Whether it’s time to upgrade your siding because you want to update the curb appeal of your home, or you experienced storm damage to your siding, it can be tough to decide between LP Smart Siding and James Hardie. If you’re not sure how these two types of siding differ from each other, you’re not alone. There are some key differences between the two, so we’re going to take a look at how they differ to help you figure out what would be the best choice for your home.

James Hardie vs. LP Smart Siding

The biggest difference between James Hardie and LP Smart Siding is in the core. James Hardie siding is a great choice for anyone that wants a really long-lasting siding because it has a cement core with a baked-on paint on the outside. Because of the cement core, James Hardie siding is great for high-humidity areas because it won’t expand when moisture is introduced. This also means that it can be installed as is without taking expansion into account.

LP Smart Siding, on the other hand, is made of resin and wood chips. This means that it can be worked with exactly like wood. We can use the same tools and methods used with any other wooden materials. The tricky thing about wood is that it expands, so we need to take into account the space needed during installation.

Installation and Application

When installing siding, there are many things to consider. The type of material the siding is made from impacts the rest of the project. If James Hardie siding is being installed, we don’t need to allow extra space for expansion. Without the gaps, it’s easy to apply the trim without needing to consider how much expansion there’s going to be.

With LP Smart Siding, your contractor will need to allow extra space for the siding to expand with the changes in moisture. Homes in CoMo are no strangers to humid weather, so wood siding will definitely need the extra space. The way the trim is applied and the way the boards butt into each other is going to be different than with cement core siding.

The Best Siding for Your Home: James Hardie or LP Smart Siding?

As a contractor, CoMo Premium Exteriors is a lead James Hardie installer, so that’s the main type of siding that we work with. However, many homeowners we work with prefer LP Smart Siding.

When you’re picking your siding, some things are going to factor into your choice, from the cost of the project to the look you’re going for. As siding professionals, we talk to homeowners to find out exactly what they’re looking for. We find out what problem they’re looking to solve and talk to them about different options. Depending on the look and texture they want, James Hardie could be the best option, while LP Smart Siding is better for other situations. Curious about the cost to install James Hardie siding? We wrote about that too!

CoMo Premium Exteriors is Here to Help With Your Siding Needs

If you’re thinking about an exterior remodeling project, CoMo is ready to be your trusted siding professional. Our experienced, local team is ready to collaborate with you on what you want and what your home needs, so we can find the best solution together. Whether you’ve decided on a siding material or need to ask a few questions, reach out to CoMo Premium Exteriors today to get started.

Homeowners that are considering updating or upgrading their home’s exterior should understand how James Hardie siding can provide an attractive, long-term cladding solution. We’re going to look at the cost to install James Hardie Siding, as well as some of the factors that can influence the price, and how to best approach your exterior remodeling project’s cost.

How Much Does It Cost To Install James Hardie Siding?

There is no concrete answer to this, simply because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are generally two ways to go about installing James Hardie siding. There is the conventional, simple installation, and there is the more involved, full-featured siding installation. Take a look.

Simple Installation

For simple fiber cement siding installations, homeowners can expect to pay between $8 and $12 per square foot for fiber cement siding costs, including materials and labor. This number will vary greatly based on many factors such as the siding being removed, the amount of trim work, the size and height of the home, and many others.

Highly Custom Installation

Homeowners that are looking for more elaborate or intricate trim work, or specialty colors, can expect to pay substantially more for their installations. These can run anywhere from $12 to $20 per square foot, however that price will vary greatly based on many factors. There will also often be a more substantial time investment needed for these projects, as there is far more labor involved.

Factors That Influence The Cost To Install James Hardie Siding

Home Size

One major factor affecting the cost to install Hardie Plank siding is the size of your home. The total square footage of your home’s exterior will directly impact the number of materials and the overall scale of the project, which in turn increases the price. In particular, the number of stories and terrain around the home can affect the complexity.

Trim & Custom Work

Custom trim, fascia, soffit, or other customized or special elements enhance the appearance of the siding installation, but they also require a greater labor cost and more time. There are also additional materials that are needed, beyond the standard siding, which also contributes to cost.

Special Order Colors

James Hardie siding comes in a range of standard colors, but if your project requires it you can order a custom color or even a color match. This will help the installation blend seamlessly with your home, but will frequently elevate the price. In addition, there are different profiles that can add a unique look to the home but come at a price. Profiles include squared shake, rounded shake, staggered shake, and others.

Siding to Remove

Another significant factor in the cost is the existing siding that is being removed. Hard board siding takes longer to remove and is more expensive to dispose of than vinyl. In addition, some homes must content with the additional costs associated with asbestos siding, rotted decking, and improper home construction.

Start With Your Budget, Not Your Dream

While most people have a vision for their home, that vision is what usually requires a highly custom installation. If you approach your project from the standpoint of your budget first, we can collaborate with you on that vision or dream, and see how close we can get without overstepping your budgetary requirements.

