Hardie Fiber Cement Select Cedarmill
James Hardie Select Cedarmill siding offers the look of wood with durable fiber cement, a fade-resistant finish, and low maintenance for lasting beauty.
Product Details
James Hardie Select Cedarmill siding combines the natural texture of wood with the durability of fiber cement. Featuring ColorPlus Technology for vibrant, fade-resistant color, it provides long-lasting beauty and protection. Low maintenance and built to withstand harsh elements.
Key Features
- Superior durability compared to traditional vinyl siding.
- Noncombustible—Hardie siding will not burn.
- Resists moisture damage and is unappealing to pests like woodpeckers or termites.
- Helps protect against extreme weather, including hurricanes and winter storms.
- 30-year non-prorated, transferable substrate warranty.
Side by Side Comparison
Let's compare two of the most popular exterior siding options on the market in James Hardie with ColorPlus technology and Lp SmartSide with Expert Finish. When comparing James Hardie Select Cedarmill with ColorPlus Technology to LP SmartSide ExpertFinish, both are strong contenders, each offering unique benefits for homeowners. Let’s break down the key aspects of each product to help you decide which is the right fit for your home.
| James Hardie | LP SmartSide | |
| Lifespan | 40 to 50 Years | 20 to 30 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions |
| Resist Rot | Excels in resisting extreme weather, moisture, pests (termites), rot, and mold due to fiber cement composition. | Significant resistance to moisture, pests, and fungal decay due to SmartGuard® zinc borate treatment |
| Maintenance | Requires periodic maintenance, including cleaning and painting every 10 to 15 years | Regular cleaning needed, repainting every 5 to 10 years depending on exposure and paint quality |
| Warranty |
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| Aesthetics | Wide range of styles (lap siding, shingle siding, vertical panel siding) with numerous textures and colors | Diverse styles (traditional lap, panel siding, shakes, trim) with a variety of textures mimicking natural wood |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost due to material composition and manufacturing process, but potential long-term savings due to durability | More affordable initially in terms of material and installation costs, but may incur higher maintenance and repainting costs |
Materials
- James Hardie Select Cedarmill: Made from fiber cement, this siding combines Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, creating a material that’s highly resistant to fire, moisture, and pests. Fiber cement is known for its durability and long-term performance.
- LP SmartSide ExpertFinish: Crafted from engineered wood, this siding uses wood strands coated with a resin and zinc borate for protection. While durable, engineered wood siding may be more prone to moisture-related issues compared to fiber cement, though LP has improved this through their SmartGuard treatment.
Exterior Finish
- James Hardie: Hardie’s Select Cedarmill siding features ColorPlus Technology, a factory-applied baked-on finish that offers consistent color, superior fade resistance, and long-lasting beauty. The finish is cured between coats for extra durability.
- LP SmartSide: ExpertFinish uses a factory-applied paint finish designed for durability and protection. However, while LP’s finish is strong, it may not offer the same level of fade resistance and long-term color retention as James Hardie’s baked-on ColorPlus Technology.
Color Options
- James Hardie: Offers over 700 custom color options with ColorPlus Technology, ensuring homeowners have a wide range of shades to match their exterior aesthetic, including darker tones that maintain vibrancy for years.
- LP SmartSide: Provides 16 prefinished colors in its ExpertFinish line. While the palette is smaller, it still includes a good range of popular colors. However, for those seeking a very specific color match or a broader range, James Hardie offers more customization.
Warranties
- James Hardie: The Select Cedarmill siding comes with a 30-year non-prorated warranty on the substrate and a 15-year ColorPlus Technology warranty. This warranty specifically covers the color finish, including protection against peeling, cracking, and fading—even for darker colors, which are more susceptible to UV damage.
- LP SmartSide: The ExpertFinish siding comes with a 50-year prorated limited warranty on the substrate and a 15-year finish warranty. While the coverage is solid, the prorated nature of the substrate warranty may offer less value in the long term compared to James Hardie’s non-prorated offering.
Cost Comparison
- James Hardie: Generally, Hardie siding tends to be slightly more expensive upfront than LP SmartSide. However, the longevity, low maintenance, and long-term color retention—especially for darker shades—can make it a better investment over time.
- LP SmartSide: Typically, LP SmartSide is more budget-friendly and easier to install, which can lower upfront costs. However, long-term maintenance costs, especially if exposed to high-moisture environments, may offset initial savings.
Other Key Points
- James Hardie: Known for its fire resistance, Hardie siding is noncombustible, making it a safer option in areas prone to wildfires. Additionally, the baked-on finish in darker colors is highly resistant to fading, a crucial factor for homeowners who want long-lasting curb appeal without frequent repainting.
- LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide is prized for its lightweight nature and impact resistance, which can be an advantage in areas where hail or windblown debris is a concern. However, its engineered wood composition may require more maintenance over time, especially in damp climates.
Key Takeaways
Both James Hardie Select Cedarmill with ColorPlus and LP SmartSide ExpertFinish are quality siding products, each with distinct strengths. If you’re looking for a siding that offers superior longevity, a broader range of color options, and greater resistance to fire and moisture, James Hardie Select Cedarmill is an excellent choice. Its higher initial investment can pay off in durability, long-term color retention, and lower maintenance, especially for darker exterior finishes. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more cost-effective, lightweight option with good impact resistance, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish may suit your needs.
In either case, you’re selecting a product that will enhance your home’s curb appeal, but James Hardie’s track record and stronger warranties give it a slight edge for homeowners seeking the ultimate in durability and long-lasting beauty.
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