Savvy homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to their exterior; gone are the days when one could only choose from a limited palette and a scant selection of materials, as siding and roofing technology has vastly improved over time. Now, you can select from vinyl, fiber cement, stone, wood, and cedar shake, and most of these come in a huge variety of colors and finishes so that you can find the exact match for your needs.

If you’ve decided to replace your siding, you may be daunted by all the different products on the marketplace – and unsure of which one will give you the best return on investment in Colorado’s harsh climate. Today, we’ll discuss why James Hardie siding is an excellent match to Denver, from its thermal resistance to its huge plethora of styles.

Fiber cement is perfect for Denver’s variable climate

James Hardie is the manufacturer name for fiber cement siding, which is composed of 90% Portland cement and sand; the rest is a mixture of wood cellulose fibers, which gives it a bit of flexibility, and pigments or additives to help give it a distinctive look. This allows it to expand and contract without breaking when the weather dips throughout the year, an essential characteristic in Denver.

Denver, Colorado has a semi-arid mountainous climate with all four seasons, including warm summers and wet, snowy winters; it experiences significant precipitation throughout the year, though this evaporates quickly. Winter temperatures can drop below -10F, while the summers can be quite hot, sometimes even above 90F. This requires a hardy siding that can take a beating year after year – and James Hardie siding delivers.

Thermal resistance is a must for Denver siding – and James Hardie has got you covered

Thermal resistance refers to how much that a material resists heat flow from one side of the material to the other. This property of materials is why you can enjoy the cool side of a pillow after turning it over: the fabric has a decent thermal resistance, so your body heat tends to stay concentrated on one surface.

While this is a nice perk when you wake up overheated in the middle of the night, it has much greater significance in terms of energy efficiency. You want your siding to have a high thermal resistance; it should keep cool air in and hot air out during the summer, and vice versa in the winter. This lowers your energy bills and helps to maintain a nice, comfortable temperature without cranking the heat up or blasting the air conditioner.

Fiber cement won’t burn in wildfires, keeping your family safe

James Hardie products aren’t just thermal resistant – they’re fire resistant too, which is a must for any homes in the High Plains. Just like many other parts of Colorado, Denver unfortunately experiences wildfires on a regular basis; this can decimate whole neighborhoods and lead to thousands of dollars in losses. While personal belongings can usually be replaced, your family cannot, which is why it’s vital that your home give you enough time to evacuate. Fiber cement siding is made of non-combustible materials, meaning you can safely flee the area before your home catches fire. This is also valuable for house fires, as it will slow the evolution of an internal fire and reduce the amount of damage that needs to be repaired.

Its impact resistance is phenomenal, perfect for those screaming winter storms

Being on the High Plains, Denver gets a fair bit of wind flying down from the Rocky Mountains and hitting it dead-on; this can often bring hail or other debris hurling itself at your home. Thankfully, James Hardie siding has a high impact resistance rating, which means that it won’t dent and deform from being struck. Whether it’s the neighbor’s child chucking a baseball at the house or a full-on assault from the elements, you can be assured that your siding won’t warp like metal or vinyl might.

If you’re interested in getting James Hardie siding, contact a qualified Denver siding company, who can explain more of the benefits of this material, as well as help advise you on exactly what color and style to choose. You’ll be amazed that this strong, sturdy, and long-lasting material is also quite beautiful too!

Final thoughts

Your siding is only as good as the company who installs it, so be sure that you pick a reputable company with a proven track record of success. Fiber cement installers should be trained by James Hardie and a member of their Contractors Alliance, as this ensures that they are familiar with the specifics of this material. By doing a little research on good companies in your area, you can ensure that your fiber cement siding lasts for decades and makes your home the talk of all Denver.