CoMo Premium Exteriors Can Help You Get The Installation Your Home Needs

At CoMo Premium Exteriors, we understand that every homeowner is unique, and has unique needs and desires for the exterior appearance of their home. We can work with your budget and your overall vision to find a solution that you’ll enjoy and that makes your home look great. Reach out today to get started with a free estimate.

For homeowners who are considering beginning an exterior siding remodeling project, finding a high-quality siding contractor is one of the most critical aspects of the project’s success. We’re going to look at some of the most essential qualities of a good contractor, and how those qualities can help ensure a smooth, professional installation process that meets manufacturer requirements.

What are the Qualities of a Good Siding Contractor?

When you’re getting ready to start looking for a good siding contractor, you’re going to need to evaluate several conditions before finally making a decision. Remember, this is going to be someone working on the primary line of defense for your home against the elements. Here are 5 of the biggest factors you should look at.

Creating A Detailed Proposal

A detailed proposal is one of the biggest indicators of a siding contractor’s commitment to professionalism and quality results. It should include a written description of the work to be performed, the product manufacturers and colors selected to be installed, and easy to understand contract language. A solid proposal will help to eliminate many potential disputes later on.

Educated on the Best Siding Materials

You may not be able to investigate this factor until you pick your material, but your contractor should be intimately familiar with the siding material that you decide on. Whether you select vinyl, James Hardie fiber cement, or LP SmartSide, your contractor should be able to demonstrate their expertise with the material and provide you with the pros and cons of each. This will ultimately help ensure that it can be installed properly and without making an abundance of mistakes, while also helping you to make the best decision for your goals and budget.

They Set Appropriate Expectations

Any good siding contractor will take the time and make the effort to set appropriate expectations with their clients. They should set expectations regarding the project’s anticipated direction, forecasted or potential problems, and the costs of the project. Experienced siding sales people should be knowledgeable and able to explain the installation process step-by-step.

Warranty Knowledge

Understanding the warranty options that are available for your siding project can have a significant effect on the product you ultimately choose. Any contractor that isn’t familiar with their products’ warranties will generally tell you it will “last forever” or something similar, but nothing lasts forever, which is important to remember when choosing products based on warranty coverage.

Excellent Communication

Communication is essential in any home improvement project, and a good siding company will help keep you informed through every step of the process. There will be times when you have questions about your project, or simply want an update on the day’s process, and your contractor should be ready to help keep you updated. Good siding companies will notify you immediately of issues and let you know the proposed solution as well.

Let CoMo Premium Exteriors Show You An Excellent Siding Contractor

CoMo Premium Exteriors has an entire team of highly-experienced, skilled siding professionals that put the customer’s satisfaction first. We’ll make sure you have a detailed, transparent proposal, and help you determine what siding options are ideal for your home.

Experience the difference in working with an exceptional siding contractor, and let CoMo Premium Exteriors show you how our team can put the highest industry standards to work on your project. Reach out to CoMo for more information, or to get started by making an appointment for an estimate from the leading siding contractor in Columbia, Jefferson City, and surrounding areas

Let’s talk about siding replacement cost figures. When it’s time to re-side your home, you’ll want to create a budget because a reliable envelope of siding is never cheap. CoMo Premium Exteriors can help you explore financing options and identify ways to get the most out of your investment into whichever siding material you select.

Siding Replacement Cost Depends on Material Selection

Options include aluminum siding, stone siding, and engineered wood siding. Like all exterior remodeling projects, the average replacement cost of siding depends on the goals and preferences of the homeowner. One big question to ask yourself is whether you intend to stay in a house for a while or sell it in 5 years. If someone buys a home, has a large family, and intends to remain there for over 5 years, they might want to pursue something durable like fiber cement siding or LP Siding.

Granted, those are a bit more expensive, so if you think you’re going to sell the house soon, you might want to go after vinyl siding instead. It still works pretty well, tends to be cost effective, has plenty of manufacturer warranties, and comes in several colors.

Other considerations that will determine the cost of siding replacement include the existing siding and whether it involves cost to replace asbestos siding or simply cost to repair siding. Cost to replace asbestos siding can be higher in old homes due to EPA regulations. Homes with water leaking issues may have rotted decking behind their siding that needs replaced. There are all types of situations and scenarios, so be sure you are dealing with a reputable and knowledgeable company to get accurate pricing.

Major Advantages to James Hardie Siding

Although it is more expensive than vinyl, from a value standpoint it is hard to beat James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding and LP SmartSide Wood Siding. We have lots of good things to say about both these products because they’re a solid long-term investment. While CoMo Premium Exteriors installs both, a lot of people are interested in James Hardie. Below is some information on this excellent product.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 benefits of choosing James Hardie Siding for your home.

1. Your problems with pests, woodpeckers, and termites will be a thing of the past. Critters can’t chew through fiber cement material.
2. It adds substantial curb appeal with dozens of color schemes that match your roof shingles and other exterior features.
3. James Hardie makes the most energy-efficient siding, and for those considering other options, the average cost to reside a house with materials like aluminum siding or engineered wood siding can vary.
4. It’s low maintenance and you can expect at least two solid decades of protection.

