James Hardie’s Hardie board is a brand of fiber cement siding. It’s the most widely recognized and installed in the industry, especially here in New Hampshire.
James Hardie’s Hardie board is a brand of fiber cement siding. It’s the most widely recognized and installed in the industry, especially here in New Hampshire.
All Hardie board is fiber cement siding, but not all fiber cement siding is Hardie board. James Hardie is the manufacturer behind HardiePlank®, HardieShingle®, and HardiePanel®.
What Homeowners Should Know About Hardie Board and Fiber Cement
- What makes Hardie different: James Hardie engineered its fiber cement products specifically for regional climates. Products like HardiePlank® lap siding are designed to handle the freeze-thaw exposure common across the Inland Seacoast without warping, rotting, or cracking.
- Types of Hardie board: The three main types of Hardie board are HardiePlank® (horizontal lap siding), HardieShingle® (cedar shake look), and HardiePanel® (vertical applications). Each profile suits a different home style and aesthetic goal.
- Hardie board fire rating: Hardie board is a non-combustible product — it won’t ignite or contribute to flame spread the way wood-based siding does. That’s a meaningful advantage for home safety in any climate.
- ColorPlus Technology: Hardie board with ColorPlus Technology never needs painting after installation. The factory-baked finish resists chipping, fading, and cracking far better than field-painted fiber cement from any brand.
- Energy and moisture performance: HardieWrap, installed beneath the fiber cement boards, reduces air infiltration and cuts natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. This makes the full Hardie system one of the most efficient siding upgrades available for Southern NH homes.
- ROI and project cost: Fiber cement siding — including James Hardie products — delivers a 144% ROI nationally, with an average project cost of $20,678. Installation by a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor in the Seacoast Region typically takes around six weeks.
| Product | Profile | Best For | ColorPlus Available |
| HardiePlank® | Horizontal lap | Most home styles | Yes |
| HardieShingle® | Cedar shake look | Coastal and cottage styles | Yes |
| HardiePanel® | Vertical panel | Contemporary and farmhouse styles | Yes |
| Generic fiber cement | Varies | Budget-driven installs | Varies by brand |
Choosing the Right Product for Your Home
Top Pick: HardiePlank® with ColorPlus Technology for most homes — it’s the most versatile profile, never needs repainting, and carries strong warranty protection when installed by a certified contractor. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Preferred contractor, bringing you the best selection of Hardie board and quality installation! Contact us for a free estimate.
Worth considering: HardieShingle® for homes with a traditional or coastal aesthetic that want a premium cedar look without the cedar maintenance demands.
Important distinction: Not all fiber cement is created equal. James Hardie’s products are engineered for specific climate zones — choosing a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor ensures you get the right product for your region.
Ready to explore Hardie board options 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 in New England carries an average project cost of $20,678 and delivers a 144% ROI. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, regional cost and resale value data for fiber cement siding installation projects across New England. (2026)
- Reducing air infiltration in the home can cut natural gas or heating oil consumption by 15%. ENERGY STAR Why Seal and Insulate, ENERGY STAR’s guidance on the energy savings achieved through improved home sealing and reduced air infiltration. (Accessed April 2026)
- Roughly 65% of homeowners currently prefer neutral siding colors, and 49% of design experts recommend white as the best color choice when preparing a home for sale. Fixr Home Siding Statistics, Fixr’s survey data on homeowner siding color preferences and expert recommendations for resale appeal. (2025)
