Durability

• Hardiplank is more durable than wood, vinyl or aluminum siding. A 50 year warranty is available from most manufacturers, and in many cases the waterproof coating is guaranteed for a lifetime. Termites and other insects cannot damage Hardiplank. It is also resistant to mold and mildew and will not warp, bend, crack or deteriorate over time like wood. It is also much more difficult to scratch or dent than vinyl or aluminum.
  
  

Maintenance

• Once installed, Hardiplank siding requires very little maintenance. It never needs to be re-painted. Regular inspection will reveal any problems, such as loose planks. Vinyl siding has similar maintenance requirements, but wood and metal siding both require much more maintenance than Hardiplank. Metal must be re-painted as the paint oxidizes. Wood must also be painted regularly or it will quickly deteriorate.
  
  

Cost

• Due to the manufacturing process, Hardiplank siding is more expensive than many other types of siding. It costs more than both vinyl and aluminum. Compared to wood, Hardiplank is typically more expensive, but it depends on the type of and style of the wood siding. High quality natural cedar siding may be more expensive than Hardiplank, depending on the market. The initial cost of Hardiplank may be balanced out in the long run, however, by its durability and low maintenance costs.
  
  

Environmental and Safety Benefits

• Hardiplank siding is environmentally friendly. It uses wood fibers, requiring far less lumber than wood siding. It also does not use petroleum-based products, like vinyl siding. Because it lasts so long, and doesn't require frequent replacement it also takes up far less space in landfills. Hardiplank is fire resistant and does not melt or burn the same way that vinyl or wood siding does.
  
  

Sealing

• Hardiplank must be properly sealed when it is installed. This includes caulking between each plank. If it is not properly sealed, moisture will seep between and behind the planks, causing serious long-term problems.
  
  

Styles

• Hardiplank comes in several different styles. It is manufactured to resemble popular exterior textures, like stucco, vinyl, wood and shingles.