We should also mention that durability also refers to fire resistance, something you won’t get with vinyl. If you’re leaning toward James Hardie Siding for your home, just make sure you hire certified James Hardie Siding contractors since this isn’t the easiest product to hang and it takes a team well versed in installation specifications. As usual, CoMo Premium Exteriors is at your service for this premium material.

When You Might Prefer Vinyl Instead

Nevertheless, vinyl siding is still a great choice for many homeowners, and manufacturers have made substantial improvements to make it more durable and fade resistant. Although most customers prefer the aesthetic appeal of other siding materials, vinyl still has plenty of color and style potential for those on a tighter budget or who may plan to move in 5 years.

The chief complaint against vinyl siding is that it doesn’t add much home value and it can fade over time. In addition, Vinyl siding is more prone to getting cracked or damaged, but considering the cost to replace siding, it can be a more economical choice for those needing siding repair. As long as you know what to expect, then these problems don’t need to blind-side you, though. Vinyl is by far the easiest and fastest to install, so that means the project doesn’t take as long. While vinyl is the most cost-effective siding option, there are many brands and quality levels when it comes to vinyl siding. Ensuring you select a vinyl siding brand that produces a quality product is very important.

Call CoMo Premium Exteriors for Detailed Siding Replacement Cost Estimates

Finally, the average cost for replacement siding depends on the size and complexity of your home. Since manufacturers price their siding boards in dollars-per-square-feet, you can expect a large home to incur a heftier bill than a small country bungalow.

In any event, we’re at your service for any siding job regardless of home size, and have a team of technicians that can put together any type of exterior remodeling solution you need. We can vouch for that by pointing to our long list of testimonials from previous home siding clients who enjoy our dedicated craftsmanship.

You can reach us anytime for a free estimate to see where your house compares to the average siding replacement cost figures in Missouri.

CoMo Premium Exteriors is here to show you the best ways to maintain home siding and keep things intact for decades. Good siding installation should minimize the need for hours of maintenance, but there are a few upkeep habits that’ll allow you to get the most out of your investment.

Best Ways to Maintain Home Siding

How much should you do to maintain your home’s siding?

It depends on what kind of siding you have. If you have James Hardie fiber cement or LP wood siding, you can paint them, but it’s only necessary after their long warranty periods. The major draw for those brands is the relatively easy maintenance because the paint doesn’t fade as fast as it would with vinyl.

One common upkeep concern that many people overlook with brands like James Hardie or LP is ensuring the caulk does not need re-done. Over time caulk will pull back in certain places or just wear out. It is a good idea each year to inspect your siding and look for areas that need re-caulked or where you may have experienced damage from a tree or some collision. Any such areas should be addressed to ensure water is not getting behind the siding or in areas where it should not be.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to make sure you don’t see any boards popping off the walls. It is common to see maybe one or two pop a little over time, but if you have lots of that happening then you should have an experienced siding company like CoMo Premium Exteriors inspect the work to ensure it is installed correctly.

What About Vinyl Material?

Vinyl siding is also maintenance free for the most part. Most people find that vinyl will fade over time or get holes from lawnmowers, weed wackers, or the occasional baseball. It is important to replace boards with damage that is up high to ensure water does not get back behind the vinyl siding. If you have issues with your For vinyl siding growing algae or mold you can do a soft wash or even some power washing to address these concerns. Just be careful that the water pressure is not so high it damages the siding.

Inspect Your Siding Often

Regardless of which style you have on your home, you should inspect your siding at least annually, but preferably every six months.

If you own wood siding, you’ll need to do this most often to check for termites, wood rot, and other moisture-driven problems. Steel siding is very low maintenance, but you’ll want to check for scratches and power wash it occasionally.

More on James Hardie Maintenance

Since James Hardie Siding is a popular feature among Missouri homes, we thought it might help to delve a little more into its specific maintenance considerations. Here are a few other helpful suggestions for maintaining this popular fiber cement siding:

• When you’re ready to replace the caulk, be careful about which variety you select.
• Try to prune or reposition your landscaping to avoid constant contact with the siding. While it’s a very durable material, even the best siding will damage prematurely if you expose it to constant friction.

If you’d like to learn more on this topic, please read our earlier post on James Hardie maintenance.

CoMo Premium Exteriors: Helping you Maintain Home Siding with Exemplary Installation

As we said, if you can trust your siding contractor to do a good job up front, then homeowner maintenance will be a breeze. That’s where we shine the best with our dedicated and certified installation technicians.

We are the only contractor in Mid-Missouri designated as Elite Preferred status with the James Hardie for installing fiber cement siding. We’re also adept at hanging vinyl, wood, LP Smart Siding, or any other material. Our reputation extends even further with over 200 positive evaluations on Google Reviews, and an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Contact us anytime to learn all the important ways to maintain home siding in Columbia, MO.