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How much does James Hardie siding cost?

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One of the most inexpensive ways to overhaul your home’s exterior, create a brand new look, and recoup your initial investment in resale value is to replace your siding. Remodeling Magazine ranked fiber cement siding as the best value home improvement option for five years in a row! 

On average, you can anticipate a 78% resale value recoup from your siding replacement job. Although the cost of your siding installation will vary, overall, you can anticipate costs around $10,000 for the average residing job.  With a licensed and respected contractor on your side, a siding replacement job is a simple and effective way to invest in your home’s resale value.

James Hardie siding is the number one siding in America. More people researching new siding will end up buying James Hardie siding than any other brand of siding in North America. One of the most common questions we get is “how much it will cost to re-side my home with James Hardie siding.”

What Affects the Cost of a Siding Job?

Location

The area that you live in will affect the price of James Hardie siding being installed on your house. This is similar to home values; in areas where home values are higher, it is typically more expensive to install James Hardie. Every market is different and the market that you are in will affect the price of your James Hardie project.

Season

Did you know that the season you choose to reside your home in will affect the cost of your installation? When you install during peak siding season in the spring and summer when contractors are busiest, you may be running up costs you could save by having your installation done in the fall or winter.

Size and Waste

Another important factor is the size and waste of the project. All homes are different in size, shape, and have varying needs when it comes to what areas of the home need to be replaced. The larger the size of the home, the more siding it will take to complete the project. Also, houses with more gables or uncommonly-shaped areas will have more waste when being replaced. Waste is factored on a house to house basis and a house with more areas of high waste will cause the price to be slightly higher.

Tear Off or Removal

When deciding on a siding replacement project, choosing whether or not to tear off your old siding is an important decision. Sometimes it is possible to leave the old siding depending on style, condition, and budget. When possible, it is recommended to remove and replace the existing siding, helping to guarantee that the old siding does not cause problems with the lifespan of your new siding.

By removing the existing siding, it allows your contractor to see the decking under the siding as well as the studs and structure. Any rotten or moldy material can be identified and replaced, allowing for your new siding to look great and perform well for years to come.

Decking

Decking is an important piece to be considered when replacing your existing siding with new James Hardie siding. James Hardie recommends a solid substrate or decking system when installing their siding. It will help prevent warping and curving of the siding when installed on top of existing insulation decking. When James Hardie siding is installed on top of foam insulation board, it can cause warping and curves during the new application.  Replacing the decking with new solid decking like 7/16” OSB will help ensure that the decking does not compress, preventing it from looking like the siding is warped.

House Wrap

House wrap, or moisture barrier, can affect not only the price of a project but also the quality of the project. By using James Hardie house wrap, you can make sure you are getting a moisture barrier that will last for the duration of the life of the siding.

ColorPlus vs Primed

When considering replacing your siding with James Hardie siding it is important to know there are two options: ColorPlus or primed James Hardie siding. The cost of installing primed siding and then painting it varies due to a couple of factors, like the quality of paint. When choosing ColorPlus pre-finished James Hardie siding, you know that the finish will last a minimum of 15 years and is a much more durable and consistent finish than a field-applied paint. 

Trim

When factoring the cost of a James Hardie siding project, the price will vary due to the different sizes and amounts of trim. Some contractors will cut corners by using a wood composite or off-brand trim, but James Hardie offers trim that is the same material and finish as the rest of their siding products. The next area in which some contractors might cut corners is when choosing sizes and amounts of trim used on a project. While it might be possible to go with a smaller trim in certain areas to try to keep your cost down, this is something you should discuss with your contractor early on in the design phase when planning your project.

Workmanship

Last but not least are workmanship warranties. A lot of contractors offer 1, 2, and 5-year warranties as well. Typically siding does not have issues until years 5-10 after install, so quality contractors will offer you a lifetime workmanship warranty.

By offering this warranty, the homeowner is covered for the life of the products being installed. Unless there is a product failure, the products being installed correctly should last for the life of the product without issues.

Trust UHQ Construction for Your Siding Installation

When you’re ready to go with unrushed, honest quality you can trust, go with Indianapolis’s favorite siding contractor – UHQ Construction. Call us today to find out how much James Hardie cost for your home. You can reach us at (317) 953-4969 or contact us through our website. We’d love to hear from you.

