Author: Craftsmen Home Improvements

Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look or updating that old, worn-out siding?

Maybe you’ve heard of James Hardie and are wondering if it’s really as good as everyone says.

Well, it’s true! James Hardie siding is one of the most popular choices out there—and for good reason. It’s tough, low-maintenance, and looks amazing.

In this post, we’re going to walk through 8 reasons why James Hardie siding is totally worth the investment.

#1 It’s Seriously Durable

James Hardie siding is built to last.

It’s made of fiber cement, which is way tougher than regular wood or vinyl. We’re talking about siding that can stand up to wind, rain, and all kinds of tough weather conditions.

No more worrying about your siding cracking, warping, or fading after just a few seasons.

It’s designed to hold up for decades, which means you’re not going to be dealing with repairs or replacements anytime soon. That’s peace of mind right there.

Also Read: Can You Put New Siding Over Old Wood Siding?

#2 Hardly Needs Maintenance

Now, this is music to most homeowners’ ears.

Once it’s up, there’s not a lot you need to do. No annual scraping, patching, or babysitting. It doesn’t rot. It won’t swell or buckle from moisture. And it holds paint really well—like way longer than wood.

You’ll still want to give it a good rinse every now and then to keep it looking fresh.

But beyond that? Pretty hands-off. Less time on ladders, more time doing literally anything else.

#3 Fire Resistance

If you live in a fire-prone area, fire resistance is a big deal. James Hardie siding doesn’t ignite when exposed to flame. It won’t melt like vinyl siding or catch fire like wood.

In a world where wildfires seem more common every year, this can literally save your home.

Most insurance companies recognize this benefit too. Many homeowners see reduced insurance premiums after installing fiber cement siding.

The material is classified as non-combustible, earning it high marks with building codes everywhere.

#4 Gives Your Home A Great Look

Curb appeal matters! James Hardie siding comes in tons of styles and colors.

Want the classic look of wood without the maintenance headaches? No problem. Looking for something more modern? They’ve got you covered.

You can choose from:

• Lap siding for that traditional horizontal look
• Board-and-batten for a distinctive vertical style
• Shingle siding for that charming coastal vibe

The textures look authentic too – not fake or plastic-like. Many people can’t tell the difference between James Hardie and real wood from the street.

Plus, the color options are practically endless. You can find the perfect shade to match your vision or completely transform your home’s appearance.

#5 Great Warranty

James Hardie stands behind their product in a big way.

They offer a 30-year non-prorated warranty on their siding. This isn’t one of those warranties with a million loopholes and exceptions. It’s straightforward and comprehensive.

The ColorPlus Technology finish even comes with its own 15-year warranty against fading, chipping, and peeling.

This warranty is transferable too, which adds value if you decide to sell your home.

This kind of peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. If anything does go wrong, you’ve got backup. That’s not something you can always count on with other siding materials.

Also Read: How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost In Minnesota?

#6 Keeps Pests Away

Bugs and critters love wood siding. They see it as both food and shelter.

But they don’t love fiber cement. The fiber cement offers zero nutritional value to insects. Termites can’t eat it. Woodpeckers won’t drill into it. Rodents can’t chew through it easily.

This means your home’s exterior stays intact. No surprise holes or damage from unwanted visitors. No need for those expensive pest control treatments specifically for your siding.

Your home stays looking pristine year after year, without becoming a bug buffet.

#7 It Holds Up In Tough Weather

We all know that Mother Nature can be unpredictable. Extreme heat, freezing cold, heavy rain, you name it. But James Hardie siding can handle it.

Fiber cement doesn’t expand or contract like wood does in changing temperatures, so you won’t see cracks or gaps forming after a tough winter.

It also resists damage from things like hail and heavy wind, so you won’t be replacing pieces every time there’s a storm.

This durability makes it perfect for homes in areas with harsh weather conditions.

#8 Helps With Energy Savings

If you want to lower your energy bills, James Hardie siding can help with that too.

