Choosing the Right Siding: Pros and Cons of Hardie

Board, LP, and Ascend by Alside

When updating your home’s exterior, choosing the appropriate siding can significantly affect maintenance, durability, curb appeal, and even energy efficiency. Let’s compare three leading products—Hardie Board, LP SmartSide, and Ascend by Alside—to help you make an informed decision.

Hardie Board (James Hardie Fiber Cement)

Pros

• Exceptional Durability: Hardie Board resists harsh weather, including rain, hail, wind, temperature swings, and is not prone to rotting, swelling, or warping.​

• Fire and Pest Resistance: It’s non-combustible and resists both insects and woodpeckers.​

• Great Curb Appeal: Comes in various colors and styles, including wood-look options, enhancing your home’s appearance.​

• Long Warranty: Typically offers a 30-year, non-prorated warranty and is considered a worthwhile long-term investment.​

Cons

• High Initial Cost: More expensive than vinyl or engineered wood siding; material and professional installation both cost more.​

• Heavy Weight: Requires a professional crew for installation due to its weight, making DIY projects impractical.​

• Maintenance: While lower than traditional wood, fiber cement often needs periodic repainting to maintain appearance.​

LP SmartSide (Engineered Wood)

Pros

• Strong and Durable: Designed for impact resistance, LP SmartSide stands up to harsh conditions and pests, including termites and fungal decay.​

• Versatility: Wide variety of wood grain patterns and profiles, can be painted or stained to match any style.​

• Lighter Weight, Easier Installation: Compared to fiber cement, LP products are easier and faster to install, sometimes making them more cost-effective.​

• Extended Warranty: Often comes with a 50-year warranty, offering peace of mind for homeowners.​

Cons

• Moisture Sensitivity: Improper installation can lead to moisture problems; careful flashing and sealing are essential.​

• Requires Maintenance: Paint or stain will eventually need touch-ups, and boards must be inspected for water intrusion.​

• Not Fireproof: While more resistant than natural wood, LP siding is not as fire-resistant as fiber cement.​

• Higher Initial Cost: Typically more costly than vinyl but can be justified by durability over time.​

Ascend by Alside (Composite-Clad Vinyl)

Pros

• Most Affordable Option: Ascend by Alside is typically the lowest-cost choice among the three leading siding options, making premium looks and performance accessible without the price tag of fiber cement or engineered wood.​

• Lifetime Limited Warranty: A standout feature is the lifetime limited, transferable warranty, which covers blistering, corroding, fading, and other defects for as long as you own your home; if you sell, it becomes a prorated 50-year warranty for the next owner.​

• Low Maintenance: The composite cladding never needs painting or staining, resists impacts, fading, moisture, rot, and pests—keeping your home looking fresh for decades with minimal upkeep.​

• Easy Installation: Its lightweight panels and Auto-Lock design mean fast, simple installation, reducing disruption and labor costs.​

• Great Curb Appeal & Efficiency: Available in a range of colors and realistic wood textures, Ascend also includes insulation that boosts the R-value to 2.0 for improved energy efficiency.​

Cons

• Newer Product: Ascend's composite formula is newer to the market, which means less long-term field performance data than the other two.​

• Fire Resistance: Rated Class A for fire, the same as fiber cement, but Ascend is still made from polymer composites and not as robust as masonry or true fiber cement in extreme environments.

Each of these siding options brings specific strengths and trade-offs. Hardie Board is the most time-tested for durability and fire resistance, LP SmartSide offers a classic wood look with modern resilience, and Ascend by Alside provides rapid installation, strong energy efficiency, and easy maintenance. Your final decision may come down to local climate, budget, and the style you envision for your home.