Every person is different, and that means their homes are a little unique too. We love to have our personalities represented in our surroundings, which is why many homeowners throughout the country choose to replace their siding to better reflect their own aesthetic. 

However, it’s not just color and treatment that matters: material is everything when it comes to selecting the right exterior products, and James Hardie siding is one of the best on the market. But even if the siding itself is excellent, it can’t perform best unless it is professionally installed, too. Today, we’ll discuss why fiber cement siding is an excellent choice for Louisville homes, what house styles work best with this type of siding, and how to find the best contractor to freshen your home’s exterior.

James Hardie siding is made to withstand every type of weather

Some siding really only works well in certain climates; for example, stucco is rarely used outside of the Southwest because it is vulnerable to humidity, and aluminum siding will degrade much faster in the Pacific Southwest because of the constant precipitation. However, James Hardie siding will perform great no matter the climate or geography because of its unique construction. Called fiber cement, this siding combines cement, sand, water, and wood fibers to create a highly durable and non-combustible material that can last up to 50 years. 

Considering Louisville, KY, in particular, James Hardie siding is an excellent option because of its ability to withstand high heat and humidity. Other siding options, such as wood, are very prone to rot, making them a poor choice in the muggy Southeastern United States; aluminum siding heats up quickly, which means that it can’t help to insulate the interior of your home from extreme temperatures.

Another concern in Kentucky is high wind and tornadoes, which can be brutal on siding. Fortunately, James Hardie siding, when properly installed, can withstand very intense wind pressures, which means it will last for decades even in the most tornado-prone regions.

This type of siding can work with a variety of different architectural styles

Fiber cement is a very versatile material that can mimic almost any other type of siding, such as stucco, wood, or stone. These other options are far more expensive and require more maintenance, but James Hardie siding will give you the same aesthetic. With a rainbow of colors options, from an earthy green to a deep black, you can get a perfect match for your existing roof. This is similar to vinyl siding, which can also come in many colors and textures, but fiber cement can last twice as long, meaning that it is well worth the slightly higher upfront cost.

Nearly any architectural style will benefit from James Hardie siding, but it’s a particularly great choice for homes that would traditionally be clad in wood, such as Colonial and Craftsman homes. While wood is beautiful and provides a lovely, pioneer feeling, it is high maintenance and must be replaced regularly; however, fiber cement can easily mimic wood siding but last far longer. 

Regardless of what James Hardie siding you choose, be sure to select a great contractor to complete the job

While fiber cement is low maintenance and durable, it will only perform well if installed correctly; James Hardie siding must be arranged and fastened in a particular way to get a tight seal, and this technique takes time to learn. Given that this siding is a long-term investment, it’s important that you work with a qualified siding contractor in Louisville rather than try to install it on your own. 

Selecting the perfect contractor isn’t easy, but there are a few factors you should consider with each potential candidate. Firstly, every company you consider should be licensed and insured in order to protect both you and the workers who will be installing the siding. They should have experience in this particular siding material; you can determine this by asking them for a portfolio of their work and by reaching out to any references they provide you. This will also help you learn more about their reputation and hear about any potential problems that others have come across with this company.

Remember that reviews on a company’s website only tell part of the story: check with third-party sites, like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List, in order to see what others have experienced while working with this company. Look for details about how well they communicate, how long the installation took, and if they were transparent about their pricing.

Your comfort matters, so only work with a company that communicates clearly with you and that treats you with respect. They should be willing to answer your questions, give a detailed estimate, and explain every aspect of the installation from start to finish.

James Hardie siding is a versatile and hardworking material that will last for years - but it can only shine the brightest if it’s installed by an excellent company. By checking out reviews and working closely with a qualified siding contractor, you can give your home a brand new look that will boost its curb appeal for decades.