After a successful window installation, a homeowner in Acton asked us to take on a larger project—replacing their outdated vinyl siding with a more durable, better-looking material. The home, built in the 1950’s, had older white vinyl siding and minimal insulation. It was time for a serious upgrade (some ways to tell it’s time for new siding).
From Vinyl to Fiber Cement
We replaced the siding with James Hardie fiber cement board—an increasingly popular choice among homeowners looking for durability, low maintenance, and a cleaner, more timeless aesthetic. Hardie siding holds up well in New England weather and gives the house a more solid, finished look – all with the beautiful *look* of natural wood (minus the wood cost or upkeep).
Improving Insulation and Comfort
Before installing the new siding, we added ¾-inch rigid foam board to improve the home’s insulation. This helps address heat loss, reduces noise, and gives the siding a flatter surface to sit against—especially helpful on older homes that may not have perfectly straight walls. The homeowner noticed a significant improvement in comfort and soundproofing right away.
Why Installation Details Matter
As with all Hardie Board projects, we took extra care with the installation details, especially with how we handled the butt joints between boards. Fiber cement expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes, so proper gapping and flashing are essential to maintain the material warranty and long-term performance.
Thinking About Siding Replacement?
If you’re thinking about replacing your siding—or upgrading your home’s energy performance—12 Penny Exteriors can help you plan the right approach. Whether you’re working with an older home or just looking to improve curb appeal, we’ll walk you through the materials, process, and best practices so you feel confident in your investment. Give us a call – we answer our phones and/or call you back within 1 business day and can give you a ballpark estimate over the phone with just a few pictures of your house.
