Upgrade your curb appeal

With shorter, chillier days on the way, it won’t be long until we trade in “sunshine” for that other “s” word. But before we hunker down and hibernate through another NEO winter, now’s a good time to ask yourself if your home’s exterior siding is ready for what’s coming. Procrastinating on an upgrade and hoping it will make it to next year could be costly in the end.

Newer to the market in Ohio, cement fiber siding has been gaining traction because of its extreme durability, low maintenance, longevity and looks.

“People don’t realize how much punishment their home’s siding takes until wind, ice and freezing temperatures expose its weaknesses, and by then it can be too late,” says Josh Hudeck, regional account manager for James Hardie Building Products cement fiber siding. “By the time you see warping, cracking or moisture issues, you could be dealing with water intrusion and even structural rot.”

He notes that within the local siding industry, vinyl is the most common choice because it’s inexpensive and easy to install.

“Convenience doesn’t equal performance,” he says. “Fiber cement is in its own category. It’s thicker, stronger and built for durability in a way vinyl simply isn’t. It is engineered to withstand extreme temperature swings, resist moisture, fire and pest infiltration, as well as maintain structural integrity through expansion-contraction cycles.”

Over the years, Josh explains the company name has become, “like Kleenex. People refer to fiber cement as Hardie board, whether they realize it or not. That kind of market presence comes from consistency and trust.”

Your Home’s First Impression

Another plus with James Hardie siding is curb appeal. The product offers a powerful aesthetic upgrade, shaping a home’s first impression, with finishes that pair beautifully with a range of architectural styles, from modern farmhouse to contemporary builds.

“Our siding can transform a home’s identity—clean lines and updated colors and textures that feel current,” he says. “There’s a wide variety of styles to choose from. Thanks to our proprietary ColorPlus Technology, the durable finishes are baked onto the siding to resist fading, chipping or cracking. Some siding selections replicate the warmth and richness of wood, without the upkeep. High-end materials capture the grain, depth and tone of natural wood, including panels, shingle/shake and board and batten.”

Raising the Standard 

A big difference with cement fiber siding lies in the installation.

Josh says the company chose to partner with the expert installers at Spartan StormShield because they stood out as a company that takes pride in providing the best customer experience. Its crews have been extensively trained at the James Hardie facility in Akron, and that the education is ongoing.

“Unlike vinyl, which can be hung with basic tools, fiber cement demands precision,” he adds. “We’re talking about a product that’s five times as thick and heavy as vinyl. It requires specialized tools and skilled craftsmanship. It’s closer to finished carpentry than traditional siding work.”

Josh notes that fall is an ideal window for siding replacement, and the seasoned Spartan StormShield crews have been transforming homes all over Northeast Ohio the past several years.

Armed with product innovation and trusted craftsmanship, Spartan StormShield lives up to its reputation for installing “the roof system to last your lifetime.” It installs and repairs roofs and siding for homes and businesses all over Northeast Ohio. Financing options for siding and roofing are available.

Spartan StormShield

309 Silver Street, Akron

330-SPARTAN (330-772-7826)  

SpartanStormShield.com 

James Hardie Building Products

1111 Brittain Road, Akron

330-784-8443

JamesHardie.com