Anyone who’s lived in Alberta for a year or two understands that its climate presents unique challenges for homeowners. The weather here is often harsh (especially the hail of 2020) and rarely predictable — snow, hail, and thundershowers have been known to batter Calgary houses all within the same month!

Given these challenges, Alberta homeowners need to use siding that can adequately protect their properties. James Hardie siding (also known as Hardie board) represents one excellent option, but what makes it different from other materials? As experienced professionals who install siding on many area homes and commercial properties, we’re here to tell you exactly why Hardie board is such a smart investment.

Hardie Board 101: a Brief History and Overview

Hardie board in Calgary is produced exclusively by the James Hardie company. The business is named for its founder, James Hardie, a Scotsman who moved to Australia in the 1880s and started a business importing oils and tanning products.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the James Hardie company began producing various building and industrial products. In the 1980s, they developed the unique fiber-cement building technology that became the basis for Hardie board siding.

What is Hardie Board Siding?

Hardie board siding uses the James Hardie company’s unique fiber-cement technology to create a resilient and highly-customizable product. It has four main ingredients:

Cellulose fibers: to improve the flexibility and resistance of the final product

Sand: to function as a filler material

- Water: to activate the cement and make it harden

Portland cement: to bind the other ingredients together

Other fiber cement types may use fly ash instead of sand or wood pulp instead of cellulose fibers. However, James Hardie brand siding is made with a carefully controlled formula and several proprietary additives to keep the quality consistent.

Why is James Hardie Siding Popular?

Hardie board is a semi-rigid siding type that offers both protection and flexibility. The material’s versatility allows homeowners to purchase it in a wide range of colours and textures. As such, Hardie board makes an ideal choice for people who want to keep their houses safe from the elements without compromising appearances.

Hardie board siding is also fairly affordable in relation to other materials. For example, wood siding typically costs more than $10 per square foot and doesn’t offer the same level of protection that Hardie board provides. Hardie board siding generally starts at about $7 per square foot, making it less expensive and more reliable in Alberta’s unpredictable weather.

How Hardie Board Performs in Alberta Conditions

Now that you know what Hardie board is and why people love it, it’s time for the tough questions. Specifically: how does Hardie board stack up against vinyl, and will it protect against the unique combination of elements commonly found in Alberta?

Hardie Board vs. Vinyl: Pros and Cons

Vinyl is one of North America’s most popular home siding materials. Like Hardie board, it comes in many different colours and textures. However, that’s where the similarities end.

Here’s a breakdown of the significant differences between these two materials:

Longevity: Vinyl is prone to cracking and warping in cold temperatures. Hardie board maintains its integrity in practically any climate, making it much more reliable for the harsh Alberta winters and brief, hot summers.

Weather resistance: Vinyl siding is tough but not indestructible. Alberta hailstorms can — and often do — destroy it beyond repair.

Hardie board siding is specifically designed to resist inclement weather, from blizzards to pelting hail and torrential rain. If you’re looking for siding that can take a beating, it’s a much better alternative.

Safety: One of vinyl’s most significant drawbacks is that it’s made from plastic. In a fire, vinyl siding melts quickly — and releases toxic chemicals as it burns.

Hardie board siding is fire-resistant. If there’s an accident on your street and one of your neighbour’s houses catches fire, having Hardie board siding on your home will likely reduce the damage done to your property.

Price: This is one area where vinyl beats out Hardie board — at first. When you account for the installation costs, Hardie board can be nearly twice as expensive as vinyl siding. However, since it will likely last longer, need fewer repairs, and survive accidents more effectively, the long-term savings may offset the initial price.

Hardie Board and Canadian Weather

Hardie board’s real value to Albertans who live in rugged environments is its ability to withstand punishment from the elements. Even national handyman hero Mike Holmes has touted the merits of Hardie board siding in Canada, claiming that “it won’t crack, burn, or rot; it will last for years and is really good at protecting your home against water and extreme climates.”

