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 144% ROI in New England per the Cost vs Value report by Remodeling. The average fiber cement install runs $20,678 in New England — 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.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
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Last Updated: April 2026
Sources:
- Fiber cement siding delivers a 144% return on investment at resale in New England. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 New England, JLC Online’s regional Cost vs. Value Report detailing ROI for fiber cement siding installations in New England. (2026)
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in New England is $20,678. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 New England, JLC Online’s regional Cost vs. Value Report with New England pricing for fiber cement siding installations. (2026)
