Hardiplank Siding Vs Cedar Or Vinyl Siding

There’s an ongoing discussion in the home improvement and building industry as to which is more desirable a material for construction. Is it the Hardiplank Siding or Vinyl Siding and Cedar Siding, which has been around for a long time?

Lots of homeowners have been looking forward to a tangible solution from United Home Experts. If the solution were so simple, all three clapboard style sliding products wouldn’t have continued. The crux of the matter is, it depends upon your specific needs and the solution is largely governed by what your objective is and how you want to achieve that. All materials have their own positive and not so positive characteristics and a comparative study is available on the website, here is a quick look at some of the comparative features. In all likelihood you’ll fall in one off the following categories.



Homeowner #1: You fancy the most natural, authentic and traditional product and wouldn’t mind spending for initial installation and the subsequent periodic maintenance.

You would better stick to CVG Western Red Cedar Clapboard.

Homeowner #2: For you maintenance is a hassle. You are willing to compromise with aesthetic appeal and be satisfied with limited colors, rather than spending time and money on maintenance.

Perhaps, you are not left with many options but to use Vinyl Clapboard.

Homeowner #3: You like the appearance and character of wood with a variety of colors, minus the hassles created by insects and woodpeckers and the general maintenance that wood often needs.



You’ll find answer in patronizing Hardiplank Siding.

Cutting Hardie Boards - Short Guide

Installation of hardie boards can’t be termed as cumbersome or too technical to be handled by anyone, but it needs more of physical effort and energy. Having a helping hand is highly desirable and suggested.

Well, the most important activity connected with the instillation of a hardie board is the actual process of cutting it. Many a time people ask for the best technique and tricks to be employed while on such a job. For proper execution of any job you need to have a proper tool. The same job could be executed by using just one simple tool or a set of different tools, each performing a different activity with varying efficiencies. Here’s a list of Hardie tools that may be used to cut different varieties of James Hardie Boards like Hardibacker, Hardie board siding, Hardie plank, and any other kind of cement board or Hardie panel. DuraRock, has a composition different than other James Hardie siding plank products and the outcome of using some of these tools may not be very impressive and efficient.



- Hardie Board Shears

- Circular Saw with Hardie Blade

- 4 degree Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade

- Jig Saw

- Utility Knife

There are good reasons for positioning Hardie Board Shears on the top. Being lightweight and compact they offer the ease of operation and are almost dustless. Hilti is one of the better known producers of Hardie Board Shears and are easily available with hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Though they are expensive, you could get them on rent, but it will be worthwhile to wait for a sale to get them at discounted prices. There is a limitation, though of using these shears; if you work too close to the edges, they tend to crush, crumble and even break the edges. You’ll need to take care of that.

If you are in possession of a basic set of power tools, you would probably have a circular saw with the conventional blade for cutting the board. The problem would be the dust generated by using a conventional blade. You would wish to have a dust collector. That’s how the manufacturers of Hardie boards were prompted to make specially designed blades that do not generate so much of sawdust.



Let’s look at another conventional way of doing the same job of cutting a Hardie board. It can be achieved by using a 40 angle grinder in conjunction with a 40 diamond blade. While doing a perfect job of cutting, you will notice that a diamond tool comes handy for making small but rather difficult cuts needed while working on designs of your windows or for trimming of doors. But, here again the drawback persists: there is an inescapable volume of dust that makes working too difficult and unhealthy too. You would better consider the procurement of a cyclone dust collector. A word of caution! You need to be extra careful while using a grinder for cutting of Hardie board lest it should hit back at you while you were at it.

A jigsaw may work well, but only if you are going to have tight or even circular zigzag cuts. For making long straight cuts you definitely need something better. Your blades will wear much faster while cutting on a Hardie board and it would be good to have them in stock to facilitate quick and prompt replacements.

And of course you do have that option of using a utility knife and a straight edge. Without doubt, that is the cheapest tool you could employ for cutting a Hardie board. Believe me, it works fast and is the simplest instrument that anyone could use for the intended purpose. But, for getting effective results, you should use it mainly for making straight cuts. Simply draw a line, and use your knife a few times to score along the drawn line before breaking the board. This trick works better on a quarter degree board, but does work for a half degree board also.

It is of utmost importance to take all the precautionary measures while working on a Hardie board. Under no circumstances you should venture into any activity connected with its cutting or fixing before you have put on all your protective gear that includes ear plugs, gloves and goggles. The process of cutting should always be in an open and well ventilated area.

