When it comes to siding, two names stand out: Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie® fiber cement siding. Both are trusted in the industry, but if you’re looking for a product that saves time, lowers costs, and offers long-lasting beauty, Ascend comes out on top. Here’s why.
1. Installation Speed & Labor Savings
- Ascend: Lightweight, self-aligning panels make installation fast and simple. Crews can side a home in less time with fewer hands, saving on labor costs.
- Hardie Board: Heavy fiber cement boards require more manpower, specialized tools, and often take longer to install.
👉 For contractors, this means Ascend = fewer hours, more profit. For homeowners, it means faster project completion.
2. No Special Tools Needed
- Ascend: Cuts with standard carpentry tools — no expensive saw blades or dust concerns.
- Hardie Board: Requires specific cutting tools, generates silica dust (a health concern if not handled properly), and can wear down blades quickly.
👉 Ascend is simpler, safer, and cheaper to work with.
3. Durability & Weather Resistance
- Ascend: Made with patented (GP)² technology. A composite of glass-reinforced polymer and graphite-infused polystyrene. It resists moisture, won’t warp, and holds up in extreme weather.
- Hardie Board: While durable, fiber cement is prone to moisture absorption if not properly painted and caulked, leading to cracking or swelling over time.
👉 Ascend gives you peace of mind with less upkeep.
4. Maintenance & Long-Term Appearance
- Ascend: Never needs painting, caulking, or touch-ups. Fade-resistant colors are backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Hardie Board: Requires regular repainting every 5–10 years, caulking at seams, and ongoing maintenance to keep it looking fresh.
👉 Homeowners save time, money, and hassle with Ascend.
5. Warranty & Value
- Ascend: Lifetime limited warranty that includes fade protection.
- Hardie Board: Typically a 30-year limited warranty, with paint and finish coverage much shorter.
👉 With Ascend, you get longer protection and lasting value.
The Bottom Line
James Hardie has been a trusted name for years, but siding technology has evolved. Ascend Composite Cladding delivers the same beautiful wood-look exterior — without the heavy labor, specialized tools, or constant upkeep.
Whether you’re a homeowner who wants a low-maintenance exterior or a contractor looking to save time and labor costs, Ascend is the smarter investment.
✨ Ready to see why more people are choosing Ascend over Hardie? Visit Canyon Exteriors in Twin Falls to explore color samples and talk about your next project.
Ascend® Composite Cladding vs. James Hardie® Board
| Feature | Ascend Composite Cladding | James Hardie Board |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Speed | Lightweight, self-aligning panels install quickly with smaller crews. | Heavy boards require more labor, take longer to install. |
| Tools Needed | Cuts with standard carpentry tools. No special equipment required. | Requires specialized cutting tools and creates silica dust. |
| Durability | Resists moisture, won’t warp, crack, or rot. | Strong but can absorb moisture, swell, or crack if not maintained. |
| Maintenance | Never needs painting or caulking. Fade-resistant finish backed by warranty. | Requires repainting every 5–10 years and caulking at seams. |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty with fade protection. | 30-year limited warranty, shorter finish coverage. |
| Appearance | Realistic wood-grain look with rich, lasting colors. | Wood-like look, but requires repainting to stay fresh. |
| Labor Costs | Lower labor costs thanks to faster, simpler installation. | Higher labor costs due to time and manpower needed. |
✨ Bottom Line: Ascend is faster to install, easier to maintain, and delivers lasting beauty without the extra labor and upkeep that comes with Hardie.