When it comes to selecting the right siding for your home, there are many factors to consider. Durability, aesthetics, and cost are just a few of the important considerations that homeowners must weigh when making this important decision. However, one factor that is often overlooked is the climate in which the home is located. Different regions of North America experience vastly different weather conditions, and choosing siding that is not well-suited to these conditions can lead to premature wear and tear and expensive repairs.
To help homeowners and contractors make the best possible choice for their specific climate, James Hardie, a leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding, has developed the HardieZone® System. This system divides North America into ten distinct climate zones, with each zone assigned a corresponding HardieZone® that indicates the specific James Hardie siding products that are most suitable for that region. By following the HardieZone® System, homeowners and contractors can ensure that they choose the right James Hardie siding products that can withstand the specific weather conditions in their area, leading to a more durable and long-lasting siding installation.
The HardieZone® System: An Overview
Before diving into the specifics of each individual HardieZone®, it’s important to understand the basics of the system as a whole. The HardieZone® System is based on a combination of factors that influence the performance of fiber cement siding, including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and snowfall. By analyzing these factors and dividing North America into distinct climate zones, James Hardie has been able to determine which siding products perform best in each region.
The system divides North America into ten distinct zones, each with its own unique weather patterns and environmental conditions. These zones are as follows:
- HZ1: Hot and Humid
- HZ2: Warm and Wet
- HZ3: Warm and Dry
- HZ4: Dual Climate
- HZ5: Cool and Wet
- HZ6: Mild and Wet
- HZ7: Mild and Dry
- HZ8: Cold and Wet
- HZ9: Cold and Snowy
- HZ10: Subarctic
Each HardieZone® is assigned a specific set of James Hardie siding products that are designed to perform best in that region. By selecting the appropriate siding products based on your HardieZone®, you can ensure that your siding will be able to withstand the specific weather conditions in your area.
Understanding Your HardieZone®
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the HardieZone® System, let’s take a closer look at each individual HardieZone® and the weather patterns and environmental conditions that define it.
HZ1: Hot and Humid
HZ1 encompasses regions that experience high temperatures and high humidity levels year-round. This includes much of the southeastern United States, including Florida, southern Georgia, and southern Louisiana. In HZ1, it is important to select siding products that can withstand constant exposure to high levels of moisture and heat. James Hardie recommends their HZ5 product line for this region, as it is specifically designed to resist damage from moisture and extreme heat.
HZ2: Warm and Wet
HZ2 includes regions that experience warm temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the southeastern and central United States, including the Gulf Coast, the Carolinas, and the mid-Atlantic states. In HZ2, it is important to select siding products that are resistant to both moisture and heat. James Hardie recommends their HZ5 and HZ10 product lines for this region.
HZ3: Warm and Dry
HZ3 encompasses regions that experience warm temperatures and low levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas. In HZ3, it is important to select siding products that can withstand extreme heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight. James Hardie recommends their HZ5 and HZ10 product lines for this region, as they are designed to resist damage from high temperatures and UV radiation.
HZ4: Dual Climate
HZ4 includes regions that experience both warm and cold weather throughout the year. This includes much of the Midwest and Northeast, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest. In HZ4, it is important to select siding products that can withstand the wide range of temperatures and weather conditions that are characteristic of this region. James Hardie recommends their HZ10 and HZ14 product lines for this region, as they offer superior durability and versatility.
HZ5: Cool and Wet
HZ5 encompasses regions that experience cool temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and western Montana. In HZ5, it is important to select siding products that can withstand both moisture and cold temperatures. James Hardie recommends their HZ5 and HZ10 product lines for this region.
HZ6: Mild and Wet
HZ6 includes regions that experience mild temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the Northeast and parts of the Midwest, as well as parts of the Pacific Northwest. In HZ6, it is important to select siding products that are resistant to moisture and have superior durability. James Hardie recommends their HZ10 and HZ14 product lines for this region.
HZ7: Mild and Dry
HZ7 encompasses regions that experience mild temperatures and low levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the Southwest and parts of the Midwest, including Colorado, Utah, and eastern Nevada. In HZ7, it is important to select siding products that are resistant to extreme heat and sunlight. James Hardie recommends their HZ10 and HZ14 product lines for this region.
HZ8: Cold and Wet
HZ8 includes regions that experience cold temperatures and high levels of rainfall throughout the year. This includes much of the Northeast and the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. In HZ8, it is important to select siding products that can withstand both moisture and cold temperatures. James Hardie recommends their HZ5 and HZ10 product lines for this region.
HZ9: Cold and Snowy
HZ9 encompasses regions that experience cold temperatures and heavy snowfall throughout the year. This includes much of the northern United States, including the upper Midwest, the Northeast, and parts of the Rocky Mountains. In HZ9, it is important to select siding products that can withstand the weight of heavy snow and extreme cold temperatures. James Hardie recommends their HZ10 and HZ14 product lines for this region.
HZ10: Subarctic
HZ10 includes regions that experience extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall throughout the year. This includes much of Alaska and parts of northern Canada. In HZ10, it is important to select siding products that are specifically designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. James Hardie recommends their HZ10 product line for this region.
Choosing the right siding for your home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. By selecting siding products that are well-suited to your climate, you can ensure that your siding will be able to withstand the specific weather conditions in your area and provide long-lasting durability and protection. The HardieZone® System is a valuable tool that can help homeowners and contractors make the best siding choices based on their region’s climate. James Hardie’s HZ products have been specifically engineered to meet the unique needs of each region and are backed by industry-leading warranties.
In addition to choosing the right siding product, proper installation is also crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your siding. It is recommended that you hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the HardieZone® System and has experience installing James Hardie products in your specific region.
Maintaining your siding is also important to ensure its longevity and performance. James Hardie provides specific maintenance guidelines for each region to help homeowners keep their siding looking and performing its best. Regular cleaning and inspections can also help prevent damage and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
In conclusion, the HardieZone® System is a valuable tool for homeowners and contractors to use when selecting siding products that are well-suited to their region’s climate. By choosing James Hardie’s HZ products and following proper installation and maintenance guidelines, homeowners can ensure that their siding will provide long-lasting durability and protection for their homes.