James Hardie Blog

Ever get frustrated having to choose between style and substance?

I do.

My coolest jacket—the one I wear when I want to look extra-sharp—doesn’t keep me warm. The car with the most gorgeous design isn’t the safest. Those chic, fashion-forward running shoes aren’t actually the best for improving my marathon times—or avoiding injury.

Wherever I turn, I’m having to choose between beauty and performance—like the universe is saying, “Sorry—can’t have both!”

Read More...

Whether you’re aiming for a coastal, contemporary, or traditional aesthetic, the details matter when designing a custom exterior. The right siding materials can make the difference between a cookie-cutter house and a sophisticated luxury home that demands the attention of the neighbors. With Hardie® Artisan Lap siding, now available as part of the Hardie™ Architectural Collection, architects can achieve the sophistication homeowners seek while providing the low-maintenance and durability they deserve.

Read More...

Welcome to the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, NV. Each year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) pulls out all the stops for this 3-day event, bringing together the best of the best in the construction industry. It’s a chance for attendees to get a glimpse of new product innovations, discover better ways of building, gain insights from experts and network with other trade professionals.

Read More...

I hunt hurricanes—all around the world, in every hemisphere. When I get inside these violent storms, I shoot video and collect valuable scientific data.
 
It’s dangerous work. Maybe that’s why I’m so into it. I’ll admit I’m full-on crazy to do it.
 
But when it comes to my home, I can’t be crazy. I’ve got to suit up and be respectable.

Read More...

There’s no better feeling than coming home. Walking in your door sparks a moment of peace, helping you unwind from the stressors of the day. According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly half of Americans prioritize mindful moments like these to boost their mental health. Research also shows that globally, 78% of people view their mental health to be just as important as their physical health*.

The colors we choose for our living spaces play an important role in supporting our mental well-being. Green shades, which are reminiscent of lush natural landscapes, promote serenity and reduce anxiety. Shades of green can even lower your heart rate. As people increasingly prioritize their mental health, they’re opting for design choices that reflect how they want to feel. Green hues are therefore gaining traction as interior and exterior paint colors, thanks to their mood-boosting properties. 

In line with this shift in perspective and evolution of design trends, James Hardie is excited to announce its first ever Color of the Year, Mountain Sage.

Read More...

It was well after midnight, and Dave Salemi was fast asleep in his home in Chester, a community on Kent Island just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland. “My wife woke up and said ‘Hey, I think someone’s ringing our doorbell,’” explains Salemi in an interview. Dazed, he didn’t think anything was wrong. But the flames next door shocked him awake. 
 
“I looked out my back window… and there was this bright orange,” says Salemi. His home sits about 10 to 15 feet away from his neighbor’s, and all the garages are in the alleyway behind the houses. The fire appeared to be coming from the neighbor’s garage. “I just saw flames shooting up from the house next door.” Fortunately, he and his wife escaped without injury. From a safe distance away from his home, Salemi was able to capture photos of the remarkable outcome of the fire next door. “It was just unbelievable,” he says.

Read More...

Fire can quickly become deadly. In just a few minutes, a small flame can engulf your home and endanger the lives of your family. All it takes is a mistake in the kitchen or a mishap with an electrical device for your home to catch fire. Even if you take every precaution to avoid a fire inside your home, wildfires are a growing risk. As climate change leads to warmer and drier conditions, wildfire seasons are becoming longer and wildfires are becoming more extreme, according to research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

Read More...

Just outside Nashville, TN sits the new Idea House from Southern Living, a beautiful 5,600 sq. ft. home that evokes a sense of welcoming and livability to the highest degree. Its openness to the outdoors offers plenty of space for gathering with incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

The Southern Living Idea House is all about inspiration and quality. From quality products to quality construction and beyond. It’s no wonder that Hardie® fiber cement was the perfect choice for the exterior siding and trim, adding long-lasting beauty to the timeless and sustainable design.
 

Read More...

Whether you’re building or remodeling, choosing new siding is an opportunity to wrap your home in a color that resonates with you. It’s important to think about curb appeal and resale value, but you can also express your individual style through your choices. 

Just remember that when you choose a siding color, you’re in it for the long haul, according to design expert Beth R. Martin. “Since Hardie^® products will last many years, you'll want to make a decision that feels timeless, not trendy".

Read More...

In the same way your clothing can reflect your personality, the siding on your home’s exterior has something to say about your family’s style. When guests pull up to your house, your exterior siding should give them a glimpse of your family’s style with the home you’ve created together. Beautiful siding is also an essential aspect of creating curb appeal, which can boost the value of your home.   

Read More...