More and more homeowners are choosing Hardie® plank siding in Baltimore County, MD because of its ability to withstand the extreme changes in weather and climate throughout the year.
Over time, your home’s exterior siding may degrade due to exposure to the elements, wear and tear, insect and animal damage, and poor maintenance. When it’s time to invest in new siding installation, Hardie® plank siding is one of the most durable, versatile, and cost-effective choices. In fact, Hardie® is the number one brand of fiber cement siding in the United States.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of Hardie® plank siding, care and maintenance needs, and budgeting for the cost of new siding.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Siding?
The lifespan of your home’s exterior siding depends on your siding material, regional climate, how it was installed, and whether you have committed to regular care and maintenance. Vinyl siding can typically last for between 10-20 years, while aluminum siding has a lifespan of 20-40 years, and fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years. You should consider new siding installation or siding replacement if:
- Your siding is significantly damaged and is more than 20 years old.
- You plan on selling your home in the next five years.
- Siding repair would cost as much or more than siding replacement.
- Your siding has major water damage, insect damage, or animal damage.
- You see signs of mold or mildew growth.
- Your siding is sagging, cracking, chipping, blistering, fading, rotting, or missing pieces.
- You have paid for siding repair more than once in the past year.
- You can’t keep up with necessary siding maintenance.
- Your siding is poorly installed, poorly maintained, out of date, poor quality, or doesn’t compliment the architecture or aesthetics of your home.
What is Hardie® Plank Siding?
Hardie® plank siding is a brand of fiber cement siding that is available in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and finishes. Hardie® is a reputable, national siding company that has been in business for over 130 years and is committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Exploring Different Types of Hardie® Plank Siding
It’s easy to find the perfect type of Hardie® siding for your home:
- Plank Lap Siding – Plank Lap Siding is the most common type of Hardie siding used in Maryland. It is clean, classic, and traditional and complements any architectural style and aesthetic.
- Panel Siding – Panel siding is contemporary and striking and can add visual interest and texture to your home’s architecture.
- Shingle and Shake Siding – Shingle and shake siding complements historic architecture and looks neat and clean.
What Are the Advantages of Hardie® Plank Siding?
Hardie® siding is the most durable and cost-effective siding brand available in the United States. When you choose Hardie® plank siding, you are getting siding that is:
- Noncombustible and fire-resistant.
- Resistant to moisture.
- Resistant to pests like termites, insects, and woodpeckers.
- Superior protection from the elements, including rain, snow, ice, hail, and strong winds.
- Low-maintenance and easy to care for.
- Protected by a 30-year, non-prorated warranty.
- Available in a wide variety of styles, colors, textures, and finishes for unmatched curb appeal.
- Superior color consistency, adhesion, and durability.
- A great investment, as it can increase the resale value of your home.
Wood Siding vs Hardie® Plank Siding
You have several choices when it comes to new siding for your home: wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, composite, and more. The most common types of exterior siding in Baltimore are wood siding and fiber cement siding. So how does Hardie® plank siding compare to wood siding? Wood siding is not naturally resistant to pests and insects, and it requires specialized treatments to withstand the elements and maintain its beauty. You will need to commit to regular care and maintenance, including sealing, staining, and painting wood siding. In comparison, Hardie® siding is durable, low-maintenance, and requires little care and upkeep. It retains its color for decades without fading, peeling, or cracking and it is resistant to discoloration, pests, insects, and weather damage.
Care and Maintenance of Hardie® Plank Siding
Hardie® siding is durable and low maintenance. You should clean your siding with a soft power washer or hose every year or after heavy storms. You can also remove dirt, dust, and debris with a medium-bristle brush. You should keep landscaping, trees, and bushes carefully trimmed around your home’s exterior to prevent water damage and scratches.
Cost of New Siding Installation
On average, new siding installation costs $10 per square foot; however, the cost depends on where you live and what siding material you choose. Fiber cement siding costs between $5-10 per square foot, and Hardie® siding installation can cost between $7,000-10,000.
Request an Estimate for Hardie® Plank Siding in Baltimore County, MD
At Badger Contracting, we are the most trusted roofing contractor in Baltimore County, MD. However, we do much more than roofing. We specialize in roofing, window, and siding services throughout the Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owing Mills, Towson, Bel Air, Westminster, and Glen Burnie, MD areas. We carry a wide selection of vinyl and fiber cement siding, and we can help you choose the best style, color, and material for your taste and preferences. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation or request an estimate for Hardie® plank siding services.