Home Remodeling Tips & Advice – Athens, GA

Encompass Contracting

Written by Jamie Wilshire | Oct. 3, 2025

We can't deny that choosing new siding for your Athens home is a big decision. We understand that it needs to look good, withstand Georgia's weather, and last long enough to make your investment worthwhile. Fortunately, our team at Encompass Contracting has the perfect solution: Hardie fiber cement siding. 

Among many of the best durable siding options available, James Hardie siding is one of the most talked about because it offers numerous benefits for Georgia homeowners. But before you decide if it's right for you, it's natural to ask the question every homeowner wants answered: how long does Hardie siding last? 

In today's blog, our team has answered this question and shared insights into the different styles, factors that influence durability, and how to care for it so that it lasts long enough to be worth what you spent. 

 

What Is Hardie Fiber Cement Siding?

 

First things first. What is Hardie fiber cement siding? To put it simply, Hardie siding is made from a special mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. 

That combination gives it a solid structure that does not warp or rot the way wood often does. Its makeup also allows it not to crack or fade like some other options. Considering this, Hardie fiber cement siding gives you flexibility in design. 

However, if you don't want fiber cement siding, we also install cedar board and cedar shake siding for those who love natural wood. But we want you to know that most homeowners in Athens choose Hardie siding because it requires far less upkeep and provides lasting peace of mind.

 

How Long Does Hardie Siding Last in Athens?

 

So, how long does Hardie board last in Athens, GA? On average, you can expect about 30 to 50 years of reliable performance. We can attest that the Hardie board siding lifespan often reaches that range in our area, and with proper care, it can last even longer. The Hardie siding life expectancy comes from how it is built. Its construction allows it to resist pests, moisture, and the constant shifts between hot afternoons and rainy evenings that Athens' weather brings.

So you can truly be assured that when you choose Hardie, you are choosing one of the most long-lasting siding material options available, and with our team of local siding installers in Athens, GA, you will know it is placed the way it should be to last you decades.

 

Hardie Siding Styles for Athens Homes

 

At Encompass Contracting, we know that durability is only part of the story. You also want siding that makes your home look the way you've always imagined it. That's another reason we recommend Hardie. It comes in styles that fit different tastes and house designs here in Athens. 

For example, Hardie plank has a classic look that never feels out of place. Then there is board and batten, which could add a clean, modern edge to your home with vertical lines that stand out. You could also try shake shingles, which bring texture and charm, especially on gables or as an accent. 

However, no matter which direction you choose, every option is built from the same fiber cement material, so you get beauty and strength in one package.

 

Factors That Impact the Lifespan of Hardie Siding

 

While Hardie is tough, a few things can affect how long it lasts on your home. We know you might not want to hear this, but the quality of installation is at the top of the list. That is why we take our time with every detail so that when the siding goes up, it stays put for years to come.

Additionally, local climate also matters. Athens' weather can be demanding, which makes Hardie's strength even more valuable here than in some other parts of the country. And although it doesn't require much, a little attention from you over the years will go a long way. If you don't look after it, you may find the investment doesn't quite pay off like it should. 

Siding Budget: Hardie Board Costs in Athens, GA

 

When it comes to budget, you want siding that lasts the longest so that what you pay is worth it. Although Hardie siding costs more than some entry-level products on the market, it makes up for its price by lasting longer. 

Basically, when you invest in Hardie plank siding in Athens, GA, you're committing to a siding product that will protect your home for generations, and that's well worth the more expensive price tag in our team's opinion at Encompass Contracting.

Hardie Plank Siding Maintenance: Caring for Your Hardie Siding

 

Hardie is considered one of the best low-maintenance siding options, but a bit of routine care helps you get the most out of this long-lasting siding material. 

A few simple routine Hardie board maintenance tips can make a big difference in longevity. Here's a look at what to do to ensure your new siding stands the test of time: 

  1. Rinse the siding with a garden hose once or twice a year to remove dust and pollen.
  2. Keep landscaping trimmed back so moisture does not sit against the boards.
  3. Inspect caulking around windows and trim as the seasons change.
  4. Repaint when the original finish naturally weathers after many years.

We strongly urge keeping the above tips in mind, as following them helps you enjoy the full fiber cement siding longevity that Hardie is known for.

 

Hardie Siding Installed By Encompass Contracting Is the Best Choice for Athens Homes

 

Now you have a better idea of the average lifespan of Hardie board and can see for yourself why professional Hardie board installation in Athens, GA, is a good idea. If you're ready to learn more about durable siding in Athens, Georgia, you can contact our team at Encompass Contracting here. Together, we can create an exterior that looks great, stands strong, and lasts for years to come, all within your stylistic preferences and budget.