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Replacing your home’s siding isn’t a small call. It affects how your home looks, holds up, and retains value. With so many materials out there — vinyl, wood, fiber cement, metal — each with its own price, style, and level of durability, it’s easy to feel stuck.
If you’ve been searching, you’ve probably seen “James Hardie” mentioned a lot. That’s because at Greater Midwest Exteriors, the premier siding contractor in Chicago, it’s often our top recommendation for homeowners who want long-term results that actually deliver.
What Makes James Hardie a Top Choice for You?
- Strong design with real durability: Fiber cement gives you that classic wood look without the usual wear and tear.
- Built to protect your home: It stands up to fire, moisture, bugs, and Midwest weather without falling apart.
- Trusted name in the industry: James Hardie has spent decades developing products that contractors trust and homeowners stick with.
- Clean, low-maintenance finish: You won’t need to constantly repaint or worry about warping.
- Confidence built in: With a 30-year warranty, you know it’s built to last.
What Is James Hardie Siding? The Gold Standard in Fiber Cement.
James Hardie siding is a premium fiber cement siding product manufactured by James Hardie Industries, a global leader in building materials since 1888. Made from a durable composition of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, this innovative product is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions while maintaining its appearance.
Looking to get more back from your home improvement? According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, James Hardie siding brings in a return of up to 80%, making it one of the smartest exterior upgrades available.
The Ultimate Showdown: How Hardie Outperforms Competing Materials
What sets James Hardie siding apart from other materials is its unique formulation with performance additives that make it non-combustible, resistant to water damage and rot, and capable of withstanding virtually any climate.
These qualities have made it one of the most trusted and recommended siding products in the home improvement industry, recognized by organizations including DIY Network, Money Magazine, and the Qualified Remodeler.
Full Transparency: What to Consider Before Choosing Hardie Siding
Disclaimer: The actual cost of your siding project will depend on several factors, including the size of your home, design preferences, local labor costs, and the contractor you choose. For the most accurate estimate, Greater Midwest Exteriors recommends scheduling a quote so we can review your specific needs in detail.
Investment Perspective: Understanding the Cost Factor
James Hardie siding is a premium product, and the pricing reflects that. You can typically expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 per square (100 square feet) installed.
By comparison, basic vinyl or wood siding might start around $1,000 per square. The IBISWorld noted that the Siding Contractors industry has seen steady growth, reaching an estimated $75.4 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 1.1% over the past five years.
This is where long-term thinking comes in. With a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years and strong resale appeal, the return on investment can easily make up for the higher upfront cost.
Expert Touch: Why Professional Installation Matters
Due to its weight (significantly heavier than vinyl) and specific installation requirements, James Hardie siding is typically not a DIY-friendly project for most homeowners.
Correct installation requires skilled professionals, including proper fastening techniques, flashing, and sealing to ensure weather resistance and adherence to warranty requirements. Call our sliding experts today at (630) 463-7663 for a free consultation!
Installation might take a little longer than with other materials, but it’s worth it. A well-installed Hardie system performs better, lasts longer, and keeps your warranty intact.
Minimal Upkeep: The Reality of Long-Term Care
James Hardie siding is known for being low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean maintenance-free.
In most cases, you won’t need to repaint it for around 15 years, which is a big benefit. Still, we recommend pressure washing once a year to keep it looking fresh and to prevent buildup from dirt, mildew, or debris. Spot cleaning may be necessary here and there, especially in shaded or high-traffic areas.
Installation plays a big role in how well your siding performs over time. That’s why for over 30 years, Greater Midwest Exteriors has been trusted for professional Hardie siding installs across the region.
See Your Future Home with the James Hardie Design Tool
See how James Hardie siding can transform your home instantly! Explore design ideas, preview colors with stunning realism, and get a personalized look tailored to your unique style — all on the official James Hardie website with an innovative design visualizer.
Plan Smart: What to Know Before You Budget for Hardie Siding
James Hardie siding costs more upfront than basic options, but the long-term value is where it really pays off.
- Energy savings: When installed properly, Hardie siding helps insulate your home and reduces the workload on your heating and cooling systems. That means lower energy bills month after month.
- Fewer repairs and upkeep: Unlike wood siding, Hardie siding doesn’t need to be repainted or resealed every few years. You’ll save time and money while keeping your home looking sharp.
