James Hardie siding is a fiber cement product composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers — a combination that makes it tougher and longer-lasting than wood or vinyl.
James Hardie siding is a fiber cement product composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers — a combination that makes it tougher and longer-lasting than wood or vinyl.
The Essentials Every Homeowner Should Know
• What It’s Made Of: Hardie Board blends Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers into a composite. It withstands impact, moisture, pests, and fire in ways no single-material siding can.
• America’s #1 Brand: James Hardie has been manufacturing fiber cement since 1888. Today, it’s the most recognized siding brand in the country — and for good reason.
• Profile Options: HardiePlank Lap Siding brings classic horizontal elegance. HardieShingle Siding replicates wood cedar shingles without any of the maintenance. Hardie Panel Vertical Siding delivers a modern farmhouse look that’s right at home on Brookline’s eclectic streets.
• ColorPlus Technology: The factory-applied finish bakes color into the siding across multiple layers, resisting fading, chipping, and peeling for 15 years. That’s far beyond what paint on wood achieves.
• Energy Efficiency: Hardie Weather Barrier creates a moisture-proof layer around your home. Combined with rigid foam insulation, it can stop up to 30% of energy loss through exterior walls.
• Lifespan: James Hardie fiber cement siding carries a 50+ year lifespan with proper installation. That’s decades of protection versus wood’s need for repainting every three to five years.
• ROI That’s Real: Fiber cement siding delivers a 121% ROI in New England per the Cost vs Value report by Remodeling. The average fiber cement install runs $21,500 nationally — and the value it adds exceeds that cost.
Our Recommendations
Top Recommendation: James Hardie is the best siding for New England homes — the climate engineering, warranty package, and color options make it the clear choice for Brookline’s diverse architecture.
Best for ROI-Focused Buyers: HardiePlank Lap Siding with ColorPlus Technology delivers curb appeal and resale value in one product.
Best for Historic Homes: HardieShingle Siding replicates the character of original cedar shingles on Brookline’s Victorian and Colonial Revival homes without the upkeep headache.
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Sources: Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling — 121% ROI, $21,500 average fiber cement install cost Coastal Windows & Exteriors internal data — 7,000+ installations, 50+ year lifespan with proper installation
Last Updated: March 2026
