Choose Durability

Non-combustible siding reduces chances of fire damage to homes

Southern California was devastated by the damage from California's largest wildfires in November 2003— after which Ventura, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties were declared major disaster areas. Like the rest of California, homeowners in nearby Orange County have made fire resistance a major issue in choosing their home's exterior.

Many homeowners have embraced James Hardie® siding— an innovative product whose proprietary formulation of Portland cement, finely ground sand and natural fibers give the siding the durability to resist damage from fire, as well as severe wind, hail, termites and moisture.

Ladera Ranch, a community in Orange County, has many neighborhoods that are sided with James Hardie Siding, such as Walden Park by William Lyon Homes.

"I really wanted a safe and special home for my family," said Joe Fiorenza, Walden Park homeowner. "The fact that James Hardie siding is non-combustible, maintains its look and gives us the feel of 'home' made this community the right choice."

In addition to its non-combustible properties, James Hardie gives Orange County homeowners more design options in a region dominated by stucco. James Hardie siding offers the beauty and character of wood without the maintenance problems like rotting and cracking. James Hardie siding is very versatile and applicable to a number of different modern and traditional home designs.

"We have put a lot of effort in creating unique neighborhoods, using siding for traditional looks to give off a hometown feel," said Brian Doyle of William Lyon Homes in Orange County. "James Hardie has helped make our communities better than we envisioned."

James Hardie can be painted any color and holds paint three to four times longer than wood. James Hardie gives homeowners the added assurance of an up to a 50-year limited transferable product warranty against rotting, cracking and delaminating.

"James Hardie looks great, we see great durability and it gives wonderful diversity away from stucco," continued Doyle. "James Hardie has given us the look we want and eliminated concerns of past maintenance issues with wood — James Hardie gives us the best of both worlds."