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 121% ROI nationally, with an average project cost of $21,500. 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 estimate by clicking here.
Learn more about James Hardie and vinyl siding by clicking here.
For more questions about siding FAQs click here.
Sources:
- Cost vs. Value Report 2024 — https://remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2024
- James Hardie HardieWrap Weather Barrier Summary — https://www.buildsite.com/pdf/jameshardie/HardieWrap-Weather-Barrier-Summary-Brochure-1409227.pdf
- Fixr Home Siding Statistics — https://www.fixr.com/articles/home-siding-statistics
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors — https://mycoastalwindows.com
Last Updated: March 2026
