For most New England homes, James Hardie fiber cement siding outperforms LP SmartSide on moisture resistance, fire protection, and long-term resale value.
For most New England homes, James Hardie fiber cement siding outperforms LP SmartSide on moisture resistance, fire protection, and long-term resale value.
The core difference comes down to material.
For example, James Hardie is made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber. LP SmartSide is engineered wood treated with resin binders. In a climate like MA, NH, or ME, that distinction matters enormously.
What New England Homeowners Should Know When Comparing James Hardie Siding Products to LP SmartSide
- Material difference: James Hardie fiber cement combines Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber for a rigid, non-wood composite. LP SmartSide uses engineered wood with resin binders, which behaves differently in wet or freezing conditions.
- Fire resistance: James Hardie siding products carry a Class A fire resistance rating. That rating means the material can help slow the spread of flames compared to wood-based alternatives.
- Moisture performance: HZ5 fiber cement is formulated to resist shrinking, swelling, and cracking through New England freeze-thaw cycles. Engineered wood products are more susceptible to moisture intrusion over time.
- Resale value: Fiber cement siding delivers a 144.9% ROI nationally. That return reflects how strongly buyers and appraisers respond to its durability and low-maintenance reputation.
- Our recommendation: For homes in MA, NH, and ME, James Hardie consistently outperforms LP SmartSide on the factors that matter most. Moisture resistance, fire rating, and resale value all favor fiber cement in this climate.
- Installation quality: James Hardie Elite Preferred contractors like Coastal complete installations in roughly six weeks. Proper installation is critical to maintaining both the warranty and the long-term performance of james hardie siding products.
James Hardie Fiber Cement vs. LP SmartSide
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
| James Hardie Fiber Cement | Class A fire rating, HZ5 moisture resistance, 144.9% ROI, 15-year ColorPlus warranty | Higher upfront cost than some alternatives | MA, NH, and ME homes needing long-term durability | Avg. $21,500 installed (New England) |
| LP SmartSide Engineered Wood | Lighter weight, natural wood appearance | More vulnerable to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles | Drier climates with lower moisture exposure | Varies by region and installer |
Making the Right Choice for Your New England Home
Top recommendation: James Hardie fiber cement siding for MA, NH, and ME homeowners. The HZ5 climate formulation, Class A fire rating, and 144.9% ROI make it the stronger long-term investment.
Best for budget-focused projects: LP SmartSide can work in sheltered applications with limited moisture exposure. It carries a lower upfront cost but requires closer attention to maintenance over time.
Best for historic or design-focused homes: James Hardie siding products in Select Cedarmill or Artisan Lap profiles. These deliver authentic wood character with none of the vulnerability of real or engineered wood.
Ready to invest in fiber cement siding built for New England? Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned exterior remodeling contractor serving MA, NH, and ME with 7,000+ installations. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, we bring full product access and expert installation to every project.
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 delivers an ROI of 144.9% nationally. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025 National resale value and ROI data for fiber cement siding projects. (2026)
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in New England is $21,500. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) New England Cost vs. Value Report Regional cost data for fiber cement siding installation in New England. (2026)
- James Hardie fiber cement is made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber; carries a Class A fire resistance rating; and HZ5 formulation resists shrinking, swelling, and cracking in cold and wet climates. James Hardie Northeast Product Catalog James Hardie product composition, fire resistance rating, and HZ5 climate engineering specifications. (2025)
