Hardie Board is not vinyl—it’s fiber cement siding. James Hardie fiber cement is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, making it significantly more durable than vinyl siding in Merrimack’s climate.
Hardie Board is not vinyl—it’s fiber cement siding. James Hardie fiber cement is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, making it significantly more durable than vinyl siding in Merrimack’s climate.
What Merrimack Homeowners Need to Know:
- Material Composition: Fiber cement combines portland cement, ground sand, and cellulose fibers through a high-pressure process, creating dense, durable boards
- Superior Performance: Unlike vinyl that becomes brittle in cold New England winters, James Hardie maintains structural integrity through Hillsborough County’s temperature extremes
- Fire Resistance: Fiber cement is non-combustible and receives Class A fire rating, while vinyl melts and can spread flames
- Authentic Appearance: James Hardie CedarMill texture replicates real wood grain far more convincingly than vinyl embossing
- Long-Term Value: Fiber cement lasts 30-50 years in Southern New Hampshire compared to vinyl’s 20-30 year lifespan
Best for Durability: James Hardie fiber cement outlasts vinyl by decades
Best for Appearance: Fiber cement maintains color and texture better than vinyl alternatives
Ready to upgrade from vinyl to superior James Hardie fiber cement? Our design consultants explain the differences. Coastal Windows & Exteriors brings Elite Preferred expertise with 7,000+ installations across MA, NH, ME.
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Last Updated: May 2026