James Hardie Siding in Columbus: Why It’s Worth the Investment for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s exterior, James Hardie siding is a smart place to start. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and looks great for decades. We’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, and Worthington make the switch—and they’ll tell you it was worth every penny.

In this post, we’ll break down what James Hardie siding is, how much James Hardie siding costs, and why it’s one of the most trusted choices for Central Ohio homes.

A historic home in Columbus updated with James Hardie siding to preserve its charm and add long-lasting protection.

What Is James Hardie Siding?

James Hardie siding is a type of fiber cement siding made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. That combination creates a strong, long-lasting material that holds up against Ohio’s weather and stays looking sharp year after year.

You’ve probably seen it around your neighborhood—especially on homes with woodpecker damage or fading wood siding. It gives the look of painted wood, but without the warping, rotting, or constant upkeep.

Hardie siding is known for its clean finish, fire resistance, and ability to hold color with ColorPlus® Technology—a baked-on color system that resists peeling and fading.

More and more homeowners in Columbus and the surrounding areas are choosing it as a long-term solution for exterior protection and curb appeal.

Benefits of James Hardie Siding for Columbus Homes

When homeowners ask us why so many of their neighbors are choosing James Hardie siding in Columbus, the answer is simple: it checks all the boxes. Here’s what makes it worth the investment.

Built for Ohio Weather

Between humid summers, freezing winters, and everything in between, Columbus homes take a beating. James Hardie siding is engineered for climate, meaning it won’t crack, warp, or swell with the seasons. It stands up to hail, rain, and even pests like woodpeckers and termites.

Curb Appeal That Lasts

With dozens of colors and styles to choose from, James Hardie makes it easy to match the look of your home—or totally transform it. Unlike vinyl, the finish doesn’t look plastic or cheap. And thanks to the baked-on ColorPlus® finish, it resists UV fading and holds its color longer than traditional paint.

Low Maintenance, High Return

Once it’s up, it’s good for the long haul. You don’t have to worry about repainting every few years or dealing with rot behind the panels. It’s built to last 30 to 50 years with minimal upkeep, and homeowners consistently see a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell.

James Hardie vs. Vinyl and Wood Siding: Comparing Options

When it comes to siding options, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Most homeowners in the Columbus area are deciding between vinyl, wood, and James Hardie fiber cement siding.

Each has its strengths depending on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home. Here’s a quick overview to help you weigh your options.

Vinyl Siding: Affordable and Low-Maintenance

Vinyl siding is one of the most budget-friendly siding choices. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and doesn’t require painting. For homeowners looking for a cost-effective exterior update, especially on shorter timelines, it can be a solid option.

That said, vinyl can be more susceptible to cracking in extreme cold or warping in high heat—something to keep in mind with Ohio’s changing seasons. It may also fade over time, especially on sun-exposed sides of the house.

Wood Siding: Natural Look, Higher Maintenance

Wood siding offers classic curb appeal and a warm, traditional look. For homeowners prioritizing aesthetics and a natural finish, it’s often appealing. But, it comes with more upkeep—regular sealing or painting, plus the risk of rot, moisture issues, and pest damage over time.

In Columbus, where freeze-thaw cycles and woodpeckers are real factors, we often see homeowners looking to replace wood siding due to deterioration.

James Hardie Siding: Durable and Long-Lasting

James Hardie siding is made from fiber cement, which combines the visual appeal of wood with added durability. It’s resistant to fire, pests, and weather extremes, and comes in a variety of styles and pre-finished color options.

It tends to cost more upfront than vinyl, but many homeowners choose it for the low maintenance and longevity—especially if they plan to be in their home long-term or want a finish that holds up without frequent repainting.

How Much Does James Hardie Siding Cost in Columbus?

Let’s talk numbers. We know that for most homeowners, cost is one of the biggest questions when considering new siding. While exact pricing depends on your home’s size and scope of work, here’s what you can expect when budgeting for James Hardie siding in Columbus.

Typical Cost Range

Most Hardie siding projects in the Columbus area fall between $18,000 and $35,000. 

That’s a wide range, but it reflects how many factors go into a final price—like the square footage of your home, trim details, removal of old siding, and any custom work.

What Affects the Price?

• Home size and layout: A ranch will cost less than a two-story with lots of corners and trim.
  

• Tear-off vs. overlay: Removing old siding and repairing damage underneath can increase labor time.
  