James Hardie Siding Vs. LP SmartSide

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When considering the purchase of new hardboard siding for your home, it is common to want to know the differences between James Hardie siding and LP Smart Side. There are many differences in these products. Check out some of the differences below.  

LP Smart Side

LP SmartSide is a wood composite product. This is similar to inexpensive furniture that is manufactured by taking the scraps of wood from milled lumber and gluing them into panels. LP SmartSide is commonly referred to as chipboard or strand board due to the makeup and appearance of the product. The next step in making wood composite siding is gluing a piece of paper to one side and finishing it off by painting.

Wood composite is considered a low-end replacement siding. There have been many highly publicized product failures which have made it clear that wood composites are too risky to trust. The installation calls for spaces to be left between the panels due to expansion and contraction of the product throughout the year. When the product expands or contracts, it can lead to cracking and peeling of the paint. Wood composite requires frequent painting and caulking to keep the internal material protected, and spot repairs can be required over time. Since it is a wood product, it can be damaged by termites, woodpeckers, and other pests. The warranty offered with LP SmartSide begins depreciating after 5 years, at which point no labor is covered for product failures.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie fiber cement is a product that is made with silica sand, Portland cement, wood fibers and water.  Fiber cement is manufactured by forming the panels, baking out the moisture/water, and applying an optional factory-controlled finish called Colorplus.

Fiber cement is a solution that delivers the rich, traditional beauty and character of wood without the back-breaking maintenance. A complete exterior with James Hardie products delivers performance no other siding product can match: beautiful designs, low maintenance, & long-lasting durability. Bugs won’t eat it, birds and woodpeckers won’t peck it, it doesn’t rot, and it comes with a non-depreciating 30 year warranty.

James Hardie fiber cement uses raw materials found within 500 miles of their 14 manufacturing facilities throughout North America. Not only does this cut down on transportation, it also allows for local raw materials to be used when formulating the product for the local climate. James Hardie uses non-toxic sourcing of raw materials: wood pulp, cement, sand and water. These raw materials are able to be recycled up to 4 times.

James Hardie’s Endless Options

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Create Your Dream Home Exterior with James Hardie

When you invest in a siding replacement job, you don’t have to recreate your old siding look. A siding replacement is an exciting opportunity to refresh your home and create a new look you love. It’s easy to envision your dream exterior with James Hardie products, which offer a wide variety of styles, siding types, and colors to choose from.

When you’re ready to create the exterior you deserve, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Read on to learn more about how you can create a custom look with James Hardie’s product line.

james hardie house

James Hardie Siding Styles

James Hardie fiber cement siding is beloved among contractors and homeowners alike for its beauty and durability. Here are some of the many stunning siding styles you can choose from to create your dream home exterior.

HardiePlank

You simply can’t go wrong with HardiePlank lap siding if you want to give your home a timeless look. Sleek, strong HardiePlank offers two great style options for your siding. 

Consider the cedar mill texture for a traditional look. With a soft appearance that mimics natural wood, this lap siding is a great choice for anyone who loves a classic home.

hardieplank lap siding

For a modern statement, smooth HardiePlank lap siding is right up-to-date with the latest home trends. HardiePlank is beautifully complemented by the many colors and hues in the James Hardie Statement and Dream collections.

hardieplank lap siding

HardieShingle

While shingle or shake siding is most often associated with Cape Cod homes, for homeowners all over the country, this type of siding adds an instant shot of glamour to any home. With a staggered edge and half rounds, the clean lines of shingles will give your home distinctive character for years to come.

HardieShingle

HardiePanel

Elevate your home with vertical siding- or combine vertical siding with HardiePlank lap siding to create visual interest. James Hardie’s vertical siding comes in a classic wood cedar mill texture or a modern smooth textured finish.

james hardie hardiepanel

James Hardie’s Color Selection

Unleash your imagination with James Hardie’s color palette. Whether you love classic neutrals, grounded earth tones, or dreamy blues, we have a shade that will make your vision come to life.

The James Hardie Dream Collection

With classic lights and darks, an array of grays and neutrals, blues and greens, earth tones, and peaceful pastels, the James Hardie Dream Collection has the color you’re looking for. Choose from 700+ color options.

