You likely love the warm, inviting appearance of your Cape Cod home. However, you also understand the unique challenges that come along with being a historic homeowner—including siding deterioration.
Cape Cod homes are traditionally covered in cedar shakes—a type of siding made from wood. Shingle siding adds appealing charm to your exterior, but it can also put your home at risk of moisture deterioration, fire damage, and more.
Don’t allow your attractive, historic home to become the victim of shingle siding deterioration. Instead, learn how you can remedy this problem forever with HardieShingle siding, a durable, lasting alternative!
History and Features of Cape Cod Homes
Your Cape Cod home is undoubtedly beautiful, but it’s also rooted in some rich history.
As the name suggests, Cape Cod homes originated hundreds of years ago in Massachusetts. These practical, symmetrical two-room homes fulfilled the colonists’ needs for cooking and sleeping, and the pitched roof and central chimney provided warmth and protection from the harsh winters. Since wood was readily available in New England, the colonists covered Cape Cod homes with shingle siding to endure the region’s inclement weather.
Although Cape Cod homes have evolved to include expanded floor plans, contemporary elements, added dormers, and more, one feature of Cape Cod exteriors has stayed the same throughout the years—shingle siding.
Why Are Cedar Shakes Problematic?
Though wood siding may have served the colonists well hundreds of years ago, cedar shakes are much less practical for the modern homeowner.
You may experience these costly (and dangerous!) problems with shingle siding:
- Pests—Insects and pests, like ants, beetles, termites, and woodpeckers, can create holes in your wood siding, resulting in structural issues and an unsightly appearance.
- Fire—Since wood is a flammable material, cedar shakes will burn quickly during a fire, putting your home and family at risk.
- Moisture—Because wood is a natural material, it will soak up water from rain, sleet, and snow and eventually develop mold, mildew, and rot.
- Maintenance— Wood siding requires frustrating upkeep to clear away moss, algae, and mold and regular surface treatments to deter moisture, insects, and fire.
HardieShingle: The Superior Siding Alternative for Cape Cod Homes
Fortunately, there is an attractive, weatherproof solution to cedar shakes for your Cape Cod home—HardieShingle siding.
This beautiful option from James Hardie mimics the traditional look of shingle siding, but with unmatched durability, low-maintenance upkeep, endless design options, and more.
Here’s a look at the benefits you’ll experience after HardieShingle siding installation for your Cape Cod home:
Unbeatable Performance
Hardie siding is Engineered for Climate®, meaning it’s built to withstand your climate’s unique weather conditions and can stand up to rain, wind, hail, snow, and the sun’s harmful rays.
And since it’s water-resistant, your HardieShingle siding won’t suffer from mold, mildew, rot, or other moisture-related problems common with cedar shakes.
Fire Resistance
Wood is a flammable natural material, so it’s prone to ignite when it meets a flame.
Fortunately, fiber cement is made from a noncombustible combination of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers to help keep your home and family safe in the event of a fire.
Pest Resistance
While beetles, ants, woodpeckers, and other pests are attracted to cedar shakes, they are repelled by durable, pest-resistant fiber cement siding.
Easy Maintenance
When you install HardieShingle siding, you can ditch the expensive surface treatments and costly upkeep that comes with wood siding.
Hardie siding stays looking great with minimal maintenance—just wash your home twice a year with a garden hose and soft-bristled brush, and you’re good to go!
Versatile Styles
Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice the attractive look of your shingle siding when you replace your exterior with fiber cement. In fact, you’ll likely experience an upgrade!
HardieShingle siding comes in versatile styles, like the Staggered Edge Panel for a laid-back, cottage-style appearance and the Straight Edge Panel for a clean, refined look. You can choose from dozens of homeowner-approved colors in the Statement Collection® or customize the perfect shade for your exterior with boards that are primed for paint.
Plus, for an even more low-maintenance solution, invest in ColorPlus® Technology for gorgeous, baked-on colors that offer fade-resistant beauty and resist chipping and cracking.
Outstanding Warranty
When properly installed and maintained, James Hardie siding will last a lifetime. However, if problems ever arise, your siding is backed with an industry-leading 30-year non-prorated warranty.
Transform Your St. Louis Home with Lakeside Renovation & Design
We understand that outdated, faulty siding can leave you feeling frustrated with your high-maintenance exterior and worried about potential damage from storms, fire, and pests.
Lakeside Renovation & Design can replace your fragile, flammable cedar shakes with durable, lasting HardieShingle siding—without sacrificing the traditional, charming appearance of your Cape Cod home. Schedule a consultation to learn the benefits of installing HardieShingle siding with the most experienced James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor in the St. Louis area!