• Style choices: Options like board-and-batten, shingles, or decorative trim impact material and labor costs.
  

• Painted vs. ColorPlus® finish: ColorPlus® costs a bit more but lasts longer without fading or peeling.

Is James Hardie Worth the Cost?

We think so—and many of our clients agree. Here’s why:

• It lasts decades with very little maintenance.
  

• It boosts resale value more than most other exterior upgrades.
  

• It cuts down on repairs and repainting over time.
  

• It adds curb appeal that actually sticks around.
  

If you’re planning to stay in your home for more than a few years, the upfront investment often pays for itself—and then some.

Columbus Projects with James Hardie Siding Install

We’ve installed James Hardie siding on dozens of homes across Dublin, Hilliard, Worthington, and the greater Columbus area. For many homeowners, it was the right solution after years of dealing with wood rot, fading paint, or storm damage.

Here are a few examples:

“Woodpeckers and weather had taken a toll on our cedar siding, but James Hardie gave our home a fresh start. The crew was neat, efficient, and careful—even with rain delays.”

– Patti, NW Columbus

“We replaced old, rotten siding with James Hardie, and now we can finally relax. The house looks great, and we feel good about the protection it gives us.”

– Florence, Hilliard

We know how important it is to feel confident before making a big change to your home. A great roofing company will help you understand your options—what materials work best for your home, what to expect during installation, and how each choice holds up over time.

FAQs About James Hardie Siding

Is James Hardie siding worth the cost and investment?

For many homeowners, yes. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and consistently ranks as one of the top siding materials for long-term value and curb appeal.

How long does James Hardie siding last?

Typically 30 to 50 years. Its fiber cement makeup holds up well in Ohio’s changing weather and resists rot, fire, and pests.

How much maintenance does it need?

Not much. Occasional rinsing and checking caulking over time is usually enough—especially with the factory-applied ColorPlus® finish, which helps prevent fading.

Is James Hardie siding right for You?

Choosing siding is a big decision, and it’s worth taking the time to explore your options.

James Hardie siding stands out because it’s built to last, looks great on a wide range of home styles, and performs well in our local climate. Whether you’re looking to fix ongoing issues or make a long-term upgrade, it’s an option worth considering.

Get a Free Quote for James Hardie Siding Installation

If you’re starting to plan a siding project, we’re happy to help. We’ll take a look at your home, walk you through your options, and answer any questions you may have, no pressure included.

Riding the Storm: Hilliard's Road to Recovery

Hey there, resilient Hilliard neighbors! We hope this blog post finds you safe and sound, despite the recent turbulent weather that left its mark on our beloved community near Roberts Rd. and Hilliard Rome Rd. Mother Nature can be a force to be reckoned with, but fear not – we're here to turn the tide and help you bounce back stronger than ever.

Weathering the Storm: We know firsthand the impact a storm can have on your home sweet home. Roofs that have withstood countless seasons suddenly find themselves playing host to uninvited guests like leaks and missing shingles. Siding, once a proud defender of your home's exterior, may now bear scars and bruises from the storm's unwelcome visit.

But, fear not, because we've got your back! At AC Roofing & Siding, we see storms as opportunities for renewal. Let's turn this setback into a comeback, shall we?

Navigating the Insurance Maze: Dealing with insurance claims can feel confusing and disorienting. That's where we come in! We've mastered the art of making the insurance process as smooth as a summer breeze.

Our team at AC Roofing & Siding is not just skilled at repairing roofs and siding; we're also pros at navigating the often tricky waters of insurance claims. We'll be your guides, making sure you get the coverage you deserve and turning a potentially stressful process into a breeze.

Why Choose Us:

1. Swift Solutions: We don't believe in keeping you waiting. Our team is ready to jump into action, providing quick and efficient solutions to get your home back in tip-top shape.

2. Expertise That Counts: With years of experience under our tool belts, we've seen it all. From minor repairs to complete overhauls, our experts know the ins and outs of roofing and siding like the back of their hands.

3. Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our priority. We understand that a happy homeowner is the key to our success, so we go the extra mile to ensure you're not just satisfied but delighted with the results.

So, if your roof or siding is singing the stormy blues, don't hesitate – reach out to us today! Let's turn this chapter into a success story for your home. Give us a call at 614-505-9605 or shoot us an email at info@roofsbyac.com.

Remember, storms may come and go, but your home's resilience can stand the test of time with the right care. Together, let's rebuild, renew, and reimagine your home sweet home.