You are welcome to share your experiences of cutting a Hardie board. You might have hit across a better way of doing it!

Learn More About Hardie Board Siding

Though most of the homes have either a wood siding or a vinyl siding, there are many other options available and that includes Hardie board siding. Here is a siding that looks similar to wood but has none of the hassles connected with wood, thus making it an ideal choice. It is not easily damaged by water, doesn’t rot and is not a favorite of insects.

As it is made from cement fiber board it gets heavier than wood and thus a bit difficult to install. But you need not unduly worry about it as Hardie website offers detailed instructions for a safe installation and best results. Though you may paint it with a color of your choice, it does not require as frequent a painting as any other wood siding.

Hardie board siding is available in 26 different colors and a couple of different styles that include HardiePlank® Lap Siding, HardieShingle® Siding, and HardiePanel® Vertical Siding. The lap siding and the vertical siding can easily be painted and are already protected with a sealer and a primer. They are provided with a 50-yearr transferable limited product warranty. HardieShingle® Siding can withstand hail, rain, snow, and wind and comes with a 30-year transferable limited product warranty. It is available in multiple colors and has the appearance of wood grain.

The only drawback, if it may be termed so, with Hardie board siding is that you have to be a bit cautious during its installation. Its installation is rather typical and more cumbersome than most of the other types of sidings. You see, when you cut this type of a siding, a lot of silica dust is generated. It has to be done in a manner to minimize that dust. Of course, the website of the company gives you all the information and tips for doing it safely and successfully.

But, you always have that option of hiring the services of a skilled person. The suggested methods include scoring, snapping and use of shears. Yet, you may use a saw with a Hardie blade provided you have a Hepa filter to minimize dust or do the cutting in an open area. It is important to use only the recommended brands of paint and strictly follow the insulation instructions and continue to have a valid warranty, should the need ever arise.

Interesting and informational video that says more about Hardie siding:

Hardie Siding - Find The Contractor

Depending upon one’s perception, any home improvement project could be rewarding or frustrating. You have to have the spirits of doing the work on your own and the result of your efforts need not be calculated in terms of savings that you made or the time you invested.

Some of the projects like building a deck can easily be accomplished without being an expert on the subject of construction. Similarly, making additional structure like a carport, arbor, pergola or even a covered patio can be executed if you plan things the right way. Ready availability of do-it-yourself kits for a number of projects is quite encouraging for those with the right inclination.

A very interesting and easy do-it yourself project is the painting of exteriors that needs just the right painting materials and sturdy ladders. But, a project like installing long lasting Hardie Plank or Hardie Siding or for that matter installing of replacement windows for improved energy efficiency, an average homeowner would require the services of a reliable contractor specialized for execution of such a project.



At the outset, while looking for a dependable and competent contractor to see your project thru, you would do well to question the contractor on a couple of things. Some of the questions you should ask a prospective contractor are:

For how many years has the contractor been in the same business and is he a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Is the contractor willing to provide some kind of a warranty on the quality of workmanship or the materials used? Ask him if he can give you a list of his customers. Compare his prices and check if the same are competitive, for materials as well for his services. Is he a licensed contractor? What if he fails to finish the project in the specified time? How is he going to compensate for that lapse on his part? Will he be willing to address your concerns regarding the scope of work? And, last but not the least, is he competent to finish the project while being considerate of your investment.

When looking for a contractor for the installation of Hardie Siding or Hardie Plank, it is of utmost importance to confirm if he follows the guidelines and procedures specified by Hardie. That will ensure that the manufacturers honor the warranty, if ever you need it. Hardie siding and Hardie Plank products are durable and are provided with a warranty of 50-years. Once it is installed, the only recurring expense that you would have will be the occasional exterior painting. If you are not among the do-it yourself kind of a personality, you would better keep the contractor in mind.

A replacement window is a massive project but a worthwhile proposition. As there is quite a variety, both in terms of style and energy efficiency, it is strongly suggested to take into consideration the opinion of an experienced reputed contractor for finalizing your decision. It is important to give due consideration to Energy Star ratings and look for replacement windows offering lifetime warranties. Unless the installation is carried out properly by an experienced and competent contractor, they may not prove out to be as efficient as you might expect them to be.

