From Stucco to Hardie^® Fiber Cement: The Dragon Family’s Re-Side Story

When Chrisse and Matt Dragon bought their Pennsylvania home, they knew right away the stucco had to go. A routine inspection uncovered hidden issues, pushing them to find a siding solution that could withstand four seasons of weather and still deliver the look they wanted. With the help of KLM Contractors and Hardie® fiber cement siding, their re-side turned into a transformation that still looks brand new nearly six years later.

A DIY FAMILY TACKLES THEIR FIRST CONTRACTOR PROJECT

Chrisse Dragon grew up around construction — her parents are contractors — so home projects and design decisions come naturally. However, when they discovered major stucco siding damage during their home inspection, they realized that DIY wasn’t enough. “We decided to re-side our house, because during the inspection we had stucco issues, and so we knew we were going to have to find a product that was going to be replacing stucco in general,” Matt explained. He added that Hardie® siding stood out as “one of the most superior and best-designed products out there.”

The Dragons wanted a material that would solve their stucco problem and hold up against southeastern Pennsylvania’s extremes — from heat waves to freeze-thaw cycles, and even the occasional tornado.

REPLACING STUCCO WITH FIBER CEMENT

Although stucco has a long design history, it can conceal water damage if not installed and detailed correctly. The Dragons had seen these issues firsthand on their first home and wanted something different. As Matt put it, they chose Hardie® siding “over other products like vinyl or wood or stucco” because they wanted something higher end, longer lasting and more reliable in their area, where many homes suffer stucco problems.

Working with their contractor, KLM, the Dragons selected Gray Slate Hardie® Plank Lap siding with board-and-batten accents for a timeless but distinctive look. Chrisse recalls, “When initially designing this home, I really wanted something that was classic and timeless, and with the Hardie® product in Gray Slate, it really matched and complemented the interior of the home.”

Visualization tools made their creative decisions easier. A self-described “very visual person,” Chrisse said Hardie™ Designer, powered by Hover®, was “a game changer.” She found it easy to use — even for someone not tech-savvy — and it helped her feel comfortable knowing the siding choices would harmonize with the home’s interior palette of grays and blues. Hardie™ Designer allows homeowners to see their home clad in an endless combination of Hardie® siding profiles and colors with just one image upload — instantly.

Performance mattered just as much as style. “Our region experiences pretty harsh weather,” Matt noted, explaining that the siding needed to endure extreme heat, freezing cold, and sudden storms. Hardie® fiber cement gave them confidence it would.

In fact, just a year after the installation, a tornado passed near the Dragons’ home. While neighboring houses suffered significant damage, Matt remembered expecting the worst but being relieved to find that “none of that debris was ours. [The siding] held up perfectly in the weather.” The experience confirmed their decision to invest in fiber cement.

Now, nearly six years after the re-side, the Dragons say their home still looks new. Chrisse loves that the exterior has “a high-end polished look” that is easy to maintain, while Matt points out the siding “is not fading at all” and continues to draw compliments. The project even earned a Best Transformation honor during James Hardie’s Fourth Annual Exterior Design Week.

WORKING WITH A TRUSTED CONTRACTOR

The Dragons chose KLM Contractors, led by Maciej Chechla, on a realtor’s recommendation. Chrisse said that “Maciej, with his design sense and just overall care, was really important to us…He was amazing to work with, and his team was super knowledgeable.” That trust led the couple to hire KLM for additional projects, including a porch addition and a new roof.

KLM’s membership in the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE offered extra reassurance. According to Maciej, the program’s training, marketing support and tools provide credibility by showing clients the contractor is “backed by the industry leader in fiber cement siding.*” For homeowners, that translates into confidence that the job will be done right.

LESSONS FOR PROS AND HOMEOWNERS

The Dragons’ journey highlights best practices any re-side project should follow:

• Inspect honestly: A thorough inspection is essential, especially with stucco, which can hide moisture damage and structural issues beneath the surface. Planning for a full tear-off ensures you address problems early and avoid costly surprises later.
• Specify for climate: Every region has its own weather challenges. By selecting materials designed to withstand both sweltering summers and freezing winters, you safeguard your investment and maintain curb appeal over time.
• Visualize early: Design tools like the Hardie™ Designer make it easier to picture the finished home before work begins. This step helps align expectations, prevents miscommunication and allows homeowners to feel confident in their choices.
• Choose carefully: Success depends on more than just the siding product. Working with a trusted contractor and a proven material gives homeowners confidence that the project will be completed correctly and built to last.
• Think beyond day one: A re-side is a long-term investment, and the results should stand the test of time. Nearly six years after their project, the Dragons’ home still looks new, proving that smart choices today pay off for years to come.

As Matt advises, “Choosing the correct contractor and product… is a big investment.” Chrisse agrees, emphasizing the importance of “having confidence in who you are working with and the materials you are working with.”

By combining trusted professionals with durable Hardie® siding, the Dragons’ project demonstrates how the right decisions can deliver both beauty and peace of mind for years to come.

WHY HARDIE® SIDING WORKS

For Maciej and KLM, the Dragons’ project represents what they often see across Pennsylvania: outdated stucco, rotted wood, and warped vinyl. He explains that “premium products like fiber cement deliver long-term value, performance, and peace of mind,” while ColorPlus Technology® finishes ensure lasting beauty. His advice is simple: “Cutting corners or materials can cost more in the long run… I recommend Hardie® products to any homeowner who values quality, durability, and curb appeal.”

For Chrisse and Matt, the choice is clear. After living with their siding for nearly six years, they remain confident that they made the right decision. “We absolutely would recommend Hardie® products to anyone looking to re-side their home, especially if they value quality, durability and the overall look. We are extremely happy with the quality of the product and working with a contractor that we trust.” Their satisfaction reflects not just the lasting performance of the siding, but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home is protected and looks the way they envisioned.

DISCOVER THE JAMES HARDIE™ ALLIANCE ADVANTAGE

Ready to get your project started? Request a quote and we’ll connect you with up to three contractors from the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE whom you can trust are qualified to install your Hardie® siding and are insured.

Backed by the industry leader in fiber cement, the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE is designed to help contractors stand out and grow their business. Members gain access to specialized tools, training and marketing support, along with the added credibility of being backed by a trusted brand. Explore the James Hardie™ ALLIANCE for resources that help pros deliver projects built to inspire confidence.

*Based on Freedonia 2022 Global Siding (Cladding) demand estimates and James Hardie sales in North America