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Siding

James Hardie Siding Review

Caleb Hutchinson
Owner · Pro Specialty Services
September 29, 2026
5 min read

Free inspection and a written estimate from our Eustis crew.

Siding

James Hardie fiber cement siding is the premium choice for Florida homes. But is the higher cost justified? Here's our honest assessment after years of installing it.

In this guide

What Is James Hardie Siding?

James Hardie manufactures fiber cement siding from:

  • Portland cement
  • Sand
  • Cellulose fibers

The result is a durable, non-combustible material that looks like wood without wood's maintenance issues.

Why James Hardie Dominates

James Hardie owns about 90% of the fiber cement market. Here's why:

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Durability in Florida's Climate

HardiePlank is engineered for our conditions:

  • Humidity resistance – Won't swell, rot, or warp
  • UV stability – ColorPlus finish resists fading
  • Impact resistance – Handles debris better than vinyl
  • Pest proof – Termites and woodpeckers can't damage it

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Fire Resistance

Non-combustible construction offers real protection:

  • Won't ignite from flying embers
  • Protects wall assembly from fire spread
  • May qualify for insurance discounts

Warranty Coverage

James Hardie's warranty is industry-leading:

  • 30-year non-prorated product warranty
  • 15-year ColorPlus finish warranty
  • Transferable to new homeowners

James Hardie Product Lines

Questions about your Siding Installation?Call (352) 272-8854Or book online →

HardiePlank Lap Siding

The flagship product:

  • Classic horizontal lap style
  • Multiple widths available
  • Smooth or wood-grain textures
  • Most popular choice for homes

HardieShingle

Cedar shake look without the maintenance:

  • Individual shingle panels
  • Staggered or straight edge options
  • Great for accents and upper stories

HardiePanel Vertical Siding

Modern board-and-batten style:

  • Contemporary aesthetic
  • Vertical installation
  • Popular for modern architecture

Get your Siding Installation quote.

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Cost Comparison

James Hardie is premium-priced:

  • James Hardie: $8-$14 per square foot installed
  • **Vinyl siding**: $4-$8 per square foot installed
  • Wood siding: $7-$12 per square foot installed

The gap narrows when you factor in longevity and maintenance.

Downsides to Consider

Higher Initial Cost

James Hardie costs roughly double vinyl siding upfront. For some budgets, this is prohibitive.

Questions about your Siding Installation?Call (352) 272-8854Or book online →

Installation Requirements

Fiber cement requires experienced installers:

  • Heavier than vinyl (special handling)
  • Requires specific fastening methods
  • Cutting creates silica dust (safety equipment needed)
  • Improper installation voids warranty

Periodic Maintenance

ColorPlus finishes are durable but not permanent:

  • May need repainting after 15-20 years
  • Caulking at joints needs periodic refresh
  • Still less maintenance than wood, but not zero

Our Verdict

For Florida homes where budget allows, James Hardie is our top siding recommendation. The 30+ year lifespan, durability, and appearance justify the premium.

If budget is tight, quality vinyl siding is a solid alternative—just not as durable or beautiful.

Contact us for a siding consultation and quote.

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5.0★★★★★Rated on GoogleEvery one is a real Google review you can open and read yourself.

Five-star reviews from real Lake County customers

  • ★★★★★

    “They paid great attention to detail”

    Pro Specialty Services replaced the siding on both sides of our house. Caleb and his team did a spectacular job. We could not have asked for a more professional job. They paid great attention to detail and kept us informed every step of the way. We have a couple more jobs and will definitely be calling him. We highly recommend Caleb for all of your remodeling needs.
    barbara busbee · Google · September
  • ★★★★★

    “The attention to detail really shows”

    We couldn’t be happier with Pro Specialty Services! They took what was basically an unusable porch and completely transformed it into a beautiful, functional space that we now use for exercise, recreation, and watching nature. We had a serious water problem where rain would literally create a waterfall between the door from our house and the porch. Caleb figured it out, fixed the issue, and improved the pan roof so it actually does its job now! They went far beyond just fixing the water issue. They removed the old paneling, treated the mold, replaced rotten supports, and completely redid the exterior and interior walls. The old jalousie windows that were on every wall of the porch were replaced with beautiful, functional windows and solid wall sections. They also replaced the ceiling tiles and rusted ceiling rails, upgraded the old fluorescent lights to flat-panel LEDs, and replaced the exterior door with one that actually closes, locks, and has a proper threshold. He even worked to create a custom vent opening for our portable AC/dehumidifier, which allows us to keep the porch at a comfortable temperature and protect the things we have stored out there. They also repaired a deteriorating soffit on the front of the house and did a great job making all the new materials blend with the existing house. The attention to detail really shows. Caleb was fantastic throughout the entire process. He kept me involved with material selections, checked in regularly, answered all my questions, and genuinely cared about making sure we were happy with the finished product. The crew was professional, respectful of our property, and fun to have around. They even came back and put our car tent back up after we had to move it for access to the backyard. They cleaned everything up when they were finished, too! We went from having a porch that was basically just a storage area exposed to Florida’s heat, humidity, and rain to having a comfortable, usable extension of our home. Pro Specialty Services didn’t just fix our porch, they completely transformed it. We absolutely love the finished space and would highly recommend them!
    Candice Whitford · Google · August
  • ★★★★★

    “required skill and knowledge, and they were great”

    I had them do a few projects that required skill and knowledge, and they were great. Got a large pavilion assembled and installed as well as a BBQ gazebo built in the backyard.
    Lynne Thall · Google · July
  • ★★★★★

    “figured out the problem instantly”

    He was very kind, figured out the problem instantly, and then got the job done very quick!
    Samuel Perez Bonilla · Google · July
  • ★★★★★

    “Incredibly honest in what needed to be done”

    Caleb and his team were awesome. Incredibly honest in what needed to be done, and did the work incredibly well. Highly recommend if you’re looking for an honest company to do your roof and whose craftsmanship is 2nd to none.
    Erik Darrow · Google · July
  • ★★★★★

    “explained every step, took pictures”

    Caleb with Pro Specialty Services is highly recommended. He was courteous, explained every step, took pictures and did an excellent job replacing the metal columns on my front porch.
    Marianne Cotner · Google · July

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