This Zimmerman, MN split-level home underwent a complete exterior transformation after the homeowners discovered their existing siding was not authentic James Hardie® siding as they had originally believed. While the home had the appearance of fiber cement siding from a distance, closer inspection revealed installation issues and aging materials that lacked the quality, performance, and craftsmanship of genuine James Hardie products.
Project Specs
Location: Zimmerman, Minnesota
Home Style: Split-level home
Problem: Existing siding was believed to be James Hardie but was actually a look-alike product showing signs of age and installation concerns and lacked curb appeal
Solution: Replace old materials with durable, modern James Hardie products
Colors: James Hardie Night Gray lap siding and straight-edge shakes, Midnight Soot
Accents: James Hardie Straight Edge Shakes in the gables
Result: Improved curb appeal and genuine James Hardie products homeowners can trust.
Certifications: James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
Project Overview
When our team evaluated this Zimmerman home, one of the biggest surprises was discovering that the existing siding was not genuine James Hardie® siding. The homeowners had always believed their home was protected by James Hardie fiber cement products, but the installation details and material characteristics told a different story.
Over time, the siding had begun to show visible inconsistencies, including uneven joints and areas where the appearance and performance fell short of what homeowners expect from authentic James Hardie products. Rather than continuing to invest in repairs, the homeowners chose to upgrade to a complete James Hardie siding system.
For the main body of the home, we installed James Hardie HardiePlank® lap siding in Night Gray, a rich charcoal color that provides a timeless, modern appearance. Crisp Arctic White trim was used throughout the project to create clean architectural lines and highlight the home’s windows, rooflines, and garage elevations.
To add dimension and visual interest, we installed Straight Edge Shakes in Midnight Soot, a premium color from the James Hardie Dream Collection®. The darker accent color creates a dramatic contrast within the front-facing gables, helping draw attention to the home’s architectural features while giving the exterior a more custom appearance.
By replacing an imitation fiber cement product with authentic James Hardie siding, these Zimmerman homeowners gained more than just a beautiful new exterior they gained confidence in the quality and performance of their home’s protection. The completed project transformed this split-level home from a dated exterior with a look-alike siding product into a striking, modern design built with the durability and performance of genuine James Hardie siding.
FAQs
Yes. James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, snow, wind, and temperature fluctuations common throughout Minnesota.
Night Gray is a deep charcoal-gray color from the James Hardie ColorPlus® Collection. Its rich tone creates a sophisticated appearance and pairs beautifully with Arctic White trim.
While many fiber cement products look similar from the ground, genuine James Hardie siding has specific manufacturing markings, installation requirements, and product characteristics. A professional inspection can often determine whether an existing siding product is authentic James Hardie or a similar-looking alternative.
The Dream Collection® gives homeowners access to hundreds of additional James Hardie siding colors beyond the standard ColorPlus® palette. These custom colors allow for greater design flexibility and a more personalized exterior appearance.
Glossary
- Fiber-cement: A durable siding material made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s known for resisting weather, insects, and woodpecker damage.
- Lap siding: Horizontal siding where each board overlaps to shed water efficiently.
- Straight Edge Shakes Straight Edge Shakes are decorative siding panels designed to replicate the look of traditional cedar shingles while offering the durability of fiber cement. They are commonly installed in gables and accent areas to add texture and architectural interest.
- James Hardie Dream Collection: The James Hardie Dream Collection is an expanded color palette that offers homeowners access to hundreds of custom siding colors beyond the standard ColorPlus Collection. These colors allow for greater design flexibility and personalized exterior styles.