The James Hardie Statement Collection

The James Hardie Statement Collection is a curated set of 20 different colors chosen by design experts for their timelessness and beauty specific to the Indianapolis area.

Reimagine Your Home Exterior with Unrushed Honest Quality

At UnrushedHonestQuality, we don’t want you to feel like your home HAS to look the way it used to. With James Hardie products, you can create an entirely new look that resonates with you today and that you’ll love tomorrow. When you’re ready to create the exterior you deserve, we’re here to bring your vision to life. We’ve helped Indiana homeowners reimagine their homes since 2014, and we’ll provide you with our signature warm service and transparency. You can reach us through our contact form or at (317) 953-4969.

Why do I Have Woodpecker Damage and What Can I Do To Fix This?

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It is a common occurrence for woodpeckers to damage siding. Woodpeckers will peck and attack the siding with their beaks. In this post, we are going to talk about why woodpeckers cause damage to siding, what stops woodpeckers from damaging siding, and what effects can come from the damage woodpeckers cause to siding. Lastly, we will cover some solutions to woodpeckers putting holes in your home.

Why Do Woodpeckers Damage Siding?

Woodpeckers peck at mostly wood siding or wood composite siding. The reason they peck at the siding could be for a few different reasons. 

First woodpeckers mark their territory by making noise and leaving their mark by pecking mostly wood. By making the loud noise of pecking other woodpeckers can hear them from a distance and know it is another woodpecker’s area. Also by leaving the marks from pecking on different wood surfaces such as trees or wood siding this lets other woodpeckers know it is an occupied territory.

The second reason a woodpecker attacks siding is because it is trying to make a home. During the nesting season, woodpeckers will make holes in the sides of people’s homes and start to nest. Along with trying to nest in homes, they also take building materials such as insulation in the wall to go and make a nest somewhere else.

A third reason that woodpeckers attack siding is because they think there are bugs in the siding. They will commonly attack rotten areas of siding first because they are more likely to find bugs in rotten wood. A lot of times when woodpeckers are pecking at rotten siding or trim it is rotten from a lack of maintenance or proper installation of the siding.

How does Woodpecker Damage affect Your Home?

Damage from woodpeckers can cause many challenges to a home. It can cause water infiltration that can cause many issues like these:

  • Rotting Wood
  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Insulation issues

These problems can become very serious if not addressed quickly. If rotten wood is not repaired quickly it can cause substantial structural repairs to be needed.

How Can I Fix Woodpecker Damage?

When woodpeckers attack your home there are a few short-term remedies that you can use until you replace the siding that is woodpecker resistant.

  1. Put a piece of metal or wood over the holes and damaged areas
  2. Put up something shiny as a deterring distraction
  3. Fill the holes with spray foam insulation

These are all short-term solutions and some will work better than others depending on how persistent the woodpecker is. It is common for woodpeckers to move to different sides of the home as the damage is repaired without woodpecker resistant siding and trim.

Siding That Prevents Woodpecker Damage

The best long term solution is to replace the siding with Fiber Cement siding. Woodpeckers have no interest in pecking Fiber Cement Siding and it is covered under the James Hardie Warranty. James Hardie Fiber Cement can not only stop the woodpeckers but give your house a fresh look. A big factor that has become so popular is its resistance to woodpecker damage.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding is the most well know Fiber Cement Siding in the United States and the #1 brand of siding in North America. It is a very durable siding with a wood grain look that has very low maintenance. It comes with a 30 Year Nondepreciating Warranty and also comes with a 15-year finish warranty on the factory coated Colorplus Technology. They also have trim to match the siding that is also woodpecker resistant and come prefinished like the siding.

james-hardie-stock

Contact UHQ Construction for your Siding Repair or Siding Replacement Project

If you suspect your home has sustained siding damage, don’t delay. Give us a call and we’ll help you determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action for repair or replacement. You can learn more about the siding services and products we offer here and get in touch with us below or give us a call at (317) 943-8406. We’d love to help you protect your home for the long haul!

