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James Hardie Siding: Why It’s a Top Choice for WA Homeowners

Published on: July 17, 2025

Washington homeowners have a variety of siding choices to help protect their properties to the fullest. James Hardie siding is a popular choice for a variety of reasons.

Selecting ideal siding for homes in Washington requires that you consider a host of factors:

  • Aesthetics
  • Durability
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Whole home protection

Fiber cement siding has become the leading choice for Washington homeowners because it is designed specifically to withstand the Pacific Northwest. If your 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing consultant recommends this siding, it’s helpful to know in advance why and what you can expect.

Siding for the Pacific Northwest Climate

Homes in the Pacific Northwest are subjected to diverse weather conditions based on the area you’re in. In the mild coastal regions, homes experience wet, mild weather. But inland, snow is a major factor. 

As you evaluate your siding choices, look into the temperature fluctuations or fire hazards in your area. These factors can help determine the best siding for you. 

James Hardie is designed to withstand such conditions. HardieZone customizes your siding to meet your climate. This gives you the best protection possible for your area because it is designed specifically for you. And with that customization, you’ll also enjoy optimal performance and longevity with the siding.

What is HardieZone?

Homes in Florida and Minnesota have distinct needs from those in the Pacific Northwest. James Hardie recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all siding for protecting homes subjected to these conditions.

That’s why the company created HardieZone to customize siding based on the regional performance required. 

Homeowners get products designed uniquely to withstand a climate’s challenges. Here’s a look at how it works.

In its simplest form, HardieZone is a product formulation specifically designed for the climate in which you live. The team has reviewed climate data to optimize the siding based on 100 climate variables, including temperature, humidity, UV exposure, rainfall and more.

James Hardie divided North America into two distinct regions. This will give you an idea of how these unique formulas work.

  • HZ 5: This zone is characterized by freezing temperatures and seasonal variations. Siding must withstand snow and ice. Most of the northern U.S. and mountainous areas fall in this zone.
  • HZ 10: In contrast, this zone is characterized by hot, humid conditions. UV levels are high and hurricane-force winds are a factor. This zone makes up the southern U.S. and some coastal regions. Other desert-like areas also would be characterized as HardieZone 10.

HardieZone customization matters not just to protect your home better, but also to prevent issues you might otherwise experience for siding in your area. These issues might include:

  • Cracking
  • Warping
  • Premature fading
  • Material deterioration from intense sunlight
  • Swelling
  • Mold
  • Delamination from humid conditions

So when the siding includes HardieZone, you might have to paint and seal less often while enjoying a more beautiful home longer. 

Other Reasons Washington Homeowners Choose James Hardie

HardieZone is a great perk of choosing James Hardie siding. But there are plenty of other reasons why 2FL recommends this siding for Pacific Northwest Homes.

1. Aesthetic Appeal

HardieBoard can match a variety of home styles, from Craftsman charm to colonial elegance. Choose from a variety of styles and textures to match your home’s style while protecting it effectively. 

You don’t have to feel locked into traditional lap siding with HardiePlank. You have other design options, including HardiePanel, which is a vertical panel. And HardieShingle, which is a shingle design that mimics the wood shingle siding that was once quite popular. However, even with these diverse styles, you’ll get the long-lasting vibrancy and fade-resistance James Hardie is known for.

James Hardie siding WA

2. Low Maintenance

Achieve the charm of wood siding without the extreme maintenance requirements. You won’t have the same stringent painting and sealing requirements as you do with paint. Instead, plan to occasionally wash the siding with a garden hose and use mild soap in stubborn areas to keep your siding looking fresh. 

Every 10-15 years, you should plan to paint your James Hardie siding to keep it looking great. In contrast, wood siding requires that you repaint it every 3-7 years or every 4 years for stained siding.

3. Cost Effective

Given the quality and longevity James Hardie siding provides and its lower maintenance costs, James Hardie is a cost-effective siding option.

While the installation cost is slightly higher than vinyl siding, it can last longer when well cared for. So when you stretch the lifetime cost out across the years, it will be on your home, it is one of the most cost-effective siding options.

Plus, some homeowners find that they pay lower insurance premiums as insurance companies see their home as less risky due to the fire-resistant properties of James Hardie siding.

4. Warranty

James Hardie provides an outstanding warranty on its products. You can take advantage of the 30-year non-prorated, transferable warranty. This can provide added peace of mind to protect your investment.

5. Environmental Friendliness

The materials James Hardie uses are natural and sustainably harvested. This helps minimize the environmental impact that this siding can have. Add that to the energy efficiency you’ll experience from installing the siding, and you have an environmentally friendly siding material. 

6. Increased Home Value

The Cost vs. Value 2024 report states that fiber cement siding replacement results in a boost in resale value of $18,230 on average. Given that the average cost in the Pacific region of the U.S. is $20,619, that’s an estimated 88% cost recoup. Plus, homeowners will enjoy the added curb appeal and energy efficiency of their home as long as they live there, often making the investment well worth it.

Allow the Professionals to Do It

Need Help Evaluating Siding Types?

Some homeowners spend hours reading information about various siding types and materials and still feel unsure about what is best for them. We get it, it’s a big decision and there is so much out there to read and scrutinize.

So when you feel like you have a good baseline idea of the siding materials available to you, schedule a free estimate with 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing.

We’ll walk you through your options, help you weigh the pros and cons, offer insights from decades of working with the materials and help guide you toward the best material that balances your aesthetic goals with your budget.Our team has been completing exterior renovation projects for more than 20 years. We take pride in our work, as evidenced by our extensive workmanship warranty. Experience why so many homeowners have trusted their home’s exterior protection and energy efficiency to 2FL.

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