Hardie board does not crack easily. It’s a fiber cement product engineered to resist impact, moisture, and extreme weather.
Hardie board does not crack easily. It’s a fiber cement product engineered to resist impact, moisture, and extreme weather.
James Hardie fiber cement siding is built to resist denting, ding damage, and cracking far better than wood or vinyl. Homeowners across Merrimack County choose it because it holds up to New England’s freeze-thaw cycles without compromising its structure or appearance.
What NH Homeowners Should Know About Hardie Board Durability
- Impact resistance: Hardie board is made from fiber cement, a dense composite material. It won’t dent from hail, debris, or accidental impact the way wood or softer siding materials can.
- Moisture performance: Fiber cement is designed to handle wet conditions without warping, rotting, or swelling. Wondering if Hardie board can get wet? Yes — it’s engineered to resist moisture exposure over time.
- Fire rating: HardiePlank is a Class-A fire rated product with a strongHardie board fire rating performance. It won’t ignite or contribute to flame spread the way wood-based siding can.
- Energy benefit: HardieWrap, installed beneath the siding, reduces air infiltration and cuts natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. That’s a meaningful efficiency gain for Capital Region homeowners.
- ColorPlus advantage: Hardie board with ColorPlus Technology never needs painting. The factory-applied finish is baked on and resists chipping, cracking, and fading far better than field-painted alternatives.
- Strong ROI: Fiber cement siding delivers an ROI of 144%, with a national average project cost of $20,678. Installation by a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor in the Concord area typically takes around six weeks.
Finding the Right Siding for Your Home
Top Pick: James Hardie fiber cement siding with ColorPlus Technology for homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance exterior that never needs repainting.
Good Alternative: Vinyl insulated siding for homeowners prioritizing budget and energy efficiency, with an 97% ROI and straightforward upkeep.
Worth noting: Hardie board installation requires a certified installer to protect both your warranty and your home’s performance — workmanship matters as much as the material itself.
Thinking about Hardie board for your home? Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor with 7,000+ installations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore our Siding Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Last Updated: April 2026
Sources:
- Fiber cement siding carries an ROI of 144% in New England, with an average project cost of $20,678. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 — New England JLC Online’s regional Cost vs. Value data on fiber cement siding installation costs and return on investment for New England homeowners. (2026)
- Vinyl siding carries an ROI of 97% per the Cost vs. Value 2025 report. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 JLC Online’s national Cost vs. Value data on vinyl siding return on investment. (2026)
- Reduced air infiltration can cut natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. ENERGY STAR Why Seal and Insulate ENERGY STAR’s guidance on the energy savings potential of reducing air infiltration in the home. (Accessed April 2026)
