Fiber Cement, Cedar & Engineered Wood Siding, NH

Fiber cement (Hardie board)

Fiber cement is made from cement, sand and wood fibers. It is non-combustible, holds paint well and comes as lap siding, panels and shingles. James Hardie is the best-known maker, which is why many people call it Hardie board.

Cedar clapboard and cedar shingles

Natural cedar is the traditional New England siding. It can be stained or painted, or left to weather. Cedar lasts longest when it has a drainage gap behind it so it can dry, which is how we install it.

Engineered wood

Engineered wood siding is made from wood strands bonded with resins and a protective finish. It gives a wood look in long, straight lengths and is typically factory-primed or prefinished.

Stained wood lap siding

See our stained black lap siding project in Weare for one example of a finished wood siding job.

Pair it with a better wall

New siding is the best chance to add continuous exterior insulation and a real air barrier. Ask us about doing both at once.

Common questions

Fiber cement or cedar: which lasts longer?

Both can last for decades when installed well. Fiber cement does not burn or rot and holds paint well. Cedar needs more upkeep but has a look nothing else matches. Either one lasts longest with a drainage gap behind it.

Does premium siding need a rainscreen?

It is the best practice in New Hampshire. A small air gap behind the siding lets water drain and the back of the siding dry, which protects both the siding and the wall.

Can I add insulation when the siding comes off?

Yes, and it is the best time to do it. See our exterior insulation retrofit page for how continuous insulation and an air barrier go on before the new siding.