How to Find and Fix the Most Common Causes of Siding Damage

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Your siding is a long-term investment in protecting and preserving your home. When siding damage occurs, it can take away your home’s first line of defense from the elements. It only makes sense that as a savvy Indiana homeowner, you’ll want to protect your investment by spotting damage early on and taking swift action. We want to make it easy for you to understand the most common causes of siding damage, how to spot them, and when you should bring on a contractor for siding repair or siding replacement. Read on to learn the ins and outs of siding damage.

Weather

In Indiana, we experience all four seasons- and that means homeowners have to be on the lookout for weather-related siding damage. Wind storms and hail are two of the biggest culprits behind siding damage we see in our line of work. Most people assume that storm damage to your siding will be immediately obvious, but that isn’t necessarily the case. You’ll obviously notice if your wall comes crashing in, but don’t breathe a sigh of relief right after a storm, even if everything looks okay initially. Savvy Indiana homeowners will want to carefully inspect their homes throughout the year for subtle signs of damage from hail and strong winds. 

weather

Hail and wind can cause small holes, chips, or cracks in your siding. If you see this kind of damage, do your best to leave it alone, and ask your family members to do the same. By tampering with the holes, you may widen them, allowing in drafts, insects, and moisture.

Small dents, holes, and chips can be repaired by your contractor, but larger, more conspicuous holes may require a siding replacement job.

Moisture

Though vinyl siding may have a water barrier, it isn’t waterproof. Rainwater and humidity are the root causes of moisture that lead to all kinds of siding damage. The two greatest culprits of moisture-derived siding damage? Mold and dry rot.

Mold

How does siding get moldy? Most mold grows on siding that’s covered by the shade or where the home sees limited sunlight. You can clean small amounts of mold from your siding with a solution of combined vinegar and water applied with a soft-bristle brush. However, if you see large sections of siding corrupted by mold, it’s time to call in a pro to replace it.

Dry Rot

When wooden siding gets wet from leaking gutters, penetrating dampness, or poor ventilation, fungus can grow and eat away at the wood. Dry rot is no joke- left unchecked, it can affect your foundation and damage the structural integrity of your home. Carefully check your siding for mycelium, a substance that resembles cotton wool, or an orange or rust-colored mass. This is one of the most urgent types of damage to treat. When your home’s foundation is at stake, a contractor will need to remove your siding, cut away any affected wood, and replace it with new, safe material.

Wildlife

Pests such as insects and woodpeckers are the bane of every homeowner’s life, and they leave behind more than just droppings or nests: an infestation can cause severe damage to your siding. By keeping a watchful eye on your siding for moisture or rotting sections- look for rusty nails, bleed marks, or visibly cracked clapboard- you may be able to see an infestation before it gets serious. Read on to find out which pests may be responsible for your siding damage and how you can stop them in their tracks.

Woodpeckers

There’s no doubt that woodpeckers are a noisy nuisance, but a headache isn’t the only risk you run when a woodpecker takes a liking to your property. The holes woodpeckers leave behind can ruin your siding and invite unwanted return visits from these pests.

Before you address the damage to your siding, take steps to remove what was tempting the woodpeckers in the first place. To eradicate woodpeckers for good, you have to eliminate any insects from your outdoor structures. Deprive woodpeckers of food, and they’ll be less likely to return for seconds!

Carpenter Ants

Carefully inspect your property for moist or rotting sections of siding. Carpenter ants often create nests inside of damp exterior siding. If you see a small hole or several holes in your siding next to ant trails or sawdust piles, congratulations- you’ve found the nest. 

Fill the nest entrance with an insecticide that has carbaryl or pyrethroids to kill the nest, and the carpenter ant queen, who lays eggs that prolong the infestation. You can also set bait beside visible ant trails, which the ants will carry back to their nest.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees are also notorious for burrowing into moist or rotting siding to lay eggs. Keep your eyes peeled two-inch-deep holes on the underside of soffits, siding, or the eaves of your wooden house. Next, hang a carpenter bee trap over the hole, or try filling visible holes with residual dust insecticide to terminate the infestation.

Termites

Termites are nasty pests that can wreak havoc on your siding, foundation, and cause long-term damage to your entire home. Carefully check your woodwork and foundation for leftover wings, hollow spots, or termite droppings, which tend to be piles of pellets which are individually one millimeter long, and may resemble a pile of ground black pepper. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, call a professional exterminator immediately. They’ll be best equipped to tackle your infestation with professional-grade bait, insecticide, and traps.

