Considering James Hardie?
Considering James Hardie® Fiber Cement?
Take a Look at Alside ASCEND® Composite First.
James Hardie makes an excellent product. But for many Delaware Valley homes, Alside ASCEND composite delivers the same tough, low-maintenance exterior — with built-in insulation, a lighter and cleaner installation, and a factory finish that never needs painting.
If you’ve been researching fiber cement, you already know the priorities: durability, curb appeal, and low upkeep. ASCEND was engineered to hit all three — and to solve a few things fiber cement can’t. Here is an honest, side-by-side look so you can choose what’s right for your home.
| Alside ASCEND (composite) | Fiber cement (e.g. James Hardie) | |
| Insulation & energy | Composite construction adds insulating value that helps with energy efficiency. | Essentially no insulating value on its own. |
| Weight & install | Lightweight — a faster, cleaner install with less strain on the home. | Heavy and brittle — more labor to handle and install. |
| Jobsite & health | Cuts clean like wood. No silica dust. | Cutting creates crystalline silica dust — a respiratory hazard that requires dust control. |
| Moisture | Composite doesn’t absorb water. | Can wick moisture at cut or unsealed edges; must be sealed and painted to protect it. |
| Finish & upkeep | 20 factory colors, durable finish, never needs painting. | Baked finishes (like ColorPlus®) hold up well but come in fewer colors; painted fiber cement needs repainting over time. |
| Look | Deep, dimensional profile with a real wood-grain look. | Classic, clean lap-siding appearance. |
| Warranty | Strong, transferable limited warranty. | 30-year non-prorated (15-year on the ColorPlus® finish). |
See the difference in person.
Graboyes has installed Delaware Valley exteriors for 75 years — 4.8★ across 625+ Google reviews. Book a free, no-pressure in-home comparison and quote. Call 610-279-3905 or request a Free Quote.
James Hardie®, Hardie®, HardiePlank®, and ColorPlus® are registered trademarks of James Hardie Technology Ltd. Alside® and ASCEND® are trademarks of Associated Materials, LLC. Graboyes Window & Door is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by James Hardie. Comparisons are provided for general informational purposes and reflect typical product characteristics; confirm current specifications with the manufacturer.