The fiber cement is a good insulator, which means it keeps heat inside during the winter and helps keep your house cooler in the summer. Less energy used means lower utility bills, and who doesn’t like saving a little cash each month?

Plus, if you pair it with good insulation, you’re really optimizing your home’s energy efficiency.

The Downsides Of James Hardie Siding

Let’s be honest – nothing’s perfect. James Hardie siding costs more upfront than vinyl siding. You’re looking at roughly 30-50% higher initial investment. Installation is also more labor-intensive, which adds to the cost.

Plus, the material is heavy. Really heavy. This makes installation more challenging and typically not a DIY project.

You’ll need professional installers who know what they’re doing. And it can be damaged by improper installation. If the contractors cut corners, you might face issues down the road.

So choosing the right installation team matters almost as much as choosing the siding itself.

Also Check Out Our James Hardie Siding Installation Services

When Is James Hardie Siding Worth It?

James Hardie is 100% worth considering if:

• You plan to stay in your home for 7+ years (to recoup the investment)
• You live in an area with extreme weather conditions
• Your current siding needs frequent repairs or maintenance
• You want to increase your home’s value and curb appeal

It’s especially worth considering if you’re tired of painting wood siding every few years or if you’ve had issues with vinyl siding cracking or warping.

The long-term savings on maintenance alone can justify the higher upfront cost.

But if you’re flipping a house or want the absolute cheapest option short-term, this probably isn’t the one. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you’re thinking of the big picture.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, James Hardie siding is an investment that pays off.

It’s durable, requires almost no maintenance, and looks great. Plus, it offers added protection from pests, extreme weather, and even fire.

If you’re looking for a siding option that can handle it all and still keep your home looking sharp, James Hardie is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid choice that’ll serve you well for years to come.

So, if you’re ready for an upgrade, this might just be the perfect fit for your home!

If you’re thinking about replacing or installing siding on your home in Minnesota, one of the first questions you probably have is, “How much is this going to cost?”

The truth is, the cost of installing siding can vary a lot.

It depends on the material you choose, the size of your home, and other factors.

In this guide, we’ll give you a clear idea of how much siding costs in Minnesota, and share some of our own rates to help you plan your budget.

How Much Does Siding Cost In Minnesota?

Siding costs about $4 – $13 per square foot in Minnesota.

For an average 2,500-square-foot house, you’re looking at somewhere between $10,000 and $32,500. The final price depends on your home’s size, layout, and the type of siding you go for.

And if you’ve got old siding that needs to be removed first, that’ll add an extra $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot.

Also Read: How much does a roof inspection cost

Average Siding Costs In Minnesota By Material

The cost of siding in Minnesota can differ quite a bit depending on the material.

Some options, like vinyl, are more budget-friendly, while others, like stone or brick, can be a bit more expensive because of the materials and installation labor.

Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to pay per square foot for different types of siding:

Siding Material	Cost per Square Foot Installed	Cost For A 2,500 SF House
Vinyl	$4 – $12	$10,000 – $30,000
Masonite	$4 – $8	$10,000 – $20,000
Board and Batten	$5 – $13	$12,500 – $32,500
Log / Wood	$5 – $15	$12,500 – $37,500
Cedar	$6 – $16	$15,000 – $40,000
Aluminum	$6 – $10	$15,000 – $25,000
Fiber Cement	$6 – $15	$15,000 – $37,500
Engineered Wood	$7 – $12	$12,500 – $37,500
Steel	$7 – $16	$17,500 – $40,000
Stucco	$7 – $17	$17,500 – $42,500
Brick	$8 – $18	$20,000 – $45,000
Stone	$10 – $45	$10,000 – $25,000*

Our Siding Prices

Our siding installation costs around $27,000 to $38,000 for an averaged sized home.

We’re a James Hardie contractor, which means you’re getting work from a trained, vetted, and proven professional. Unlike regular contractors, we’ve gone through extensive training on James Hardie’s best practices, maintain proper insurance, and have a proven track record of high-quality installations.