Yes, it might cost more to put James Hardie siding on your home than vinyl. However, the long-term advantages for homeowners who want to protect their investments are clear. Hardie board siding simply offers low-maintenance safety and weather resistance that other siding materials can’t match.

Choose Appropriate Siding for Your Environment

Many Calgarians opt for alternative siding options which appeal more to them aesthetically (such as Aluminum, Wood or Stucco) but they aren’t always the most durable or long lasting. This doesn’t mean that you can’t play with a variety of finishes to achieve your desired look but if you want long-term protection for your home, we highly recommend Hardie board siding.

The first thing everyone notices on a home is the exterior. When the siding on your house is
damaged or discoloured it does not present your house in the way you want it to; you work hard
to care for your home and you want it to reflect as such. There are many reasons a house’s
siding in Calgary may be damaged such as strong storms and high wind that often sends debris and
branches flying. Siding can even be damaged by neighbourhood children playing various sports
in which the ball might bounce off the house.

You may be worried if a section of your siding is damaged, rotten, coming loose or if you notice
a woodpecker has done some damage. Damaged siding could eventually cause serious issues for
your house including polluted or unwanted additional air, water, dirt, and pests getting inside of
your home. No matter what time or month of year it is none of these conditions are favourable.

When you notice damage, you will need to decide to repair the damaged siding or get it
completely replaced. It can be a tough choice and all homeowners want to make the responsible
and most sensible decision at the most cost effective price. We are happy to walk you through
the process of before you make your decision.

When Repairing Your Siding Is Feasible

When you notice areas of your home are missing sections of siding, there is no need to stress
out over the thought of an expensive fix. A local siding company will easily repair the missing
siding without needing a complete replacement on your home.

Repair is the more popular option for customers because it is typically less costly and a quicker
process. Siding repair is usually less costly and faster, but it is not always the answer. You should
opt for siding repair services if you notice the following:

Minor to Moderate Mildew and Mold

Mildew, mold, and fungus are all enemies of siding. If you spot any signs of rot or mold of any
type, it is best to call in the pros in ASAP for repairs. It is worth mentioning that mold is tricky. If
you locate and remove damage quickly it will cause fewer problems and siding repair will do just
fine. Before you decide on repair you must consider 2 things; first, you have to know exactly
why your siding has mold and secondly, you must be one hundred percent you have removed all
of the damage or it may progress to rot.

Holes

When there are holes in the siding this can lead to considerable damage. Holes will not only
allow moisture into the home, but they are usually a sure sign that birds or bug/insects are
gradually making their way into the walls!

Chipping and Cracking

If there are minor chips and cracks in the material, particularly if it is a small area or just on one
panel, they can likely be quickly and easily repaired. If there is a case of more extensive cracking,
you may have to replace one siding panel. However, this is technically a repair and quite low-
cost.

Loose Siding Panels

One loose siding panel may indicate the requirement for minor siding repair. Loose panels may
be caused by anything ranging from a shoddy and poor installation to strong storm winds. That
being said, in many cases the issue is quite easy to fix with a professional on hand.

Dents

Just like cracks, dents are very repairable. It usually requires a panel replacement, and should
not be a cause for stress.
Note: Many times the repair cost estimate does not include costs for disposal or removal of
existing siding and trim. It is important to ask your contractor about any repairs or structural
modifications as well as any work on soffit or fascia for the renovation process.

If you are considering repairing your siding, the price per square feet is as follows:

Vinyl siding: $3 to $5
Fiber-cement siding: $6 to $
Cedar siding: $ 8 to $ 11

When Replacing Your Siding Is Feasible

However, there are times when as a homeowner your best option is to replace all the siding. If
you put this off just to save some money, it may cost you more in the long run if serious damage
is done to the exposed structure underneath. Doing a costly repair job on your siding that will
inevitably need to be replaced in a few years is not a great investment. You should also consider
the extent and type of damage.

If a big portion of your home’s exterior is affected, it usually means that the most cost-effective
and wise decision is to replace everything. Go for siding replacement in the following cases.

Excessive Maintenance

If you find yourself having to repaint, clean, and repair the siding on a yearly basis or even more,
then it’s high time to replace the siding.

Bubbles in the Siding

The presence of bubbles just underneath the surface of your siding is a certain sign that your
home needs new siding. Bubbles are a certain indication that water is trapped and any
indication that water is trapped under or on the siding is a red flag.

Dry Rot

Even if the rot seems minimal, it is a clear indication that the siding is starting to fail. It is best to
quickly address this issue and replace your rotten siding in order to avoid more extensive home
damage. If you tap on your siding using the handle of a screwdriver, it will reveal any dry rot
problems in your siding before they become discernible to the naked eye. Note that dry rot
often starts below the surface of your siding and will eat away the body of your siding,
essentially leaving only the top layer of your siding intact. Your siding can look quite good even if
the bulk its material has rotted away.

Faded Siding

Most siding is made to retain its colour for the lifespan of your siding itself. If your siding looks
old with obvious colour fade, then it should tell you that the waterproofing of your siding might
have run its course as well.

We always recommend that you talk to a professional about your replacement or reparation
options.

Note: Generally, it would cost you anywhere between $3 and $10 per square feet Installation.

Cost also depends on the kind of material you choose. Vinyl is the cheapest while fiber-cement
and cedar are more expensive. If you are considering removing and replacing your siding, the
price per square feet could be somewhere close to:

Vinyl siding: $5 to $7
Fiber-cement siding: $8 to $11
Cedar siding: $10 to $13

Alberta Weather & Siding

Living in Alberta can be a roller coaster as far as the climate is concerned. It can seem like one minute its swimming weather, and the next minute you’re bundled up to resist the cold. One moment it’s dry and sunny, and the next thing you know rain is falling. You can only pray that it doesn’t become hail from that point. These extreme changes in climate can take a toll on the structure of your house, from your doors to your cabinets–not to mention your sanity. Fluctuating weather conditions can also affect the siding on your home. If you want a siding that stands up to the elements as well as pests and fire, then you need James Hardie siding with Color Plus technology.

James Hardie Siding Protects Alberta Homes

James Hardie comes with incredible moisture and rot resistance, withstanding humid weather year-round in a way that most sidings can’t. Usually, wood will soak through and start cracking, swelling, rotting, and developing mold over time. James Hardie products are designed to resist the elements and preserve the structural integrity of your home through any storm. In Alberta, weather changes come quickly, and without warning, so you’ll want a siding that can hold its own without constant maintenance. Storms won’t stand a chance against these walls.

Because James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered to stand up to the Alberta climate, you can expect it to last much longer than standard wood or vinyl siding. Wood and vinyl both age quickly, leaving marks and signs of wear from years of use.

Color That Lasts

James Hardie, with its Color Plus technology and innovative engineering, will last you for many more years than traditional materials. What’s Color Plus? Color Plus is a paint technology that resists fading and wear. Paint is applied in many coats and then baked onto your siding, keeping the color of your walls brighter for longer come rain or shine. Best of all, it carries a 15-year warranty against cracking, peeling, and chipping.

Fire Resistant

Do you have a plan in case a fire breaks out in your home? Get your family and valuables to safety as quickly as possible, but don’t worry at all about the structure of your house with James Hardie walls. Wood siding will only add fuel to the flame, and vinyl melts quickly, but our siding will withstand heat and even the worst of fires without breaking a sweat. James Hardie siding doesn’t ignite when directly exposed to flames. Having fireproof siding will make a big difference protecting your home from fire, and sometimes getting you a discount from your insurance provider.

Pests Won’t Find A Home Here

Among the many popular wildlife species in Alberta, there are a few that seem to cause more difficulties than others. Pests can be a significant problem for house siding in Alberta. Termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees can all wreak havoc on wood by burrowing into it, making it fragile and more susceptible to rot. Woodpeckers can also damage the structural integrity of wood siding as they search for these insects to eat. James Hardie siding offers little appeal to these creatures, however, which will save you in dollars and headaches further down the line. It also frees up time to spend with the animals you love.

Siding Specifically Engineered For Alberta Homes

Weather conditions in Alberta can be extreme and are known to change quickly. Rain, hail, snow, and strong winds are all common at various times throughout the year, and each of these can damage your siding. Rain can soak through wood, rotting it out, while hail literally chips away your siding, destroying it bit by bit. The same is true of wind-blown debris. Alberta’s humid continental climate ensures that your house will be exposed to every variety of weather at some time or another throughout the year. But James Hardie products are engineered to withstand every one of these weather conditions. Unlike wood and vinyl, our siding can withstand impact from hail and debris without trouble. Moreover, exposure to heat and sunshine won’t dry it out.

The HardieZone System

Rather than make siding a one size fit all, James Hardie created a system called the HardieZone System. It is designed on eight individual climatic variables that wear on siding over time. By finding the common variables between each region, a line of products was created. HZ5® is for climate zones 1 – 5 (think Alberta weather) and HZ10® zones 6 through 10. And it is thanks to this system, that a line of siding products that are specifically resistant to Alberta’s weather exists.

Living in Alberta comes with lots of perks. But for every inch of its beautiful geography, there is a danger to your house’s siding in the form of rain and hail, and pests. Even sunny days will wear on the structure of your home over time. And, if you do encounter a faulty board, each piece of Hardie Siding carries between a 15 – 30-year warranty! Contact us for hardie board Calgary installation by a certified James Hardie Siding installer and get a free estimate for your home.

Sources:

https://www.jameshardie.ca/why-hardie

Unless you plan to live in your same house forever, you want to know that the hard earned money you put into your home, will result in an increase in your home’s value. Some home improvements cost more than they’re worth, while others can increase your home’s value. When it comes to home improvement projects replacing your siding appears to make the most financial sense. Replacing your home’s siding might not be as satisfying as remodeling a kitchen or adding a great room, but it’s what resonates with home buyer’s pocketbooks

Resale value is just one factor that homeowners should take into consideration, Realtors also know that curb appeal projects offer great bang for your buck because a home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see

Re-siding with fiber cement is the smartest investment you can make in your house. Fiber-cement products are a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl.Even smarter: Choosing fiber cement from the industry leader. That’s why those in the know choose James Hardie® siding and trim.

COST VS. VALUE RANKINGS

Remodeling Magazine annually compares the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 101 U.S. cities. Year after year, siding replacement with fiber cement like James Hardie offers the maximum ROI at resale.

THE BENEFITS OF JAMES HARDIE SIDING

The return on re-siding your house with fiber cement is 25 percent higher than that if you were to add a bathroom. Why not start with a project that will give you more bang for your buck?

The value of re-siding with James Hardie lies in the superior quality of our products. We beat our competitors in every siding category.

Re-siding your home with fiber cement nets you an 11 percent greater return than vinyl window replacement and a 24 percent greater return than a major kitchen remodel or roof replacement.

You want to ensure you’re buying the best possible product when you choose to reside. James Hardie invented fiber cement and remains the leader in the field. Here’s what you’ll get when you invest in James Hardie board Calgary siding and trim.

With the continued and growing emphasis on sustainability in construction we could be on the verge of a radical shift in how we think about the current stock of buildings.

As the Energy and Environment Coordinator for Building Regulations at The City, it’s an exciting time for me – and for our province. For the first time in Alberta’s history, we have adopted energy efficiency requirements in our building codes.

The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) and Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code, which will come into force on Nov. 1, 2016, were adopted as part of a commitment to improve energy efficiencies in buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By increasing energy efficiency standards buildings will have improved usability, energy performance and quality of construction.

Codes set minimum standards, so they have a much more severe effect on lower-quality buildings than they do on the higher-quality ones. For those already constructing energy-efficient buildings, you might see some of your competitor buildings increase in cost. This makes the better, more energy efficient buildings more cost-competitive and therefore makes energy efficiency a much more sellable asset.

Establishing the minimum energy efficiency standard for a home does not prevent homebuilders or owners from striving for even greater energy efficiency levels (i.e. a ‘net zero’ home)

What will the energy requirements affect?

