Question:
We have a cottage outside of the Minneapolis area and are thinking about replacing our vinyl siding. We are considering the cement based product by James Hardie but have heard there are some mold and discoloring issues with this product when it is near standing water. What do you think?
Reply:
Moisture damage to roofing and siding on a property near a big lake is always a consideration, and should be incorporated into the planning stage of development. If you don’t use a recommended product that will stand up to the weather, you will most likely be spending your weekends power washing, scraping and bleaching your whole house, just to prevent it from rotting.
While vinyl siding is considered to be the most cost effective remedy for moist environments, it is not always the best one. Fiber cement boards are made from cement, so they are completely resistant to moisture, but all weather, wind and rot. While they still need caulking and some maintenance, cement boards will stand up to the wind and rain better than any other product in the market. It resists impacts better, won’t come off as easily, and in some cases, the color is included throughout the product, so it won’t fade over the years like vinyl will.
While vinyl siding comes with its own trim pieces, this ‘reinforcement’ can be misleading. They provide a nice finished look, but they don’t stand up to driving wind and rain nearly as well. Wind is notorious for getting behind vinyl and taking off whole sections of siding with even moderate wind storms. Cement board will withstand hurricane wind forces to some degree, and won’t dent on impact like vinyl will.
It is important to remember that whenever you replace a siding product, you should also replace the building wrap behind it. This can get old and break down over time, and as long as you are going to the trouble to replace all the siding, go the extra mile and replace this, too. It is not expensive, and will make a big difference in the overall insulating quality of your home. All in all, replacing any siding with James Hardie is a good idea, as it will provide one of the most durable siding products in the market, and it is available in all 50 States. Call us if you would like to know more about how your home will do with a new look.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
