Last years hail storm- Insurance company will pay for all 4 sides (is Hardi board worth the upgrade?

[USMC88-93]

Insurance company and my contractor finally agreed on the scope of work for my house repair. (replacing roof, gutters and steel siding that was installed in 1957).

Contractor says upgrading to Hardie Board siding would be a $3000 out of pocket. (That includes my insurance deductible)

Paying for a full house wrap of Hardie out of my own pocket would be a significant chunk of change. $3000 seems like something I should take advantage of considering the opportunity to do so with the insurance payout.

What say the masses. Push me over the ledge or talk me back from jumping... I like the stuff, just not sure cost vs benefit vs the alternatives like aluminum siding considering age and location of house.

EDIT: Damn, I can never seem to type in a thread title without misspelling something.

[TheGrey]

EDIT: Damn, I can never seem to type in a thread title without misspelling something.

I got your back. It happens- no big deal!

[Grant H.]

Yes.

Hardie Siding is worth the extra money.

The house my wife and I just sold in OK was sided with Hardie Siding, and even though it was 20years old it still looked very good. The maintenance on it is low, and it lasts for a long time, and it survives horrible weather (SW OK gets some really screwy weather).

[Irving]

Yes.

Hardie Siding is worth the extra money.

The house my wife and I just sold in OK was sided with Hardie Siding, and even though it was 20years old it still looked very good. The maintenance on it is low, and it lasts for a long time, and it survives horrible weather (SW OK gets some really screwy weather).

Absolutely agree, especially compared to vinyl. Vinyl siding is garbage after it gets brittle. Steel is pretty tough. Like anything, as long as it is installed well, it should treat you well. The issues I've seen with non-metal siding are over driving nails so the board cracks, and water absorption along the bottom edge causing press board siding to swell.

[USMC88-93]

The issues I've seen with non-metal siding are over driving nails so the board cracks, and water absorption along the bottom edge causing press board siding to swell.

Does Hardie fall into that category or are you referring to wood types? The only issues Ive seen on my garage which was previously done in Hardie (another reason I am inclined to do the house) is damage to the sharp bottom edge of the siding pieces might need to be painted to protect the "softer" interior from sucking any water. I could be wrong here but as long as the surface is intact all is good but damage to the edges or surface and all bets are off just like any other type of siding. (Cement fiber board is still fiber isn't it and still susceptible to water ingress.)

[Irving]

Well, I see cracking on both, but swelling on pressed wood types. I'm not sure I've really seen any issues with the cement fiber styles. They don't have the water absorption issue so cracking is really the only issue. I'm not an expert in it, just used to staring at it looking for storm damage.

There are a decent amount of YouTube videos on the different styles and brands as well if you want more info that isn't directly from the manufacturer.

[jslo]

Did my house in '07. No cracks and paint still looks good. I blind nailed mine.

[sniper7]

Do it. We have it now. Great stuff

[Big E3]

Typically, there are no visible nails if Hardie is installed with the nails under the next piece over it. I added on to the rear of my house 10 years ago and used Hardie and it holds up well. In fact, my shed in the back yard is covered in Hardie and the sprinkler system has watered directly on two sides for 12 years. It is showing no adverse effects of water damage and the paint has even held up well. I have some pieces of Hardie that I use to cove things with. These have never been painted and do well, if it is sitting on the ground some of the pieces have delaminated slightly. About 10 years ago my brother used a piece as a baffle in his wood stove to deflect heat inside, it’s still in there. I’m a big fan of the stuff, the only down side is cutting it and the dust when doing so. I would say for $3K you will get a huge upgrade that will look good for a long time, go for it.

[68Charger]

When I lived in AZ, tile roofs were supposed to last longer than your average human (ok, maybe like 50 year warranty)

One microburst and every clay tile roof in it's path a total loss... wind picked up tiles off one side, tossed them in the air- landing on the other side and broke most of them...

I only bring it up to point out hardi siding's weakness... if debris hits it at high speed, it'll break.

But other than that, it's real tough stuff.