Getting a replacement siding is no little task. The type of siding material you choose can make or break the overall value of your house. Many people have trouble deciding between Hardie and vinyl siding.
The team of siding contractors at US Quality Construction is dedicated to increasing the aesthetic value of your home, by ensuring your siding is of great quality. Though both siding options have their perks, according to US Quality Construction,the James Hardie siding is a superior choice.
Deciding on an Ideal Home Exterior
According to US Quality Construction, homeowners in the Kansas City area are concerned about what siding options to choose from. It is important to choose the perfect siding that would be able to withstand the harsh Kansas weather, but also help your home look its best.
Choosing the best siding option depends on the personal preferences of homeowners. Since there are many materials, textures, and even color options available in the market, many people find it hard to make a decision. Home siding in the Kansas City area is typically made of the James Hardie fiber cement material or vinyl. These materials are generally considered the best option for their longevity, and overall resistance to fading and rot. James Hardie siding is usually picked despite being more expensive, due to their overall quality.
Consider your Siding Requirements
To make an informed decision regarding which siding to use for your home, you must evaluate your siding requirements. According to US Quality Construction, here are some of the things that you should consider to better understand your siding preferences.
1. Think "Preservation"
Though home sidingtypically isn’t meant to have a lifetime warranty, it should last a couple of decades without giving you any trouble. Of course, one of the most important aspects of home siding are that it is relatively easy to maintain. Unlike wood siding which requires constant vigilance and upkeep, both James Hardie and vinyl siding are easier to maintain. Both siding materials are sturdy and only need to be hosed down by a garden pipe once or twice a year to stay in good condition.
2. Your Property as an Investment
If you are someone who hopes to sell their house in the near future, it is important to get a siding that looks great to attract buyers. In this regard, vinyl and steel siding are considered excellent boosts to the overall value of your property due to their practicality.
3. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Many people don’t realize the role played by siding on the overall insulation and energy-saving efficiency of a house. Insulated siding such as the James Hardie siding provides a great benefit to homeowners in this regard.
Hardie Vs. Vinyl Siding
As you have seen, James Hardie siding and vinyl siding are often considered to be suited for use in the Kansas City area. Here are some points of distinction that can help you decide which one is superior for use.
1. The Thickness of the Siding
Different siding has varying levels of thickness. Typically, James Hardie fiber cement siding is thicker than vinyl siding. The Hardie siding resembles wood siding in its thickness, which usually ranges between 0.25 inches to 0.31 inches. In comparison, vinyl siding is significantly thinner measuring 0.040 to 0.046 inches. Usually, vinyl siding is supported by foam insulation sheaths that add to its overall width.
2. Evaluation of Texture
As you have seen the James Hardie fiber cement siding is thicker than its vinyl counterpart, which means that both have differing textures. Since the James Hardie siding is thicker, it can have a deep embossing which allows it to resemble real wood. However, it differs from real wood as the embossing is uniform and balanced. It is interesting to note that though vinyl siding does have a wood-like texture, they are too thin to be mistaken for real wood.
3. Resistance to Fire
As mentioned previously, the James Hardie siding is made up of material resembling cement and cellulose. Since damaged or cut siding releasescement dust in the air, it is not hard to believe that the product is not combustible. The cement content in the siding ensures that it is resistant to fire and not likely to explode when exposed to heat.
On the other hand, vinyl siding is more likely to face heat and fire damage. Generally, vinyl siding is treated with fire repellents. This measure does not make the product fire-proof, rather makes it less likely to spread the fire. Houses with vinyl siding are often warned by US Quality Construction siding contractors to not expose the exterior to extreme heat. It is recommended to use BBQ grills far from the vinyl siding to protect the house exterior.
4. Cost Effectiveness
Vinyl siding has the edge over James Hardie fiber cement siding in terms of cost. Vinyl siding is less labor-intensive to produce and install, making them a more budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, a single board of James Hardie siding is expensive, costing around $10 to $32.
5. Overall Durability
Both sidings are incredibly durable, known for their ability to withstand the harsh Kansas weather which has regular rain, hail, and wind storms. Moreover, both sidings are resistant to termites and insects. It helps to know that since the James Hardie siding is cement-based, it tends to crack when exposed to extreme pressure.
The Final Take
Despite their cost, James Hardie siding is considered superior to vinyl siding due to its better quality. However, both are used in Kansas and have proved themselves capable of withstanding the extreme weather of the region. Whether you have chosen vinyl or James Hardie siding, remember to make sure that they are installed properly. Incorrect installations can damage your property and lower its value in the long run. The US Quality Construction siding contractors are skilled professionals who take great pride in providing your home with the care it deserves. Not only will they help install the siding but would also make recommendations of which siding would suit your house type. Hope this helps!
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