James Hardie Building Products, Inc. Improves HardieShingle® Siding

CHICAGO, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie Building Products Inc. (NYSE: JHX) is introducing a new version of HardieShingle^® siding that has improved visual authenticity with modifications in shingle widths and a reengineered texture. Traditionally, shingles are used in combination with lap siding or other siding styles. With a full line of products, James Hardie enables homeowners and builders to achieve a distinctive shingle-style combination and capitalize on the long-lasting, low-maintenance benefits of a complete fiber cement exterior.

"James Hardie is dedicated to creating durable design solutions. Homeowners have a variety of personal style options to choose from for a custom look, and builders now have a viable option for creating the look of a shingled house without the drawback of maintenance and durability concerns," affirms Alan Miller, HardieShingle Product Manager. New HardieShingle^® siding is available in both four foot panels and individuals with straight, staggered, or rounded edges to achieve a unique, textured combination.

Shingles are one of the most recognizable design features from the coastal region. The popularity of this look dates back to the early American settlers. The natural grain texture of cedar shingle adds instant character and dimension to a house, but they require regular maintenance to protect the wood from rot and color change. Applying protective sealants can become a cumbersome process of maneuvering around the cervices of each shingle to ensure total protection. Additionally, cedar shingles are vulnerable to moisture, which causes the wood to cup, curl, or swell; over time, cedar shingles may need to be replaced because of rotting and splitting from ongoing exposure to moisture. The natural oils of cedar wood can deter some insects, but fiber cement siding offers a definitive safeguard against termite and wood pecker damage.

New HardieShingle siding captures the authentic look of cedar shingles without the maintenance issues. Developed within the HardieZone™ System of fiber cement siding products, New HardieShingle siding is specially formulated to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. The realistic facade of HardieShingle siding is available with ColorPlus^® Technology, a multi-coat, baked-on factory finish that eliminates human and environmental error. The lasting protection comes with a 15-year warranty and provides up to 30% better fade resistance than field applied paint. While other shingle options need to be replaced more frequently and stained or painted within a few years, HardieShingle siding lasts for many years without repainting or replacements, which reduces contributions to industrial waste. James Hardie Building Products offers an entire line of fiber cement styles, including HardiePlank^® Lap Siding, HardiePanel^® vertical siding, HardieTrim^® Boards, and HardieSoffit^® Panels. All James Hardie siding and soffit are backed by an outstanding 30-year non-prorated, transferable limited warranty. The product will be available nationwide in early 2011.  

About James Hardie

James Hardie has been manufacturing building products for more than 100 years. It introduced fiber cement siding products to the U.S. in the early 90s as a durable, low-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl. James Hardie products are Engineered for Climate™, delivering specific performance attributes relative to the climate where the product is being used. Other products include HardieWrap® weather barrier and HardieBacker® backer board. Currently installed on more than 4 million homes, James Hardie products have earned a favourable reputation within the industry and have been specified in some of the country's most prestigious projects. More information about James Hardie is available at http://www.jameshardie.com.

SOURCE James Hardie Building Products Inc.