If you have spent any time researching exterior siding options in British Columbia, you have likely come across the name James Hardie. As a James Hardie certified installer serving the Okanagan, Jace-Xteriors works with this product every day, and for good reason. It is the most requested siding product we install, and once you understand what sets it apart, it is easy to see why.
Whether you are re-siding a 1970s home in Kelowna, building a custom home in Lake Country, or completing a renovation in the South Okanagan, James Hardie fiber cement siding delivers performance and curb appeal that other materials simply cannot match.
What Makes James Hardie Siding Different
James Hardie invented fiber cement siding. With over 5.5 million homes installed across North America, the company has earned its place as the continent’s most trusted exterior cladding brand. Their products are engineered specifically to deliver durability and finish quality that holds up over time, reducing maintenance costs for homeowners.
Here is what makes the product stand out from the competition.
Engineered for BC’s Climate
One of the most important things to understand about James Hardie products in British Columbia is the HardieZone system. James Hardie fiber cement products are Engineered for Climate, and in Canada, all products carry the HZ5 designation. HZ5 products are specifically formulated to resist shrinking, swelling, and cracking after years of wet or freezing conditions, which is exactly what Okanagan homes face through our winters.
The HZ5 substrate contains proprietary additives that are chemically bonded within the material to provide durable moisture resistance. The siding also features a modified profile with a sloped top and bullnose drip edge, which improves drainage across the entire face of each board. This attention to water management is built directly into the product’s design, not added as an afterthought.
Built to Last
James Hardie siding is designed to stand up to storms and harsh weather, resist moisture-related damage like swelling, warping, and cracking, and rot. It is also fire resistant and will not be eaten by animals or insects, two concerns that affect other siding materials commonly used in the region. Homeowners also benefit from reduced time and money spent on maintenance compared to wood or vinyl alternatives.
The ColorPlus Technology Difference
James Hardie offers two finish options for their products: a primed substrate that can be painted on site, and ColorPlus Technology, which is a factory-applied, multi-coat baked-on finish. With ColorPlus Technology, multiple coats of color are baked directly onto the board at the factory, creating a finish that resists fading and delivers a vibrant, consistent look across every board on your home.
ColorPlus Technology offers superior finish adhesion, superior color retention, superior UV resistance, and is suitable for year-round installation. For Okanagan homeowners, the UV resistance is especially valuable given our region’s high sun exposure through the summer months.
James Hardie Product Options Available Through Jace-Xteriors
One of the reasons James Hardie works so well for such a wide range of projects is the breadth of their product line. As a certified installer, Jace-Xteriors can supply and install the full James Hardie exterior system, from plank, panel, and shingle siding, to soffit and trim.
HardiePlank Lap Siding
HardiePlank lap siding is the most popular brand of siding in North America, and it is our most installed product at Jace-Xteriors. It is available in three textures, Select Cedarmill, Beaded Cedarmill, and Smooth, and comes in widths from 5.25 inches up to 12 inches. Whether a client wants the warmth of a wood-grain look or the clean lines of a smooth finish, HardiePlank delivers it in a product that outperforms wood in every performance category.
HardiePanel Vertical Siding
For homes that call for a more contemporary or rustic aesthetic, HardiePanel vertical siding offers crisp, clean lines. When installed with aluminum Architectural Trim it delivers a sleek, modern appearance. When paired with HardieTrim batten boards, it creates the classic board-and-batten look that works beautifully on everything from modern farmhouse builds to lakeside cottages. It is available in four textures, Select Cedarmill, Smooth, Stucco, and Sierra 8, to suit a wide variety of design applications.
HardieShingle Siding
HardieShingle siding gives homeowners the look of cedar shingles without the maintenance that comes with real cedar. It resists rotting, curling, warping, and splitting, making it an excellent choice for accent areas, upper gables, or full exterior applications where homeowners want a handcrafted, textured aesthetic.
HardieTrim Boards
HardieTrim boards complete the look of any siding installation by framing windows, doors, columns, friezes, and other accent areas. Available in Rustic Grain and Smooth textures, HardieTrim boards are better than wood when it comes to longevity, and they pair perfectly with any James Hardie siding product for a cohesive exterior.
HardieSoffit Panels
HardieSoffit panels protect the gap between eaves and exterior walls, which is one of the most vulnerable areas of any home. Available in vented and non-vented options, HardieSoffit panels help regulate attic ventilation, reduce the risk of condensation, and add a polished, finished look to the exterior.
Color Options for Okanagan Homes
Choosing the right color is one of the most exciting parts of an exterior renovation, and James Hardie’s ColorPlus Technology collection offers an impressive range of options suited to BC’s natural environment. Colors available for planks, panels, battens, and shingles include Arctic White, Sail Cloth, Navajo Beige, Sandstone Beige, Autumn Tan, Khaki Brown, Cobble Stone, Monterey Taupe, Woodstock Brown, Timber Bark, Heathered Moss, Mountain Sage, Chestnut Brown, Traditional Red, Countrylane Red, Pearl Gray, Gray Slate, Aged Pewter, Night Gray, Rich Espresso, Light Mist, Boothbay Blue, Evening Blue, Deep Ocean, and Iron Gray.
For trim and soffit, a curated collection of coordinating colors is available to help create a polished, cohesive finish across the entire exterior.
The James Hardie color specialists note that using deeper body colors creates a warm, welcoming feeling, while soft contrasts between siding and trim can make homes appear larger. The right combination of colors leaves a lasting impression and significantly increases curb appeal.
The Warranty That Backs It All Up
James Hardie stands behind their products with a 30-year non-prorated siding warranty. Unlike other manufacturers who reduce coverage over time, James Hardie provides 100 percent warranty coverage at year 10, year 20, and year 30. ColorPlus Technology finishes and HardieTrim boards come with 15-year limited warranties.
This warranty, combined with the product’s track record, is one of the strongest reassurances any homeowner can have when investing in an exterior renovation.
Recognition and Industry Endorsements
James Hardie has been chosen by builders as a Brand Leader in Builder Magazine since 2009. Re-siding a home with fiber cement siding has also been recognized as providing the number one return on investment in the upscale category by Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, every year since 2005. HardiePlank lap siding is also backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal.
Why Choose Jace-Xteriors as Your James Hardie Installer in the Okanagan
As a James Hardie certified installer, Jace-Xteriors has the training and experience to install the full James Hardie product line correctly, which matters. Proper installation is what allows the product to perform as designed, and it is what protects your warranty.
We work on a wide range of projects across the Okanagan, from older homes that need a full exterior transformation to new custom builds where quality and craftsmanship are non-negotiable. If you are considering James Hardie siding for your home, we would love to walk you through your options.
Get in touch with the team at Jace-Xteriors to book a consultation or request a quote.
