There are many reasons to choose Hardie® fiber cement siding over
vinyl, the first of which is appearance. James Hardie siding is over five times thicker than vinyl, allowing for deeper grooves and a more authentic wood-grain effect. The result is more elegant than vinyl (which is plastic), particularly on a historic home.
Then comes function. Vinyl melts easily in a fire (or even from the reflection of the sun off Low-E glass windows); James Hardie brand products are noncombustible. Vinyl may crack and warp from the elements; fiber cement exteriors by James Hardie are more durable and resist warping, sagging and melting.