- Potential insurance premium reductions: Due to its non-combustible nature, James Hardie siding may qualify you for reduced homeowner's insurance premiums in some areas, providing an additional financial benefit.
Installation Excellence: The Blueprint for Lasting Performance
The way James Hardie siding is installed has everything to do with how well it performs over time. To keep your home protected and your warranty valid, it needs to be done right. Here’s what that process looks like:
- Meticulous preparation: Every job starts with a clean, level, water-resistant surface. That means removing old siding, repairing damage, and applying a proper vapor barrier.
- Flashing done right: Around every window, door, and roofline, we install flashing to prevent leaks and keep water out where it matters most.
- Correct spacing and clearances: We follow Hardie’s exact spacing guidelines around decks, roof lines, and ground level to help moisture drain and air circulate.
- Fastening that holds up: Using the correct nails or screws at the right depth is key to keeping the boards tight and weather-resistant.
- Proper sealing: Every joint, cut, or edge is sealed with the right high-performance caulk to lock out moisture and protect your home.
Our team at Greater Midwest Exteriors follows James Hardie’s Best Practices down to the letter. Our crews are fully trained, equipped with specialized tools, and committed to getting every detail right.
Why Homeowners Stick with James Hardie Siding
Homeowners choose James Hardie because it does exactly what you want siding to do: protect the home, look great, and hold up without constant maintenance.
Built to Last: Exceptional Resilience in Every Climate
This remarkable fiber cement product is engineered to withstand virtually anything Mother Nature throws its way — from extreme temperature fluctuations and heavy rain to hurricane-force winds. Unlike traditional wood siding that can rot, swell, or warp when exposed to moisture, Hardie siding maintains its integrity year after year.
Durability is where James Hardie siding truly shines:
- Built to block the weather: It protects against all kinds of exposure, keeping your walls sealed and secure.
- Moisture won’t break it down: The fiber cement makeup resists rot and water damage, even in damp climates.
- Fire-resistant by design: Unlike wood or vinyl, Hardie siding won’t ignite, making it a safer option for your home.
Vivid for Decades: The ColorPlus® Technology Advantage
Your home’s siding should stay beautiful for years, not just the first few seasons. That’s where James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology delivers. This factory-applied finish uses multiple coats, baked on for durability, to create a color that resists fading, peeling, and cracking — even under years of sun and weather.
The result is a rich, long-lasting look that holds up through tough conditions and still looks great down the line. It also comes with a 15-year limited warranty, so you’re not just getting strong color, you’re getting guaranteed performance from a manufacturer that stands behind its product.
Endless Design Possibilities: Styles for Every Home Vision
James Hardie makes it easy to personalize your home’s look without sacrificing performance. With a wide range of textures, colors, and siding profiles, you can get exactly the style you’re after, whether your home is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
- HardiePlank® Lap Siding: A clean, horizontal layout that works with almost any home style.
- HardieShingle® Siding: The look of cedar shingles, without the upkeep.
- HardiePanel® Vertical Siding: A bold choice that adds strong visual lines.
- HardieTrim® Boards: Clean, sharp finishing details for corners, windows, and doors.
Whether you're updating your current home or building new, these options give you room to create something that feels right for your space.
Eco-Smart Choice: Sustainable Features for Conscious Homeowners
In today's environmentally conscious world, James Hardie siding stands out as a responsible choice. Crafted primarily from abundant, natural resources including cement, sand, and wood pulp, it offers a significantly lower environmental footprint than petroleum-based alternatives like vinyl.
James Hardie siding is made with sustainable practices and natural materials:
- Made from abundant, natural materials that are responsibly sourced.
- Lower environmental impact than plastic-based siding.
- Long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements and landfill waste.
- Contributes to better energy efficiency when properly installed.
The Decision Point: Is Hardie Your Perfect Match?
Can It Be Painted?
Yes. While most homeowners stick with the long-lasting ColorPlus finish, you can repaint it later if you want to change your home’s color scheme. Just know you likely won’t need to for at least 15 years.
Is It DIY-Friendly?
Technically, it can be done — but it’s not recommended. The tools, weight, and installation methods require real experience. That’s why homeowners turn to pros like Greater Midwest Exteriors to make sure it’s done right.
Does It Add to Home Value?
Absolutely. Fiber cement siding consistently ranks among the top exterior improvements in terms of return on investment, often recovering 70%-80% of the cost when you sell your home.
