Located in the historic town of Salem, MA, this picturesque home rich in architectural character presented us with a unique remodeling challenge. The homeowner was dealing with warped and loose cedar shingles from many years of moisture damage. And on a positive note, this home featured large front windows and a charming second-floor balcony–elements that highlighted its distinctive style but required careful consideration during the renovation. James Hardie® fiber cement siding was the perfect siding selection to maintain this home’s structural integrity while enhancing its charming features.

But this homeowner was increasingly concerned about the condition of their home’s exterior. The cedar shingles were visibly damaged—warped and coming loose, leaving the home vulnerable to the harsh New England weather. The significant gap between the chimney and the house further complicated matters. It easily exposes the home to potential water damage and pests. Uneven stone foundation at the back of the house also hindered the proper installation of new siding, posing a threat to the overall structural stability.

Our first step was to remove the existing columns at the front and rebuild them with robust 6×6 posts–adding both strength and a fresh look to the home’s entrance. Custom chimney work was essential to fill the 5-inch gap, effectively sealing the home from external elements.

For the siding, the homeowner selected James Hardie® 5” Straight Shingles and Clapboard in Ocean Blue–one of the most popular James Hardie® siding colors. The result is a durable, weather-resistant exterior with a vibrant, fresh appearance that complemented the home’s historic location. All trim was done in Hardie® Arctic White, creating a striking contrast that accentuated the architectural details. We also installed an 8-foot section of water table at the back to manage rainwater effectively, and removed all old shutters to streamline and update the home’s appearance. James Hardie® is one of the best siding options for New England homes, as it’s already approved by the local historic commission!