Residential Services
Hardiboard Siding
Hardie board siding has been growing in popularity due to its natural resistance to rot, mould and fire ratings. They are typically made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers.
Hardie Plank Siding, also known as Fiber Cement Siding, has become a popular product on many houses in Alberta. This wide range of products include shingles, lap, vertical and board siding as well as soffit panels.
These products are designed to resist the most extreme conditions but we still occasionally see damage to them caused by wind and hail.
Hardie board siding has been growing in popularity due to its natural resistance to rot, mould and fire ratings. They are typically made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers.
Fiber cement was originally patented in Austria in 1901 and named it “Eternit” based on the Latin term “aeternitas” meaning everlasting. Early fiber cement panels used asbestos fibres to add strength. Fiber cement products came about as a replacement for the widely used “asbestos cement sheeting” manufactured until the 1980s. You should let a professional inspect your damaged Fiber Cement siding to make sure the job is done right and safely.
Total Exteriors have experience in assessing, repairing and replacing Hardie Board siding. Contact us today to inspect your exterior siding.
Hardie Board Siding in Calgary: Repair, Replacement and Installation
Total Exteriors repairs and replaces Hardie board siding on homes in Calgary and the surrounding communities. “Hardiboard” and “Hardie board” are everyday names for fibre cement siding, after James Hardie, the best-known manufacturer. Since 2014 our crews have assessed, repaired and replaced fibre cement lap siding, panels, shingles and trim, much of it after Calgary hail and wind storms.
Why Choose Fibre Cement Siding in Calgary
- Hail and impact. Fibre cement is rigid and dense, so it generally stands up to hail better than vinyl. Large hail can still chip, crack or gouge boards and knock off the paint finish.
- Fire resistance. It does not burn, which is one reason it is popular on newer homes built close together and on acreages in Rocky View County.
- Rot, pests and moisture. It will not rot or attract insects, and it handles chinook freeze–thaw cycles well when edges and joints are properly sealed and painted.
- UV and colour. A good paint finish holds up to Calgary’s strong high-altitude sun, and fibre cement can be repainted if you want a new colour later.
Fibre cement costs more to buy and install than vinyl. The boards are heavy and must be cut with dust control because they contain crystalline silica, so this is not a material to cut without the right tools. For a side-by-side look, read vinyl vs Hardiboard: energy-saving siding options for Calgary homes, or see our vinyl siding and Smart Board cladding pages. Our Calgary siding page compares every material we install.
Signs of Damage to Hardie Board Siding
- Chips, cracks or broken corners, often along the bottom edge of boards
- Patches of bare grey cement where hail has knocked off the paint
- Swollen, soft or flaking board ends, usually where caulking is missing or boards sit too close to a roof, deck or the ground
- Popped nails and boards that have shifted after high wind
- Failed caulking at butt joints, windows and trim
Hardie board repair or replacement?
Individual boards can usually be cut out and replaced, then primed and painted to match. If damage covers most of a wall, or the colour cannot be matched across the elevation, replacing and repainting the full wall gives an even finish. Fibre cement made before the 1980s may contain asbestos, so on older homes we assess the material before anything is cut.
How We Handle Hardie Board Projects
1. Inspection
by a HAAG-certified inspector, with photos of every damaged elevation.
2. Written quote
covering boards, trim, flashing, caulking and paint.
3. Insurance or private
We work with adjusters on storm claims through our insurance claims process, or quote directly for private work.
4. Installation
with correct clearances, flashing and fastening, followed by sealing and painting.
5. Clean-up
of debris and cement dust, and a final walk-through with you.
What Does Hardie Board Siding Cost in Calgary?
Cost depends on the size of the house, the board style, trim detail, whether old siding has to come off and whether the boards are pre-finished or painted on site. Fibre cement is generally priced above vinyl, which runs about $6 to $10 per square foot installed in Calgary (see our vinyl siding cost guide). For an accurate number, we measure the house and give you a written quote.
Hail, Wind and Insurance Claims
Calgary is in Canada’s hail alley, and a storm that damages your roof often marks the siding too. Hail damage on fibre cement can be subtle: small chips and paint loss rather than holes. Our inspectors document it properly for your adjuster. See hail damage repair and wind damage repair, or report a claim online.
Areas We Serve
We repair and replace Hardie board siding in Calgary and nearby communities, including acreages around Bearspaw and Springbank. Choose your area for local details.
Hardie Board Siding FAQ
Is Hardiboard the same as Hardie board?
Yes. Hardiboard, Hardie board, Hardie plank and fibre cement siding usually refer to the same type of product. James Hardie is the brand most people mean.
Is Hardie board better than vinyl siding for hail?
Fibre cement generally resists hail impact better than vinyl, but it is not hail-proof. Large hail can chip boards and damage the paint, which leaves the cement exposed to moisture.
Can you match my existing Hardie board siding?
Usually. Common profiles are still available and paint can be colour-matched. A faded or discontinued colour may mean repainting the full wall for an even finish.
Does Hardie board need painting?
Pre-finished boards hold their colour for years, but cut edges, touch-ups and caulked joints need attention, and periodic repainting gives the best protection. See our exterior painting service.
Have damaged fibre cement siding? Call Total Exteriors at (403) 313-4932 or request a quote online.
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