Is James Hardie Siding a Good Choice for Older Homes?

Written By: Stephanie Vanderbilt, Owner

Reviewed By: Coastal Windows & Exteriors

Last updated: October 15, 2026

WINTER-PROOF YOUR HOME
50% OFF INSTALLATION
James Hardie Siding · Vinyl Siding · Roof Replacement · Window Replacement · Entry Doors

+FINANCING UP TO 20 YEARS*
Stop Drafts. Cut Energy Bills.
Beat the Freeze. Improve Indoor Comfort.
Fill Out the Form to Schedule Your Free Estimate

"*" indicates required fields

Name

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Zipcode*

Product Interest*

Windows

Roofing

Siding

Doors

Message*

By clicking the ‘GET MY FREE ESTIMATE’ button, you authorize Coastal Windows & Exteriors to call/SMS (text)/email you at the phone number you provided using automated telephone technology about its products and services even if your phone is a mobile phone number or is currently listed on any state, federal or corporate DO Not Call Lists; and you consent to our Dispute Resolution Policy, ESIGN Act Consumer Disclosures, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy linked below. Consent is not required to purchase. Message and data rates may apply. *

***Dispute Resolution Policy | ESIGN Act Consumer Disclosures | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Verification

***Dispute Resolution Policy | ESIGN Act Consumer Disclosures | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

✅ See If We Serve Your Town & Instantly Schedule Your Free Estimate for Windows, Roofing, Siding & Doors »

James Hardie siding can mimic the look of natural wood with protection from pests and weather, suiting older homes. Coastal Windows & Exteriors, a woman-owned exterior remodeling company serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor with 7,000+ installations completed since 2011. Our team checks older walls for hidden damage before installation and matches Hardie profiles to your home’s period character.

What Homeowners Should Know

Authentic look: James Hardie fiber cement captures the authentic look of natural cedar. Get a free estimate.
Shape holds: Rot-resistant fiber cement stands up to moisture, weather, and time. It keeps its form on aging walls.
Pest defense: Fiber cement holds little appeal for termites, woodpeckers, and other wood-boring pests. That protects older structures.
Period styles: HardiePlank lap siding suits traditional homes, including Colonials. See woodgrain finishes in our Hardie siding finish guide.
Hidden damage: Older homes can hide rotten sheathing or damaged trim behind old siding. A certified installer inspects first.

Fitting Hardie to an Older Home

Top Recommendation: HardiePlank in a woodgrain finish for older homes wanting a traditional look with less upkeep. Schedule a free estimate today and see your actual home in 3D for free with James Hardie siding.
Best for cottages: Cedar-shake HardieShingle for the look of wood without rot or curl.
Smart first step: Confirm requirements with your local historic district commission before selecting materials.

Ready to bring durable, wood-look siding to your older home? Start with a free consultation. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned James Hardie Alliance Elite Tier contractor. The team helps match Hardie profiles to your home’s character.

Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.

Browse our complete siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.

Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Siding Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.

Still have questions about whether James Hardie siding is a good choice for older homes in a historic district? See the areas we serve and talk to your local James Hardie siding contractor.

Last Updated: October 2026

Sources:

HardieShingle siding offers the authentic look of cedar shingles with the strength of fiber cement. James Hardie Hardie Shingle Siding, the manufacturer’s product page for its cedar-style shingle siding. (Accessed September 2026)
Hardie fiber cement resists moisture, weather, and pests over time, and will not ignite when exposed to direct flame. James Hardie Siding Performance and Durability, the manufacturer’s overview of fiber cement durability. (Accessed September 2026)
HardiePlank is James Hardie’s best-selling lap siding and is offered in woodgrain Select Cedarmill and Custom Colonial profiles. James Hardie Hardie Plank Lap Siding, the manufacturer’s product page for its flagship lap siding. (Accessed September 2026)
James Hardie recommends classic horizontal lap siding for Colonial homes. James Hardie Colonial Architecture and Siding Ideas, the manufacturer’s design guidance for Colonial-style exteriors. (Accessed September 2026)
Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned James Hardie Alliance Elite Tier contractor, one of only six in New England. EIN Presswire Coastal Windows & Exteriors Wins James Hardie Service Excellence Award for Third Year, press release detailing the company’s James Hardie Alliance recognition. (2026)

Where We Work

Proudly serving Massachusetts from the North Shore and Cape Ann to the South Shore, including Greater Boston, MetroWest, Greater Lowell, the Blackstone Valley, Central Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley, New Bedford and Fall River area, and rural Western Massachusetts regions. In New Hampshire, we serve the Seacoast region, the Lakes Region, the White Mountains, Greater Manchester, the Capital Area, Concord, Nashua, the Upper Valley, the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, and the Monadnock region throughout the Granite State. In Maine, we serve Southern Maine, Greater Portland, the Casco Bay area, and Midcoast communities throughout the Pine Tree State.

Where We Work

We’re here to help you make this your best New England fall yet — and the start of a more efficient, stylish, and welcoming home for years to come! Proudly serving Massachusetts from the North Shore and Cape Ann to the South Shore, including Greater Boston, MetroWest, Greater Lowell, the Blackstone Valley, Central Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley, New Bedford and Fall River area, and rural Western Massachusetts regions.

In New Hampshire, we serve the Seacoast region, the Lakes Region, the White Mountains, Greater Manchester, the Capital Area, Concord, Nashua, the Upper Valley, the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, and the Monadnock region throughout the Granite State.

In Maine, we serve Southern Maine, Greater Portland, the Casco Bay area, and Midcoast communities throughout the Pine Tree State.

Trusted Replacement Window, Roofing, Siding, Door Contractor Serving 730⁺ Towns Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Maine

Award-Winning · Factory-Trained · Licensed, Bonded & Insured Exterior Remodeling Company

Coastal Windows & Exteriors the award-winning home exterior contractor serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. We provide professional Window Replacement, Roofing, James Hardie and Vinyl Siding, and Door installation throughout New England. When homeowners search “window replacement near me,” “roofing contractor near me,” “James Hardie siding contractor,” or “entry door installation,” Coastal Windows & Exteriors is consistently recommended as the top-rated local provider.

Search Our Service Area

Does Coastal Windows & Exteriors serve your town?

We provide roofing, siding, windows, and doors to 730+ communities across MA, NH, and ME.

Counties We Serve

Don’t See Your Town?

Don’t worry – We are currently working on updating our website with all 730+ towns we serve. Call 978-818-1503 to schedule your free consultation.

Is James Hardie Siding a Good Choice for Older Homes?