How to Address Siding Damage from Wildlife

Once you’ve noticed or took action on insect infestations, and unwanted predators like woodpeckers that can damage your siding, you can fill the holes yourself or call in a professional to treat the siding damage. If you only have a few holes or a small section of siding damage, putty is best for holes in siding, and shingles should be filled specifically with wood putty. If wildlife has extensively damaged your siding or you suspect your foundation has been compromised by moisture or rot, it’s best to call in a professional to see if a replacement job is in order.

Call Unrushed Honest Quality, Your Siding Damage Professionals

If you suspect your home has sustained siding damage, don’t delay. Give us a call and we’ll help you determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action for repair or replacement. You can learn more about the siding services and products we offer here and get in touch with us below or give us a call at (317) 943-8406. We’d love to help you protect your home for the long haul!

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Siding FAQs

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We know siding replacement can create a lot of questions. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, with some insight from our siding experts on the UHQ Construction team.

james-hardie-new-siding-replacement-house-indianapolis
What does it cost to replace your siding? 

This varies based on the material of your home’s siding. Materials can cost anywhere from $5-$20 per foot depending on the type. Additional costs will occur if you are hiring an installer, remodeler, or a handyman. There are a variety of other factors that go into the cost of a siding project: square footage of your home, the shape of your home, the removal of old siding, and more.

How long does siding last? 

• Fiber Cement siding can last for decades. Fiber Cement siding is termite resistant, water-resistant, and non-combustible. Fiber cement does not require much if any, maintenance. UHQ Construction recommends and uses James Hardie fiber cement siding for our projects.

• Wood siding offers impressive longevity but requires frequent maintenance. At best wood siding can last decades but only with constant cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and more. The biggest downfall of wood siding is rot. Once your wood siding starts to rot you will have to begin replacing trouble areas or start planning for a full re-side. 

• Vinyl siding can last you 20-40 years. Vinyl is also very low maintenance as it is only recommended to wash your siding every couple of years. Vinyl siding does not rot like wood or dent like aluminum. UHQ Construction recommends and uses Mastic vinyl siding for our projects.

• Aluminum siding is rigid and can last for decades, however, the enamel typically fades and washes away after 12-15 years causing you to have to repaint your siding. An additional concern with aluminum siding is that it can become scratched or dented showing visual imperfections.

Is siding a DIY project? 

Siding replacement is possible on your own, but there are benefits of using a professional. A siding replacement is a big project and will take much longer to complete when DIY. It is worth weighing the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional for a project like this.You will at minimum need knowledge of this project’s process and special tools to complete your project.

Can I put new siding on top of old siding?

It is not recommended by experts and manufacturers to put vinyl siding over old vinyl or wood siding. For longevity and overall health of your home it is recommended to remove old siding to install new siding. It is best to have a professional from UHQ take a look at your siding for their expert suggestion on the best option for your home.

Do you have to replace house wrap when replacing siding?

It is recommended to replace your house wrap. The process of putting up house wrap can cause holes and tears in the wrap. Replacing your house wrap eliminates the potential of doubling up the holes and tears when installing new siding and ultimately helps protect your home. At UHQ we use the manufacturer’s recommended house wrap on all of our projects to ensure all warranty requirements are maintained.

4 Rookie Gutter Installation Mistakes

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Water stains on your home’s exterior, cracks in the foundation and even interior wood rot—these are just some of the warning signs of failing gutters. When you’ve already noticed extensive damage to your current system, why not install a new one? After all, a properly functioning gutter system goes a long way to preventing water damage to your home. But this is a big project, and if you’re planning on taking the DIY route, you’ll want to avoid a few mistakes. Your professional roof repair company, UHQ Construction, shares some of them… Continue Reading

A Closer Look at Ice Dams and What Causes Them

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It pays to keep roof maintenance on top of your home improvement list. After all, your roofing is exposed to the harshest elements all year round, and you’ll want to be on the lookout for any potential issues. This includes ice dams, a common roofing problem that can leave your home more vulnerable to weather damage if left unattended. UHQ Construction, your local roof and siding expert shares more insight about ice dams, what causes them and the best ways to deal with them.

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