When you're choosing new siding for your Arvada home, you're not just making an aesthetic decision; you're investing in protection against Colorado's unique and often punishing climate. With very high heat risk, high drought risk, and significant precipitation risk, along with about 62% of buildings at risk of wildfire, Arvada homeowners need siding that can handle extreme temperature swings, intense UV exposure, hail storms, and wildfire threats.
Two premium siding materials consistently rise to the top for Colorado homes: LP SmartSide and James Hardie fibre cement. But which one is truly best suited for Arvada's demanding climate? Let's break down how each performs against the specific weather challenges you face in Jefferson County.
Understanding Arvada's Climate Challenges
Before diving into the comparison, it's crucial to understand what your siding will be up against. Arvada experiences significant temperature shifts throughout the year, with average maximum daytime temperatures ranging from a very warm 32°C in July to a chilly 7°C during cooler months like December. Night temperatures can plummet to around -8°C during December.
The climate presents several key challenges for siding materials:
- Extreme temperature fluctuations that cause expansion and contraction
- High altitude and intense UV exposure that can fade and degrade materials
- Hailstorms with potential for golf ball-sized ice
- Wildfire risk affecting a significant portion of the city
- Freeze-thaw cycles that can crack and damage inferior materials
- Low humidity and dry conditions year-round
James Hardie: The Fibre Cement Champion
What Makes James Hardie Special?
James Hardie siding is made from a combination of cement materials and cellulose fibres, with the material being 90 per cent sand and cement. This fibre-cement composition provides it with remarkable durability against Colorado's harsh conditions.
How James Hardie Performs in Arvada's Climate
Temperature Extremes: James Hardie siding excels in resisting weather elements, including extreme heat, cold, and moisture. The fibre cement composition handles Arvada's dramatic temperature swings without warping, cracking, or splitting.
UV Resistance: It is designed to hold up to punishing ultraviolet light, and it won't rot, split, warp or curl, critical for Arvada's high-altitude sun exposure.
Fire Resistance: James Hardie siding is fire-resistant, meaning it will not catch fire even if exposed to hot temperatures. With Arvada's significant wildfire risk, this could be a game-changer for insurance rates and peace of mind.
Wind Resistance: The company claims that its siding can withstand winds up to 130 mph, efficiently handling Colorado's windstorms.
Longevity: James Hardie typically offers a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, making it an excellent long-term investment.
James Hardie Considerations for Arvada
Hail Performance: While durable, James Hardie siding has good impact resistance, but is more brittle compared to LP SmartSide. While it can withstand impacts, it is more likely to crack or chip than LP Smartside. In a hail-prone area like Colorado, this could be a concern.
Installation Challenges: Fibre cement siding is significantly heavier, which increases installation requirements and makes it essential to opt for professional installation. Colorado's challenging weather conditions during installation seasons can complicate projects.
LP SmartSide: The Engineered Wood Alternative
What Makes LP SmartSide Different?
LP SmartSide siding is made from a proprietary blend of wood strands or fibres bonded with resins and treated with zinc borate, which dramatically enhances the wood's resistance to moisture, termites, and fungal decay.
How LP SmartSide Performs in Arvada's Climate
Impact Resistance: This is where LP SmartSide shines for Colorado conditions. One area where LP SmartSide slightly outperforms James Hardie is in impact resistance, which is definitely a plus if you live in a hail-prone state. Engineered wood stands up to impact and survives freeze/thaw cycles due to resins that offer incredible strength.
Moisture Protection: Designed to resist moisture, waxes coat each strand to offer enhanced durability in humid environments, and includes a final element of protection that resists moisture intrusion.
Temperature Performance: LP SmartSide siding is uniquely engineered for advanced durability and handles temperature fluctuations well, though not quite to the same extent as fibre cement.
Installation Advantage: LP SmartSide is lighter and easier to install than James Hardie, reducing labour costs and installation time, particularly valuable during Colorado's limited construction weather windows.
LP SmartSide Considerations for Arvada
Fire Resistance: LP SmartSide does not perform as well as fibre cement siding products under high heat or exposure to ultraviolet light. With Arvada's wildfire risk, this is a significant consideration.
Longevity: LP SmartSide siding also boasts a long lifespan, typically ranging from 20 to 30 years, which is shorter than James Hardie's but still excellent.
UV Exposure: While treated for UV resistance, it may not match fibre cement's performance under Colorado's intense, high-altitude sun over decades.
Cost Comparison for Arvada Homeowners
Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide siding cost approximately $31–$36 per square foot, including labour. However, LP SmartSide may offer some cost advantages:
- Lower installation labour costs due to lighter weight
- LP SmartSide offers a lower initial cost compared to James Hardie
- Faster installation reduces weather-related project delays
Warranty Protection
Both materials offer strong warranty coverage:
- LP SmartSide is backed by a 30-year non-prorated warranty
- James Hardie provides a robust 30-year warranty on its siding products
The Verdict: Which is Best for Arvada?
Choose James Hardie if:
- Wildfire risk is your primary concern
- You want maximum longevity (40-50 years)
- UV resistance is crucial for your home's exposure
- You prioritise fire insurance benefits
- You don't mind higher installation complexity and costs
Choose LP SmartSide if:
- Hail damage is your biggest worry
- You want an easier, faster installation
- You prefer a more authentic wood appearance
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You're comfortable with a 20-30 year lifespan
Why Professional Installation Matters in Arvada
Regardless of which material you choose, Colorado's challenging climate demands expert installation. Poor installation can negate even the benefits of the best siding materials. Standard siding materials and installation techniques often fall short when confronted with Colorado's high altitude, intense sun exposure, and dramatic temperature swings.
Your Next Step: Partner with Arvada's Siding Experts
When it comes to protecting your Arvada home against Colorado's demanding climate, you need more than just quality materials; you need local expertise. Carlson Siding and Construction brings over 30 years of experience specifically combating the unique challenges of Colorado's climate.
Carlson Siding & Construction has been leveraging its extensive experience to introduce upgraded materials and refined installation techniques specifically designed to protect homes from the unique and often harsh Colorado climate. They understand precisely how both LP SmartSide and James Hardie perform in Arvada's conditions and can help you make the best choice for your specific situation.
Don't leave your home's protection to chance. Whether you're leaning toward James Hardie's superior fire resistance and longevity or LP SmartSide's excellent impact resistance and value, Carlson Siding and Construction can ensure your installation meets the demands of Arvada's challenging climate.
Ready to protect your home with the right siding choice? Contact Carlson Siding and Construction today for a consultation. Their local expertise and three decades of Colorado experience will ensure your siding investment performs beautifully for years to come, no matter what Arvada's climate throws at it.
Protect your investment. Choose your materials wisely. Install with experts who understand Colorado. That's the Carlson Siding and Construction difference.
