Replacing your home’s siding is often initially one of the most dreaded projects for homeowners. Instead, you may be tempted to watch as your existing siding continues to deteriorate, putting off the need to invest in new siding. After all, this home improvement project is a significant investment, and you don’t want to make the wrong choice. So, how do you ensure that your decision is the right one for you?
Our recommendation is to choose a tried-and-true premium siding brand, and you have two excellent options: Alside ASCEND® or Hardie Siding. Both brands use innovative, durable materials and come with a lifetime warranty, but what are the differences between Hardie’s fiber cement siding and Alside ASCEND® composite cladding?
What key facts about Alside ASCEND® siding do you need to know?
Alside ASCEND® siding is a composite cladding made from glass fibers, polymers, polystyrene, and graphite. These materials combined create durable fire-resistant, wind-resistant, and fade-resistant siding that gives homeowners beauty, performance, and easy installation for the exterior of their home.
If you’re wondering if there are any ASCEND® siding problems you should be aware of, this type of siding is very low-maintenance, requiring incredibly minimal upkeep. As a result, you don’t have to worry about repainting the siding, and your house will appear as if the siding was recently installed, even years later. This siding also has a Class A fire rating, effectively protecting your home from fire damage.
This graphite-infused polystyrene siding is easy to install, requiring fewer workers and a shorter installation time than other premium brands, and the pieces lock into one another without flashing or caulking to keep them in place. Today’s homeowners demand premium siding with a lifetime warranty at an affordable price, and Alside ASCEND® raises the bar even higher with composite cladding products comparable to even the more expensive fiber cement competitors.
What makes Hardie Siding a great option for your home?
Hardie Siding has been a leading brand in the siding industry for years. They have established a name for themselves with premium, maintenance-free siding that gives your home beautiful curb appeal. Their fiber cement material has proved to be durable siding, lasting decades without needing to be replaced or repainted. However, this siding material is fairly heavy, and the installation process is very detailed, requiring extra workers to handle the products carefully.
Hardie Siding is a longer-lasting option than many other types of siding because it doesn’t dent or break. The color-stay formula keeps the color you choose bold and polished for years after installation. Hardie Siding is fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and storm-resistant and can withstand high-speed winds and hail, protecting your home through even the most extreme weather conditions. Plus, Hardie Siding is protected by an industry-leading product warranty, giving you the peace of mind you need when making a significant investment in your home.
What are the differences between Alside ASCEND® and Hardie Siding?
While it’s important to note the differences between Alside ASCEND® and Hardie Siding, both brands are still luxury siding products and promise to keep your home looking beautiful for years to come. Fiber cement has proved itself over the years as a durable material that looks fantastic on your home for decades, and Alside’s composite cladding has been tested extensively and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
So, what are the key differences between Alside ASCEND® and Hardie Siding?
Price: Alside ASCEND® offers a comparable product at a more affordable price than Hardie Siding. You get a product that will last a lifetime, won’t fade, and can outlast all weather conditions without having to pay top-of-the-line prices.
With Alside ASCEND®, you don’t have to worry about replacing your siding again in a few years or hiring a professional painter to touch up your home. Your home will continue to stand out as the beautiful home on the block with the bold color of your choice. It will not fade with time, and you won’t ever have to scrub off mold or grime.
Alside ASCEND® is often easier to install because its lightweight materials do not require as many workers during the installation process, and the pieces lock into each other without having to seal or caulk them into place.
When you look at the main differences between Alside ASCEND® and Hardie Siding, ASCEND® can be the better choice for price and installation, but Hardie is America’s most popular siding brand for a reason and is unmatched in its durability. Still, as ASCEND® continues to grow in popularity, Hardie Siding may have some competition for reputation and quality.
What is the cost difference between Hardie and ASCEND®?
Hardie Siding has built a name in the industry. However, because of its proven quality, extensive installation process, and steeper labor costs, you can expect to pay a premium price for Hardie Siding. Alside ASCEND® siding is more expensive than vinyl siding options but less costly than Hardie, making it an alternative, lower-cost option for premium, low-maintenance siding.
You can expect to find a fluctuation in prices based on:
How much siding you need to cover your home:
Prices are usually calculated per square foot. The more square feet you need to cover, the higher the cost. If your home is a mixture of brick and siding, your cost may be lower, but if the home is completely covered in siding, you can expect to pay a higher price.
The length of installation and labor costs:
ASCEND® offers a simpler installation process than Hardie Siding, which leads to a shorter installation time. When you pay your installation team by the hour, ASCEND®’s cost is much lower than Hardie’s because of the other brand’s more extensive and complicated installation requirements.
Any additional fees for materials or color choice:
You may incur extra costs for materials if you choose a premium color or want to match the trimming to your siding choices. To avoid surprises, ask your installer about additional fees that may come up along the way.
Finally, look into Alside ASCEND® vs. Hardie Siding and find price comparisons for your area. On average, you will find that Hardie is more expensive than Alside ASCEND®, but you may determine that it is worth the cost for your particular needs.
Which siding brand is better for you?
When it comes down to it, the decision on which siding is the best option for you is in your hands. First, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide on color. If you are more comfortable choosing a product on the market long enough to stand the test of time and that has outstanding durability, then Hardie Siding could be the product for you. Alside is also an established name in the siding industry and offers high-quality and highly rated vinyl siding options, including ASCEND®, which requires minimal maintenance and easy installation. And remember, as you make this vital home improvement decision, you can’t go wrong with either brand!
Trust Magnolia Home Remodeling Group to Install Your Siding
Ready to make the decision to replace your home’s siding? Let our Magnolia Home Remodeling Group help you solidify whether Alside ASCEND® or Hardie Siding is the best option for you. While both have incredible benefits, we can help you choose the right product for your budget and priorities. Siding is the number one home improvement project that will transform the exterior of your home from ordinary to unforgettable.
When you hire a trusted team like Magnolia, you will get a family-owned company that has been in the home remodeling industry for over 30 years. We prioritize building lifelong relationships with our clients, ensuring your satisfaction so that we can continue to work together for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our services, receive a free estimate, and explore our trusted financing options for your project.
This blog has been updated February 19, 2024.