Here’s what’s included in our siding installation:

• Removing and disposing of old siding
• Inspecting and repairing the exterior walls if needed
• Installing siding
• Sealing and flashing
• Painting or finishing touches to make it look perfect
• Full cleanup so your home looks great when we’re done

Check Out Our James Hardie profile here.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Siding

Now that you have a general idea of siding costs, let’s take a look at the factors that can make the price go up or down in Minnesota:

#1 Siding Material

As you already saw, the siding material you pick is the biggest price factor.

Vinyl is the cheapest, no doubt, but it’s not as durable as other options like fiber cement or steel. If you want something that lasts a long time, you might look at those.

Wood siding can look amazing, especially if you go for something like cedar, but it’ll cost more.

On the other hand, brick or stone veneer is really sturdy, and they last forever, but the expensive.

#2 Home Size

It’s pretty simple – the bigger your house, the more siding you’ll need.

Larger homes will naturally require more materials, which increases the overall cost of the job.

The total square footage of your home will directly impact the number of materials required, and larger homes can easily push the cost into the higher end of the range.

Plus, larger homes may have more intricate features like multiple stories, porches, and architectural details. These features not only require more time to install but also more precision, which can drive up labor costs.

#3 Labor

Labor costs are another major factor in how much your siding project will cost.

Contractors charge based on a few things:

• How much work is involved
• How complicated the job is
• Local cost of labor

Generally, labor costs range from $3 to $5 per square foot, but this can vary depending on where you live and how much experience the contractor has.

Labor might cost more if your home has a lot of custom features, like ornate trim, multiple angles, or if you’re choosing a more complicated siding material that requires more expertise to install (like fiber cement or cedar).

#4 Removal Of Old Siding

If you’ve got old siding that needs to be taken down before the new stuff goes up, that’s going to add to your total cost.

You can’t just slap new siding on top of the old – everything needs to come off.

The removal typically runs between $1 and $2 per square foot, but it could be higher if your old siding is tough to get off, like brick or wood shingles.

Plus, if the old siding contains asbestos or is otherwise hazardous, removal could become more complicated and expensive. In this case, you’ll want to factor in additional costs for safe removal and disposal.

Also Read: Can You Put New Siding Over Old Wood Siding?

#5 Repairs Before Installations

Before you install the new siding, you’ll need to check the underlying structure of your home.

If there’s any water damage, mold, or rot, that needs to be fixed before the siding goes up. If you don’t take care of these issues, you could run into bigger problems down the line.

Any repairs will obviously add to the overall cost of the project.

The good news is, a lot of contractors will offer a free inspection as part of their estimate. They’ll check out your home and point out any repairs that need to be made before the siding goes up.

#6 Your Location

Where you live in Minnesota also affects siding costs.

If you’re in a bigger city, like Minneapolis or St. Paul, the labor tends to be more expensive because there’s more demand for skilled contractors.

On the flip side, rural areas may have lower labor costs, but you might have fewer contractors to choose from, and it could be harder to find someone with the right experience for your project.

Materials can also get more expensive if they have to be shipped from far away, so if you live in a more remote area, be prepared for that.

#7 Permits And Inspections

Some cities or counties in Minnesota require a permit for siding installation, while others don’t.

If a permit is required, you’ll need to factor in the cost of acquiring it.

Permits can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on where you live.

After the siding is installed, there may also be an inspection fee, especially if you’re using materials like fiber cement or stone veneer.

Also Read: Who To Call For Leaking Windows?

Best Siding Options For Minnesota’s Climate

Minnesota has all four seasons, with harsh winters and hot summers, so it’s important to choose a siding that can handle those extremes.

Here are the top siding options that can stand up to the Minnesota climate:

• Vinyl siding: Affordable, low-maintenance, and good for extreme temperatures.
• Fiber cement: Durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to weather.
• Steel siding: Tough, fire-resistant, and handles the cold well.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, siding your home is a big investment, but it’s one that can pay off.

The cost will depend on factors like the material, the size of your home, and where you live in Minnesota. On average, expect to spend anywhere from $10,000 and $32,500.