Hardie lap siding vs. Boral siding
user-6724719
| Posted in GBA Pro Help on
We are building a house in NH. Hardie is less expensive material, but more expensive labor. What about durability? Hardie has had a bad reputation. Have they improved their product? We can’t find how long Boral has been available. Any word on problems with Boral?
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
Frank,
Why are they quoting you more to install Hardi? Their lap siding cuts with shears, is about the same floppiness as Boral - I don't see why there should be much difference? A bit more prep at joints and cuts?
Frank,
I don't have any direct experience with Boral, which is made from a combination of polymers (plastic) and coal-plant waste (fly ash). Here is a link to a Fine Homebuilding article on Boral trim: Boral TruExterior Trim.
OSHA (Silica) requirements surrounding Hardie make is more expensive to handle/install?
There is Silica in Boral (CAS 14808-60-7)... Less than 5%.