Hardie Board is a brand name for fiber cement siding, while cement board is the generic term for fiber cement products. Both refer to the same material type with similar composition and performance characteristics.
Fiber cement siding averages $21,500 nationally with 121% ROI, making it one of the highest-value exterior upgrades available for homeowners.
What New England Homeowners Need to Know:
Brand Name Recognition: Hardie Board, manufactured by James Hardie, represents the most recognized fiber cement brand with proven performance in harsh climates, while cement board refers to any fiber cement product from various manufacturers.
Material Composition: Both Hardie Board and generic cement board contain cement, sand, and cellulose fibers creating durable, weather-resistant siding performing exceptionally well in New England’s extreme temperature fluctuations.
Cost Comparison: Fiber cement siding averages $21,500 nationally for complete installation regardless of brand, though premium Hardie Board products may command slightly higher pricing due to brand reputation and warranty coverage.
Outstanding ROI: Fiber cement siding delivers 121% ROI at resale, the highest return among siding options, significantly outperforming vinyl siding’s 118% ROI while providing superior durability and longevity.
Energy Efficiency Benefits: Installing insulated fiber cement siding improves home air tightness by 11% on average with energy savings of 5.5% in re-siding projects reducing heating and cooling costs.
Durability Advantages: Fiber cement requires 45% oxygen to sustain combustion compared to normal air’s 21%, making it highly fire-resistant while resisting rot, insects, and weather damage better than wood alternatives.
Fiber Cement Siding Comparison:
| Product Type | Average Cost | ROI | Brand Recognition | Best For |
| Hardie Board (James Hardie) | $21,500-$23,000 | 121% | Highest | Premium warranty, brand reputation |
| Generic Fiber Cement | $21,500 | 121% | Variable | Budget-conscious, comparable performance |
| Vinyl Siding | $18,000 | 118% | High | Lower initial investment |
*National averages, professional installation included
Siding Selection Recommendations:
Best Overall: Hardie Board fiber cement offering 121% ROI with proven brand reputation and comprehensive warranty coverage backed by industry-leading manufacturer
Best for Value: Generic fiber cement siding providing identical 121% ROI and comparable performance at potentially lower pricing depending on local availability
Best for New England: Either Hardie Board or quality fiber cement products delivering superior weather resistance, fire safety, and durability in harsh coastal climates
Ready to Upgrade Your Siding?
Professional siding consultation explains brand differences and material options. Coastal Windows & Exteriors installs premium fiber cement siding with 7,000+ installations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine providing expert guidance.
Serving MA/ME: 236 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | (978) 818-1503
Serving NH: 288 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110 | (603) 691-2362
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Last Updated: January 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in the US is $21,500 (Verified Facts: Siding) ² ROI of fiber cement siding is 121% (Verified Facts: Siding)
- The ROI of vinyl siding is 118% (Verified Facts: Siding)
- Installing insulated siding can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 11% (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
- In a study of five home re-siding projects, there was an average energy savings of 5.5% (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
- Rigid PVC requires 45% oxygen and EPS insulation requires 24% oxygen to sustain combustion, higher than the 21% found in normal air (https://polymericexteriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ISHI_Guide_Update_January_20141.pdf)
