Fiber cement siding (also widely known as James Hardie siding) is designed to enhance the exterior of a home while recreating the appearance of traditional wood or vinyl siding.
Developed over a century ago, this type of cement siding was created to protect buildings from extreme weather conditions while maintaining long-lasting visual appeal.
Seattle’s wet, mild climate—featuring frequent rainfall, moisture, and changing seasonal conditions—can be especially demanding on exterior materials. For homeowners seeking durability, cost-effectiveness, and a wide range of colours and textures, James Hardie fiber cement siding remains an unbeatable choice. Today, it is widely used throughout the world, including in Seattle and across the United States, particularly in regions exposed to harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
Advantages of James Hardie Siding
There are plenty of reasons why you should consider installing James Hardie® siding for your home in Seattle instead of other siding options:
Exceptional durability
James Hardie® siding is engineered to withstand Seattle’s hot, humid climate, including intense sun, heavy rainfall, moisture, insects, and fire. Its multi-material fiber cement composition makes it far more durable than siding made from a single material;
Long lifespan
James Hardie® fiber cement boards are significantly thicker than traditional vinyl siding. While vinyl siding typically measures about 0.05 inches thick, James Hardie® siding averages around 0.5 inches, allowing it to last for decades—often 50 years or more;
Low maintenance
Fiber cement siding requires very little upkeep. Occasional cleaning is typically sufficient, and repainting is usually only needed every 15 years or longer, especially when factory-finished products are selected;
Attractive and versatile design
James Hardie® siding offers a wide range of colours, textures, and profiles that accurately replicate the appearance of wood lapboards, cedar shingles, and shakes—without the maintenance challenges of natural materials;
Fire and weather resistance
Unlike vinyl or wood siding, James Hardie® siding will not warp, melt, or burn when exposed to high heat. Its fire-resistant properties make it a safer option for homes in Seattle.
Environmentally responsible
James Hardie® products are manufactured using sustainable practices and durable materials that reduce the need for frequent replacement, making them an environmentally friendly siding option.
Find Your Perfect Fit: Siding Styles Built for Seattle Weather.
Most Frequently Chosen Siding Designs
1PlanksLast year we refurbished an average of 80% of houses in the James Hardie® planks style. This siding is 5/16 inches thick and has six different width options: 5.25 in, 6.25 in, 7.25 in, 8.25 in, 9.25 in, and 12 in. It installation is ideal for creating a classic, warm, and inviting look for Seattle homes.
- 2Panels
These James Hardie panels are an excellent option for a modern look and offer a sleek design featuring some of the most innovative siding techniques in the industry. This siding is 5/16 inches thick and has six different width options: 4 ft × 8 ft, 4 ft × 9 ft, and 4 ft × 10 ft. They can be either smooth or stucco/cedarmill texture and usually cut on-site to match the design you’ve chosen for your home.
- 3Shingles
James Hardie® shingles are a great way to draw attention to specific areas of the structure while adding quality and contrast. This vertical type of siding is 5/16 inches and tpanels measure 48 inches in length by 16 inches in height. For more detailed applications, available in widths of: 4.2 in, 5.5 in, 6.75 in, 7.25 in, and 10 in. Shingles help attract attention to the architectural details around them while providing clean lines for your house.
Want James Hardie® siding that perfectly complements your home’s colour scheme? ColourPlus® Technology is a factory-applied finish available exclusively with James Hardie® products.
Applied and cured in a controlled environment, this multi-coat finish delivers superior adhesion, long-lasting colour, and reduced maintenance. ColourPlus® Technology resists fading, chipping, cracking, and peeling—helping Seattle homes maintain lasting curb appeal for years to come.
FAQ
How much does James Hardie installation cost?
Let’s talk numbers first: for a 2,000 sq. ft. residence, you’re looking at $18,000–$21,000 in total project cost, with a per‐foot price of $9–$10 – that covers the planks, all accessories (starter strips, corner trims, J‐channels), and full labor.
But here’s what many miss: Hardie’s performance hinges entirely on the install. The substrate must be flat and dry, the house wrap meticulously taped, and the fasteners driven at the exact prescribed depth – too shallow and you get tenting, too deep and you compromise the board’s edge. We also pay obsessive attention to expansion joints and back‐lapping at windows. Because we’re a certified James Hardie Preferred Contractor, we use their proprietary fastening guidelines and inspection checkpoints on every job.
Do termites eat Hardie siding?
Hardie Board Siding is made from a combination of cement, sand and cellulose fibers so it is termite resistant. The presence of cement prevents the termites from chewing through and accessing the nutrients they require, so it’s not the most attractive material for termites. It still needs to be cared for and maintained well because if it is neglected it can become damaged and decline in its quality, increasing the potential for pests. To maintain the Hardie Board it is recommended to wash/clean the siding regularly, and maintain gutters, spouting and drainage.
Can Hardie Siding Be Painted?
Yes, absolutely you can paint or stain it and it is relatively easy to do so. Hardie Siding already comes with a wide range of colours to choose from or primed ready to paint if you would like a very specific colour that we are not able to provide. Ideal Siding can offer a wide range of colour solutions and textures to install Hardie Fiber Cement siding on your house in Seattle.
Is the board impenetrable?
It is not completely bulletproof but it is extremely durable! Resistant to weather, termite and rot, it is also Class A fire rated!
See the latest reviews for siding installation and replacement in Seattle
Our Pricing
A typical James Hardie® siding project in Seattle starts at $10.50 per sq. ft. We guarantee professional and comprehensive installation:
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Our crews complete every installation on time and fully comply with manufacturer guidelines and your preferences, ensuring proper installation and preservation of the manufacturer’s warranty. |
We take Seattle’s climate into account during installation, ensuring the siding performs well through wet weather, moisture, mild seasonal changes, and cooler winters—maximizing durability, longevity, and overall performance. |
Call us to request a free estimation:
+1 (253) 785-3775
+1-8-555-SIDING
Or send an e-mail:
info@idealsiding.com
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