If you’re comparing siding options, it’s important to understand how James Hardie ColorPlus and primed siding differ in terms of durability, maintenance, and long-term value. Both come from the same reliable fiber cement product line, but the finish you choose will affect your home for years to come.
In this post, we’ll explain the key differences to help you decide which option is right for your project.
What is James Hardie Fiber Cement?
James Hardie siding is made from fiber cement, a highly durable material that’s designed to resist common forms of damage like UV exposure, warping, and sagging. We like to tell our customers to think of it like concrete in siding form—solid, reliable, and tough.
James Hardie products come in a full line of exterior options, including:
- Siding
- Trim
- Soffit
- Fascia
What makes fiber cement a top choice is its ability to withstand hail, wind, heat, and moisture. It’s rigid, strong, and built to last.
Two Options: ColorPlus vs. Primed Siding
James Hardie offers two finishes for its fiber cement products:
- Primed Siding
- ColorPlus Technology Siding
Let’s break down the difference.
1. Primed Siding
The primed version of James Hardie siding comes with a base coat only. Once it’s installed on your home, a painter must apply the color of your choice.
This may sound like a more affordable option up front—and it usually is—but there are several drawbacks to think about:
- Inconsistent paint jobs: Some contractors use cheap paint or even thin it with water to help it flow through their sprayer. That cuts quality.
- Shorter lifespan: Aftermarket paint jobs may last anywhere from 3 to 7 years. By year 10, it’s often time to repaint.
- Higher long-term costs: You’ll need to repaint again sooner than you think—and paint prices usually go up with time.
2. ColorPlus Technology
James Hardie ColorPlus siding is factory-painted before it ever reaches your home. The paint is applied in a controlled environment and then baked on using a method similar to how car manufacturers paint vehicles.
Here’s what makes ColorPlus siding the smarter choice:
- Factory-controlled quality: Every piece is coated evenly with premium, weather-resistant paint.
- Longer warranty: The paint comes with a 15-year warranty, and in our experience, it looks great even longer than that.
- Less maintenance: You won’t need to repaint every few years. Once it’s on your home, you’re good for a long time.
- Better curb appeal: The rich, consistent finish makes your home stand out and stay that way.
Why We Recommend James Hardie ColorPlus
At Thermal King, we believe in installing products that are built to last—and that means recommending James Hardie ColorPlus every time. Here’s why:
- You pay once and it lasts: With primed siding, you save a little up front, but then you turn around and pay more for a full paint job. And if it fails early, you’re stuck doing it again—probably at a higher price due to inflation.
- It looks better, longer: Even a high-quality aftermarket paint job doesn’t match the look and lifespan of factory-finished ColorPlus. You may get lucky with a good paint job, but most homeowners don’t want to gamble on that.
- It’s the lowest-maintenance siding option: With ColorPlus, you can install it and forget about it. No peeling, no fading, and no repainting every few years.
The Hidden Costs of Primed Siding
Too often, we see builders or discount contractors use primed siding just to cut costs. But here’s what they don’t tell you:
- You’ll need to hire someone to paint it—or do it yourself
- Cheap paint and rushed jobs lead to fading and flaking
- Repainting adds up over time, especially with rising labor and material costs
What might look like savings at the beginning can turn into thousands in repainting bills just a few years later.
In summary
When it comes to choosing between James Hardie ColorPlus and Primed Siding, we always recommend ColorPlus. It offers a longer-lasting finish, less maintenance, and a consistently high-quality look that doesn’t fade or peel like traditional paint. With a 15-year paint warranty and a baked-on factory finish, you’ll get more value and peace of mind from day one.
If you’re ready to invest in your home the right way, contact us today and ask about ColorPlus siding from Thermal King.