As already mentioned you may feel enthusiastic to execute a do-it yourself kind of a project involving structures like decks, arbors, pergolas, covered patios etc. with the help of readily available kits, but a project of the size and nature of Hardie Siding, Hardie Plank or replacement windows installed should best be entrusted to a dependable contractor. Just make sure to choose the right contractor by questioning him on the lines suggested above and feel delighted with the investment you made.

Siding Installation Tools

The overwhelming availability of such a large variety of tools at hardware stores of the kind of Home Depot, Lowe's or Ace Hardware is amazing. That facilitates an average buyer to have all the proper tools required for the installation of a Hardie back siding in his garage. Most of you wouldn't really need any special purpose tool to complete the installation successfully. As a matter of fact you may already be having most of them. Nevertheless here is a list of tools that you would require for doing the needful. Hammer, jigsaw, circular saw, chalk line, level, measuring tape, screw gun, level, tape measure, pencil, Speed Square, and a caulking gun.

On the other hand availability of special siding installation tools facilitate a quicker and easier completion of the job. This list of not so common tools comprises of: Air compressor, Angle grinder (4"), Compound sliding miter saw with special saw blades, Hardie plank sheers and nail guns. As already indicated the list does not mean that you must have these items for execution of your project, but these tools are more helpful and desirable for a fast execution. For example, special purpose blades employed for cutting Hardie plank do not produce so much of dust. Similarly, Hardie plank sheers cut Hardie backer very speedily, but while making small cuts the edges of your Hardie may crumble and make them weak. The grinder with a diamond blade is really fast for making angular cuts but releases too much of dust.



You could simply install a Hardy with a screw gun, or with a nail gun. In the absence of an air gun and the accompanied air compressor with all its accessories, you cold probably use a screw gun and screws. But if you could borrow a nail gun and compressor you will surely save a lot of time and labor. Some people may not agree that nails will be as good as screws for keeping in place the Hardie plank, but employing a nail gun with siding allows you to use any Ring Shank nail that is nearly impossible to pullout. Even If you do not own or fail to procure any of these siding installation tools, there is no problem, for most of these are available on rent and are not very expensive to purchase.

So don't get disheartened even if you are unable to procure the specialty tools. Just get going with the most common of tools that you can gather. It will stretch the completion period, but don't lose patience and you will be successful.

The Popularity Of Hardie Plank Siding

Innumerable homeowners from North and South America are already in the grip of a revolutionary new product called hardie plank siding. The product has been engineered to overcome all the not-so-good features of natural wood sidings. It will not take too long for this durable and sturdy Hardy board siding to replace forever, the conventional vinyl and wooden sidings.

Though this product is hard and sturdy, these are not the characteristics that made it earn that nickname. It derives its name from the man who invented it. James Hardie from Australia is responsible for having developed Hardie siding to replace wooden and vinyl sidings in Australia's domestic market. But, no more the product is confined to homes in Australia. All over the world it has taken home siding industry by storm and continues to gain popularity.

On seeing it for the first time, you would find it hard to believe that it is not natural wood. Care is taken to impart it the texture and grain of natural wood. It has a built in resistance for water and fire. Unlike natural wood, insects and termites do not affect it. You will appreciate that all the flaws and limitations of natural wood have been eliminated; yet it looks very much like wood. That makes it suitable for being used even under harsh climatic conditions where wood wouldn't last for long.



Another advantage of this product is that you may avoid painting it because it looks pretty and very appealing in its natural color too. Yet, if you decide to have it painted it's perfectly fine, as paint on its material lasts much loner than on a wooden siding. It's so paint- friendly that the paint won't get chipped or peeled off so easily.

Like any other proper siding, Hardie plank needs proper installation and petty maintenance. Installation is not too difficult to be carried out by any homeowner. It hardly calls for any unduly long or accurate planning. Though it is always better to plan the project before hand to eliminate frustration and anxiety. If you are a hobbyist with a reasonable variety of tools in your basement workshop you are not likely to need any additional tools for doing the job yourself. Maintenance is perhaps the easiest in this case. You just wash it up with a garden hose.

Australia has willingly shared its secret and this kind of siding is going to be around for a long time. You are sure to find one in a color of your choice to match your style and needs. The price is attractive and the manufacturer also offers a very attractive warranty.
You will not be doing a justice to the subject of buying a new siding without taking into consideration this new dependable well-designed sturdy product.