Fire can become deadly within minutes, whether from a kitchen mishap, electrical failure, or external threats like wildfires. With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, it’s critical for homeowners to consider fire-resistant materials for their homes. One such material is James Hardie® fiber cement siding, renowned for its fire resistance and durability.
The Growing Threat of Wildfires
Wildfires, once confined to certain areas, are now a widespread concern. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, wildfires are burning more land than ever before, driven by warmer, drier conditions. One in six Americans now lives in areas considered at high risk for wildfires, with over 80 million properties facing a significant threat.
Even if you don’t live in a wildfire-prone area, fire-resistant materials still play a crucial role in protecting your home from other fire hazards. Installing fire-resistant siding like James Hardie® fiber cement can be a critical step in preventing flames from spreading.
Combustible Siding Poses Risks
Many homes are still outfitted with siding that fuels fire instead of resisting it. Wood siding, for instance, is highly flammable, and vinyl siding melts and releases toxic fumes, leaving the underlying structure exposed to flames. The Building America Solution Center lists solid wood, wood-plastic composites, and vinyl as having low to medium fire resistance. These materials offer little protection in a fire, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread.
In contrast, noncombustible materials like fiber cement siding, metal, brick, and stone provide far better protection. James Hardie® fiber cement siding stands out as a cost-effective, fire-resistant option that combines durability with a wide range of design possibilities.
James Hardie® Fiber Cement: A Fire-Resistant Choice
James Hardie® fiber cement siding is noncombustible, meaning it won’t ignite when exposed to flames. This key feature has helped homes survive wildfires that destroyed neighboring properties. In a fire demonstration video, homes with Hardie® siding remained intact even as homes with vinyl, wood, or engineered wood siding were destroyed.
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) recommends noncombustible materials like Hardie® Soffit panels to protect roof eaves, a critical area where flying embers can enter and ignite the attic. This extra level of protection is especially valuable in wildfire-prone areas.
Hardie® siding has earned a Class A fire rating, the highest possible, with a flame spread index of 0 according to ASTM E84 testing. This means it can be used in 1-hour fire-rated wall assemblies, which may be required by local building codes in fire-prone regions.
Real-Life Examples of Hardie® Siding’s Fire Resistance
James Hardie® fiber cement siding has proven its fire resistance in real-world scenarios. Darren and Simone, homeowners in a wildfire-prone area, credit their Hardie® siding with saving their lives. After waking to a fire engulfing a neighboring studio, they escaped just as flames reached their home. Thanks to the noncombustible siding, their house remained largely intact, acting as a shield against the flames. “The only reason we are alive and our home wasn’t engulfed is thanks to your product,” said Simone in a letter to James Hardie.
Another example comes from the 2021 Caldor Fire in California. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ash, but homes built with Hardie® siding stood strong. A volunteer firefighter visiting the site months later was astonished to find a home with its Hardie® Plank siding in near-perfect condition while neighboring houses were completely destroyed. This kind of performance in extreme conditions illustrates the unmatched fire resistance of James Hardie® products.
Building a Fire-Resilient Home
No home is completely fireproof, but choosing noncombustible materials like James Hardie® siding significantly reduces fire risks. Hardie® siding doesn’t ignite or warp in the presence of flames, providing vital protection against fire, whether it starts inside or outside the home. Its noncombustible nature gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is better defended.
Beyond fire resistance, Hardie® fiber cement siding also offers protection from moisture, pests, and rot, making it a durable choice for homes exposed to harsh weather. It’s available in a variety of designs and finishes, including ColorPlus® Technology, which resists fading and chipping better than traditional exterior paints.
Call Today
As wildfires and other fire risks continue to rise, fire-resistant materials like James Hardie® fiber cement siding are more important than ever. Noncombustible and highly durable, Hardie® siding has proven to protect homes even in the face of severe wildfires, providing both safety and aesthetic appeal. By choosing James Hardie® siding, homeowners can fortify their homes against fire while maintaining a beautiful exterior, ensuring that they are prepared for the increasing risks of fire. Call Peninsula Siding Company today to get a free quote to install this incredible siding and protect your home for years to come 650-287-4208
*Hardie® fiber cement products are noncombustible and have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84.**Hardie® siding complies with ASTM E136 as a noncombustible cladding. ****Hardie® siding is recognized by fire departments across the U.S. including Chicago IL, St. Paul MN, Flagstaff AZ and Wayne County, OH *****Hardie® siding complies with ASTM E136 as a noncombustible cladding and is recognized by fire departments across the U.S. including Chicago IL, St. Paul MN, Flagstaff AZ and Wayne County, OH. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames.