What Does the James Hardie® Good Housekeeping Seal Mean?

James Hardie® has long been a trusted brand of fiber cement siding. The manufacturer is known for its innovation and high standards, so it really doesn’t come as a surprise that it has become a recipient of the Good Housekeeping Seal. 

Reputable siding and roofing contractors recommend James Hardie products due to their durability, dependability and excellent performance. Learn more about the qualities of James Hardie siding, particularly the HardiePlank lap siding, that made it earn the prestigious GH Seal.

What Is the Good Housekeeping Seal?

The Good Housekeeping Seal is a guarantee of product quality and reliability. It is basically a stamp of approval from the Good Housekeeping Institute, which conducts numerous tests on various products to evaluate their effectiveness and durability. Because of the rigorous testing involved in the process, the GH Seal has become a widely recognized consumer emblem in the U.S. Furthermore, products with the GH Seal are more highly regarded and trusted by consumers.

How Did James Hardie Earn the Good Housekeeping Seal?

James Hardie is a reputable manufacturer of high-quality fiber cement siding. HardiePlank HZ5 and HZ10 lap siding products are specifically the ones that earned the Good Housekeeping Seal due to their performance in various aspects. They have exhibited outstanding resilience against different climates while offering consumers a wide range of designs and colors to suit any home. 

Here’s more information on the top qualities of James Hardie siding that earned it the GH Seal:

Durability

The engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute have found that the HardiePlank lap siding has excellent resistance to frigid temperatures, strong winds, moisture, insects, fires and more. Furthermore, it comes with a 30-year limited product warranty that will surely give consumers peace of mind. 

Versatility

James Hardie siding can protect your home against a wide range of elements. Whether you live in a region that experiences super-cold winters or wet hurricane seasons, there’s a HardiePlank lap siding that’s right for your local climate. 

Timelessness

The fiber cement siding does not only boast exceptional performance; it also has a beautiful appearance that can boost curb appeal. It’s available in various designs mimicking the look of wood, stucco and other textures. You can certainly use it for different architectural styles, from Victorian to Colonial. The siding also comes in pre-finished color or primed-for-paint options.

Consistency

James Hardie has been a consistent GH Seal star for over six years. It never fails to deliver on its promise of high-quality fiber cement products, so it’s no wonder that it remains a popular siding brand in the U.S. Without a doubt, the HardiePlank lap siding is a best-seller because it offers great value for money.

Hiring a James Hardie® Certified Contractor

Superior fiber cement siding is only half of what makes a good, dependable siding system for your home. The other half is quality workmanship from a certified James Hardie contractor.

Hiring a qualified and experienced siding installer is crucial to your project because the quality of their work will determine the performance and longevity of your new siding. That said, you should get to know the siding contractor you’re considering for the job before signing any agreements with them.

We strongly recommend working with a James Hardie-certified contractor from your local community for the following reasons: 

Guaranteed Results

Whether you’re looking for siding or roofing contractors, it always pays to go with a company that went through the proper training and certification. Manufacturers of building materials, like James Hardie, usually offer certification programs, where contractors and professionals can learn the proper handling, installation, repair and maintenance of their products. When you hire a certified contractor, you can rest assured that your project will be carried out according to manufacturer specifications — which is crucial to keeping the validity of your siding.

Familiarity With Local Building Codes

Aside from following the installation specifications of the manufacturer, it’s also important to hire a company that is familiar with local building regulations and permits. This makes local siding contractors ideal for the job. With local companies, you can easily verify if they are licensed and have the proper insurance required by the state.

Easy to Reach

Local contractors are easier to find when you need them because they have a physical office you can visit. If anything goes wrong with your recent fiber cement siding installation, you can go to the contractor so they can address your concern. Plus, they can also handle the maintenance and repair of your siding. You can have better peace of mind knowing that you can easily contact your siding contractor and reach them.

Maintaining Your James Hardie® Siding

It’s a myth that fiber cement siding can last forever. Sure, it can last for several years, but over time, it will wear out and require replacement. To prolong the lifespan of your James Hardie siding and get the most out of its benefits, you should regularly maintain and clean it.

Fortunately, regular siding maintenance is much like stucco remediation — it can prolong the life of your James Hardie siding. If you want to get the most out of your HardiePlank lap siding, you should regularly inspect, clean and repair it.

Here are some basic tips that’ll help keep your fiber cement siding in excellent condition:

Regular Cleaning

Check your siding for dirt from time to time, and remove dust and debris before they accumulate on the surface. Also, look out for moisture to reduce the risk of mold growth. After a storm, you should clean your siding to remove any mud that splattered onto it. You can use a garden hose and a gentle brush to get rid of dirt on your siding.

Prompt Repairs

Whether you have stucco or fiber cement siding, make sure to call a professional as soon as you notice problems with your siding. This is especially crucial after a storm. Siding professionals will help you look for damage and perform repairs to keep the issue from worsening. Regular inspections will also benefit your siding as these will help you spot issues that could potentially evolve into huge problems over time if left unchecked.

Upkeep

Much like your roofing, fiber cement siding can be prone to scratches from tree branches and shrubs. As much as possible, don’t place plants near your home’s exterior. If you can’t remove or relocate trees, make sure to trim their branches regularly. Take note that plants and trees can increase the humidity in the area near your siding, so you might want to check for excess moisture or signs of mold growth more frequently. 

If you need help with stucco remediation or siding replacement, you can count on Precision #1 Contractors Inc. to provide you with quality services. We’re a certified James Hardie contractor, and we have several years of experience in the industry. Rest assured that we can deliver excellent results for your home improvement project. Call us at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to talk to our experts.