Both codes cover a wide range of building components and systems and can include building envelope, electrical and mechanical systems. Generally, the NECB applies to large commercial and residential buildings that are over 600 m2 in building area or three stories in height, and Section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code covers houses and small buildings.

For single-family homes, the code talks about minimum efficiency on your furnace, hot water heater, minimum standards on thermal performance for windows, walls, roofs and more. It’s basically a way to save energy on the day-to-day running of your home.

The NECB covers all the above as well as interior and exterior lighting, more complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, combined hot water systems, and power distribution components and motors.

Compliance Paths

One of the most important aspects of the new requirements is the flexibility with compliance they provide engineers, architects, and designers. The new requirements give guidance while still allowing design teams to explore multiple options.

Both the NECB and ABC 9.36 offer a design team a choice of three compliance paths; prescriptive, trade-off, and performance modeling.

The prescriptive path requires meeting all requirements outlined in the code. It is typically the simplest compliance path to follow, but may not be appropriate for all buildings.

The trade-off path allows for more flexibility in your design, allowing you to trade elements within a portion of the design, like the building envelope, so the overall performance is equal or better to the prescriptive path without meeting every prescriptive element found in the code.

The performance compliance path provides the most design flexibility. You must demonstrate that your proposed design will not consume more energy than an equivalent building built to prescriptive requirements. This path is the most complex, and requires the use of a computer simulation, but offers significantly more design freedom

Following these requirements will incur a small cost to builders. At The City, we are not naive to the difficulty that changes like this present. We’ve really tried to go out of our way to help builders adopt these new standards. We’ve put together web information for both commercial and residential buildings on what the standards are and how to comply. We’ve tried to instill a sense of flexibility and a provide paths to painless compliance.

To learn more and to download compliance documents from The City of Calgary, visit calgary.ca/energycode and calgary.ca/936.

Resolve Campaign Part 1 – Providence

Providence House in Crescent Heights is the second new construction project to open through the Resolve Campaign. The building is owned by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, and 24 hour on-site tenant support will be provided through the YWCA of Calgary.

“The project has been educational and a source of inspiration for our team,” says Rob Kennedy, president of Morrison Homes Multi-Family Division.

Resolve has set out to raise $120 million to create affordable housing for 3,000 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians. It involves nine social service agencies and has received funding through government, the business community and individual donors.

Eleven builders have made a $15.4 million pledge and will be the construction managers on a series of apartment buildings for the Calgary Homeless Foundation through the Resolve Campaign. Along with Morrison, the builder group includes Nuovo by Shane Homes, Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential, Brookfield Residential, Calbridge Homes, Cardel Lifestyles, Cedarglen Living, Homes by Avi, Hopewell Residential, Jayman Built Group of Companies, and Streetside Developments: A Qualico Company.

Providence House, which was funded by provincial grants, has 24 apartments that will provide permanent supportive rental housing for vulnerable and homeless women in Calgary. The building also has common rooms and shared dining and meeting rooms.

YWCA, with funding from the Calgary Homeless Foundation, has provided the apartments with a bed and bedding, nightstand, dresser, toiletries, three piece dinette, armchair and basic kitchen items. Residents are expected to start taking possession in early October.

A year ago, Morrison staff members were asked to submit names for the company’s Resolve building. “It didn’t take us long to settle on Providence House — a name that reflects the protective care the facility will provide to its residents, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially,” Kennedy says. “The word providence reflects optimism, empowerment, and self-reliance, that can be achieved through the promise of a brighter future.

“That’s karma, because it’s so fitting that name would reach 24 women that will call Providence House their home.”

The builder also brought a barbecue as a housewarming gift for residents of the new building.

YWCA Calgary’s vice-president of programs and services Heather Morley calls Providence House a “special place.” Women’s homelessness is often driven by domestic abuse and early trauma, she says.

“With the opening of this new building, our amazing team of case managers and program leads will be able to work closely with women, each living in their own beautiful apartment, to offer support with goal setting, life skills and emotional, physical and mental well-being,” Morley says.

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