Clients often ask us which fibre-cement siding is best, when we go out to quote at their homes and businesses. James Hardie came up with the idea of using the reinforced product in the 1980’s, and many others have followed since. We compare Hardie and Allura fibre cement products in this post, based on our experience of their relative strengths.
How Hardie and Allura Fibre Siding Compare
James Hardie is a powerful brand despite the competition, and has almost iconic status in North America. Allura comes a close second in our mind, because both companies manufacture high-quality fibre cement products.
James Hardie still makes its Hardie Plank strips the way it always has, and so they have withstood the test of time. Their well-proven method mixes portland cement with wood-pulp slurry. Then it adds a blend of silica and sand before casting the product in individual moulds.
Allura uses a similar process to produce the same thickness plank, although the material is slightly denser. Their reviews say their mixture of cellulose fibers, sand, silica, and portland cement resists moisture, cold, insects, and heat, although in our experience Hardie products perform equally well.
Hardie and Allura Fibre Siding Ranges and Choices
Both Hardie’s and Allura’s fibre smooth-lap, and wood-grain strips, come in a variety of lengths allowing optimum use of the material. James Hardie has 15 standard colours available, plus 700 more in their dream collection. Hardie also includes primed trim boards in its range, as well as in 3 colours, to emphasize corners, columns, fascias, doors and windows.
Allura offers 25 designer siding colours, unless they are supplied primed and ready to paint. Their trim range is more extensive, and comes in various widths that are smooth on one side, and wood-grained on the other. This design flexibility can accommodate board-and-batten-style trim over smooth panels.
Valiant Exteriors Takes the Best From Both
Valiant Exteriors of Calgary uses James Hardie products exclusively for siding projects, plus select trim pieces from Allura on occasions. Our many years of experience taught us this is the optimum use of Hardie and Allura fibre products, and the best compromise considering both price and enduring quality.
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