One size does not always fit all especially when it comes to the exterior siding on a home! Thankfully, James Hardie created the HardieZone System. The United States has different climate zones and many homeowners do not think about the climate when looking at the siding on their homes. Environmental factors such as snow and heat affect siding in two completely different ways.
It is almost impossible for a manufacturer to create a type of siding that could withstand every kind of element. However, that did not stop James Hardie from creating two different product lines. They created one that is best suited for cold weather climates and one that is suited for hot and humid climates. This article will take a deep dive into what the HardieZone System is, the differences between the HZ5 and HZ10 product lines, and how to determine which product homeowners should use.
The HardieZone system was designed to provide the best exterior siding for homes depending on the climate in which the home is located. The siding on a house plays a vital role in protecting a home from the outside elements.
Even throughout the United States, those elements can be significantly different depending on where the home is located. Homeowners in the northern states experience snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Whereas, homes in the southern states are exposed to heat, humidity, salty air, rain, and forceful wind.
With these factors in mind, the creators at James Hardie siding noticed a need for different types of siding. They realized a siding that thrives in New York or Washington state may not thrive in Florida or Arizona. Therefore, the HardieZone system was born.
The HardieZone system is based on eight climate variables. These variables are rain, hurricanes, UV exposure, hail, snow, temperature ranges, humidity, and topographical factors. While evaluating the different variables, the company was able to distinguish ten different climate zones.
Unfortunately, they could not create ten different products for each zone. Instead, they found several common variables between the ten zones which allowed them to divide the zones into two different categories and therefore created two different products. Zones 1-5 fall under the HZ5 product line of siding and zones 6-10 fall under the HZ10 product line of siding.
Our team at Mr. Happy House loves the HardieZone System. While there are many amazing siding products out there, the HZ5 and HZ10 product lines are among our top favorites for a variety of reasons. James Hardie is the only siding and trim company that has specifically designed two different sidings for different climates. Every other company maintains the “one size fits all approach.”
This alone is one of the biggest perks of these two different product lines. While, we are located in the Houston area, we may don’t use HZ5 siding or trim. Each line is designed for a specific climate, which provides the best and longest-lasting exterior siding of your home, where ever you are located in the US.
There are some differences between the HZ5 and HZ10 Hardie Siding. The biggest difference between the two types of siding is that each one is designed for a different climate. HZ5 is designed for cold weather areas whereas HZ10 is designed for hot and humid areas. There is also no difference in color or style options. HZ5 and HZ10 come in the same variety of colors and style. But is there a difference in quality between the two products?
No, there is no difference when it comes to quality with these products. Many people may assume that the HZ10 siding is a higher quality and more expensive simply because it has a larger number associated with it’s name. Thankfully, that is not the case.
Both types of siding are made of high-quality materials, but depending on the climate zone the home is located in, one siding will be the better option as it will be better suited for that region’s environmental elements. This section of the article is going to discuss in depth which climate the HZ5 and HZ10 were designed for along with the differences between the HardiePlank siding and Hardie Trim.
The HZ5 siding is the best option for cold weather climates or areas that experience drastic temperature variations. The siding was designed to withstand freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and ice. When other brands of siding are exposed to water they often absorb the water, and when the temperature drops that water will freeze.
As the water freezes, the siding will expand and this can ultimately lead to the siding developing cracks.
Due to the HZ5’s reduced water absorption rate, it does not run the risk of absorbing water and expanding as the temperature drops. The HZ5’s reduced water absorption rate also makes it a terrific option for environments with year-round precipitation. This line of exterior siding is designed for climate zones 1-5 and is the perfect siding option for anyone who lives in the northern or midwestern states.
The HZ10 siding is the best option for areas with a ton of sun exposure, humidity, and rain. The siding is engineered for areas with salty sea air and hurricane-force winds. The HZ10 exterior siding is designed for climate zones 6-10.
These boards are designed to resist cracking, rotting, and swelling, all of which are very common issues for many other brands of siding in the humid southern states. The southern states of the US also have more sun exposure compared to more northern states.
Sun exposure can cause the paint on the siding to fade more rapidly. However, the HZ10 siding was designed with ColorPlus technology which provides excellent fade resistance. However, our painting contractors at Mr. Happy House, do not rely on ColorPlus, but instead use a high quality exterior paint for better aesthetics, curb appeal, and durability.
Another huge benefit of this siding is that it can prevent flames from spreading. Anyone who lives in a dry climate knows how common wildfires can be, and this added feature will help minimize damage from these types of natural disasters.
Hardie trim is exactly what it sounds like, it is the pieces of trim that can accentuate doors, corners, windows, and more. It is available in multiple colors and styles. The trim is also available in both the HZ10 and HZ5 product lines. It can be a daunting task to choose siding and trim for any home. Luckily for homeowners in the Houston area, you can always call our team at Mr. Happy House. We can help determine the best trim color and style for any house.
The Hardie Trim Boards are created with the same specifications as the HardiePlank Siding. HZ5 trim is best suited for cold weather homes while the HZ10 trim is best suited for hot and humid climates.
On James Hardie’s website, they have a map that will show homeowners which siding is best for their area. However, the map can be a little tricky to read as some states fall under both zones. Homeowners can enter their location or zip code to get a better idea of which siding is best for them.
Sadly, some homeowners have had difficulty finding the right product for their home as their home may be located in one zone, but the hardware store is located in another. In this circumstance, the store may only carry one line of the HardieZone siding.
When it comes to the siding on a home, homeowners do not often think about the effects the elements will have on the exterior of their house. Luckily for any homeowner in the United States, James Hardie has looked at the environmental elements and created the HardieZone System. Using this system they were able to develop two different product lines, HZ5 and HZ10.
Homeowners that live in areas where they experience year-long rain, freezing temperatures, snow, and ice no longer have to worry about the effects they will have on the siding of their homes with the HZ5 siding. In contrast, homeowners that live in areas where they experience hurricane-force winds, humidity, and salty air will no longer have to worry about the effects they could have on their homes with the HZ10 siding. If you’re thinking about hiring a reputable siding company in The Woodlands, TX, don’t hesitate to give us a call or contact us here for a home estimate.
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