James Hardie vs Vinyl Siding in Colorado: An Honest Guide for Denver Homeowners

If you are comparing James Hardie vs vinyl siding in Colorado, you have probably noticed that everyone selling one of them says it is the best. I'm David Kalec, owner of Remod Exteriors in Arvada, and I want to give you the straight version. We install siding across the Denver metro, including Arvada, Westminster, Golden and the rest of Jefferson County, and the right answer depends on your house, your budget and how long you plan to stay.

Fall is a great time to think about this. Colorado weather has been hard on your siding all summer, and the problems are easy to spot before snow hides them.

Why Colorado Is Tough on Siding

Our weather is not like most of the country. Here is what siding in the Denver area has to survive:

• Intense sun. At our elevation, UV exposure is strong and it fades and dries out exterior finishes faster.

• Big temperature swings. A warm afternoon can be followed by a freezing night, so materials expand and contract constantly.

• Hail. Spring and summer storms along the Front Range can dent, crack or chip siding in minutes.

• Dry air and wind. Low humidity and strong wind are hard on caulk, paint and anything that is loose.

• Wildfire risk. Homes near open space and the foothills, like many in Golden and western Arvada, have more reason to think about how siding handles heat and embers.

Any siding you choose should be judged against that list, not against a brochure written for a mild climate.

What Is James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding?

James Hardie siding is fiber cement, made from cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It looks like painted wood lap siding, shingles or panels, but it does not rot and it is not food for woodpeckers or termites.

Most of what we install is James Hardie ColorPlus, which comes with a baked on factory finish instead of paint brushed on in your driveway. Remod Exteriors is a James Hardie Contractor Alliance partner, so this product is a big part of what we do. You can see more on our fiber cement siding page.

Where James Hardie Shines in Colorado

• Holds up to sun and temperature swings. Fiber cement is dimensionally stable, so it does not move as much as plastic does when the temperature changes.

• Noncombustible. James Hardie siding will not ignite from a direct flame, which matters for homes near open space.

• Stands up to hail better. It is a dense, rigid board. Severe hail can still damage any exterior, but fiber cement is far more resistant to the cracking and denting we see on vinyl.

• Looks like real wood. Deeper shadow lines and crisp trim give it a custom look that fits older Arvada neighborhoods and newer builds alike.

• Can be repainted later. When the factory finish eventually needs refreshing, fiber cement takes paint well.

The Tradeoffs

• Higher upfront cost. Fiber cement costs more than vinyl, both in material and in labor.

• Installation matters a lot. It is heavy and has specific clearance, flashing and nailing requirements. A crew that does not follow James Hardie guidelines can cause problems that show up years later.

• Longer project time. Cutting and installing fiber cement takes more time than snapping up vinyl panels.

What Is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is made from PVC. It has been popular for decades because it is affordable, light and fast to install. Modern vinyl is better than what went on houses in the 1980s, and there are thicker, insulated options. We cover it on our vinyl siding page.

Where Vinyl Makes Sense

• Lower upfront cost. If budget is the main concern, vinyl usually gets you new siding for less.

• Low maintenance. No painting, and a hose usually takes care of cleaning.

• Quick install. Less labor time on most homes.

• Good fit for some homes. Rentals, homes you plan to sell soon, or homes where the neighborhood is mostly vinyl.

Where Vinyl Struggles in Colorado

• Hail. Vinyl can crack or puncture in a hailstorm, especially when it is cold and the plastic is less flexible.

• Heat and reflected sunlight. Vinyl can warp or soften from reflected sunlight off windows and near grills or other heat sources.

• Fading. Strong UV can fade colors over time, and darker colors are more of a risk.

• Fire. Vinyl melts and burns, which is a real concern near open space.

• Look. Even good vinyl tends to read as plastic up close, with seams and thinner shadow lines.

James Hardie vs Vinyl: A Side by Side Look

• Upfront cost: James Hardie: higher. Vinyl: lower.

• Hail resistance: James Hardie: better. Vinyl: can crack or dent.

• Heat and sun: James Hardie: stable. Vinyl: can warp or fade.

• Fire: James Hardie: noncombustible. Vinyl: melts and burns.

• Look: James Hardie: looks like painted wood. Vinyl: can look like plastic.

• Maintenance: James Hardie: low, repaint someday. Vinyl: very low, cannot easily change color.

• Installer skill needed: James Hardie: high. Vinyl: moderate.

Should You Repaint or Replace Your Siding?

This is the question I get most, and the honest answer is that a lot of homes do not need new siding yet. If your siding is solid and the paint is just tired, painting is the smarter spend. Our exterior painting page walks through that option.

As a general guide from Sherwin Williams, not a guarantee, you can expect a good repaint to last roughly:

• Latitude: about 6 to 7 years

• Duration: about 8 to 9 years

• Emerald: about 10 years or more

Replacing siding starts to make more sense when you see:

• Soft, rotting or swollen boards, especially near the ground, decks and gutters

• Paint that keeps peeling within a couple of seasons

• Cracked, warped or hail damaged panels

• Woodpecker holes or gaps where moisture gets in

• Older hardboard siding, which was common on Denver area homes built in the 1980s and 1990s

That last one is exactly what we found on a Westminster home that called us about paint. You can read the whole story in our post on a 3,600 sq ft James Hardie project in Westminster.

So Which Is Better for Your Denver Area Home?

Here is how I usually see it:

• Choose James Hardie if you plan to stay in your home for years, you want the best performance against hail, sun and fire, and you want it to look like a custom home.

• Choose vinyl if budget comes first, you are planning to sell soon, or it fits the rest of your neighborhood.

• Repaint instead if your current siding is in good shape and just needs a fresh finish.

I would rather tell you to paint than sell you siding you do not need. If replacement is the right call, financing can spread out the cost, and you can see options on our financing page.

Why Fall Is a Good Time to Plan Siding

Fall is a smart time to get an inspection in Arvada, Westminster or Golden. The summer damage is easy to see, and you can get on the schedule before spring. Fiber cement can be installed in cooler weather, and planning now gives you time to pick colors without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is James Hardie siding worth it in Colorado?

For most homeowners who plan to stay, yes. It handles our sun, hail and temperature swings better than vinyl and it is noncombustible. It costs more upfront, so it is worth it when you value long term performance and looks.

Does vinyl siding crack in Colorado hail?

It can. Vinyl gets less flexible in cold weather and can crack or puncture in a strong hailstorm. Fiber cement is much more resistant, though no exterior is hail proof.

Can you paint James Hardie siding?

Yes. ColorPlus comes prefinished from the factory, and when it eventually needs a refresh, fiber cement takes exterior paint well.

How do I know if I need new siding or just paint?

Look for soft or rotting boards, swelling, repeated peeling and hail damage. If the boards are solid, paint is often enough. I am happy to come look and tell you which one makes sense.

Do you install siding in Jefferson County?

Yes. We install siding across the Denver metro, including Arvada, Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and the rest of Jefferson County. See our service area.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Siding

If you are weighing James Hardie vs vinyl siding, or wondering if paint will do the job, I will come look at your home and tell you what I would do if it were mine. No pressure.

Call or text (720) 203-5014 or visit myremod.com to set up a visit. You can also learn more on our siding page.

Remod Exteriors

8557 Salvia Way, Arvada, CO 80007

(720) 203-5014