system offers two different systems: the HZ5 and the HZ10. One is built for dryer, hotter climates, while the other is made for colder climates. Looking at James Hardie’s map, you can easily tell what types of climate each is built for due to the states that are included. Let’s take a closer look at each system and what they have to offer.
What is the HZ5 System?
The first system to look at is the HZ5 system. The HZ5 system has a larger coverage area, taking up most of the northern and central states. Even Minnesota siding contractors know that his siding is built for climates that experience freezing temperatures, snow/ice, and extreme temperature variations. James Hardie ensured that this siding looked as great as it performed with superior paint adhesion and moisture resistance. A drip edge was added to help give the siding better water management as well. This siding is going to maintain dimensional stability under challenging weather conditions and is available in many different exterior patterns.
What is the HZ10 System?
Moving on to the southern states, as well as some of the west coast, the HZ10 siding system is designed to take on Mother Nature’s fury. Engineered to take on the most severe weather including hurricane-force winds, salty sea air, and the humid heat of the deeper southern states, this siding is built tough. The boards in the HZ10 system are designed to resist rotting, cracking, splitting, and even swelling during the dreaded tropical storm seasons. If you are looking to keep your home looking great while having a siding that can weather just about any storm, James Hardie’s HZ10 system is going to be a great choice. The HZ10 system is going to feature ColorPlus Technology which offers great fade resistance in extreme weather.
What Type Of Siding Is Available In the HardieZone Systems?
Aesthetics do matter when it comes to siding, and when it comes to beauty, James Hardie siding does not disappoint. Both the HZ5 and HZ10 are available in 6 different styles for a complete exterior renovation. These types will include lap, shingle, panel, fascia, trim, and soffit. This selection will ensure complete coverage over your entire home, and look as uniform as possible with high-quality products.
What Is the Best System For Kansas City Climate?
When it comes to the top choice for the best Kansas City James Hardie contractors, James Hardie offers HZ5 exclusively for this climate. Kansas City seems hot and muggy summers while the winters are very cold, dry, and windy. Temperatures in Kansas City vary from 24°F to 90°F, making it ideal for the HZ5 siding. As Kansas City does see a fair share of severe weather in the form of tornados, the HZ5 provides superior protection for strong winds. The HZ10 is going to be more of a siding for states and cities that see hotter summers and the possibility of tropical storm weather. The HZ5 also resists ice, snow, and freezing temperatures which can be experienced throughout Kansas City winters.
James Hardie Siding Installation in Kansas City
Built on the philosophy of providing homeowners with smart, permanent solutions for the exterior of their home, Smart Exteriors offers HZ5 siding installation services in the Kansas City area. With over 20 years in business, we have built a great reputation for some of the best customer service in the industry and spectacular results. Our expert installers work to provide you the highest quality installations with some of the best products in the industry.
If you’d like to learn more about our home improvement services, including gutter guard installation, roof replacement, windows, and more, we’d love to hear from you. Sign up for a free quote today by giving us a call or filling out our quick online form.
