Cedar Siding - Comparison to James Hardie Siding

Combustibility
Non-combustible, creates very little smoke when exposed to flame, eligible for insurance discounts due to non-combustibility

Combustibility
Burns when exposed to a significant source of heat or flame, not eligible for non-combustibility insurance discounts

Aesthetic Performance
Increased curb appeal and appreciation, consistent beauty from porch to street

Aesthetic Performance
High maintenance is required for cedar siding in order to maintain original aesthetic performance

Pests
James Hardie siding is impervious to termites and other insects

Pests
Susceptible to damage by termites and other pests

Endurance
Dimensionally stable, will not rot, warp, buckle, swell, or deteriorate even in the harshest climates, maintains original appearance over product lifetime, holds paint up to three times longer than wood

Endurance
Can split and crack over time, extreme weather causes expansion and/or contraction, knots have a tendency to shrink resulting in unsightly gaps and exposure to moisture damage, moisture issues cause paint failure

Uniformity
Consistent building surface, no cracks, knots, or other imperfections, less construction waste, reliable supply available

Uniformity
Dwindling availability of quality old-growth forest supply can result in inconsistent surfaces, cracks, knots, and other imperfections resulting in construction waste, sorting through random board lengths and qualities can be time-consuming, susceptible to resin/tannin bleeding

Consumer Perception
Premium alternative, high-end, advanced technology

Consumer Perception
Cedar siding is viewed as high-end, but consumers are wary of high maintenance required.