Fraser Valley · Since 2007
Hardie & Fiber-Cement Siding in the Fraser Valley
Fiber-cement siding, most often James Hardie, is the most popular exterior cladding for Fraser Valley homes because it stands up to the region's rain, resists rot, warping and pests, and holds paint for 10 to 15 years. Moonrise Construction installs Hardie lap, panel and shingle siding with the rainscreen, flashing and ventilation detailing that both the warranty and the climate actually require. A properly installed Hardie exterior lasts 30 to 50 years. We work directly with homeowners on new builds, additions and re-clads, and as a siding subcontractor for general contractors across Abbotsford, Mission and the wider valley.
From the job site
The work, up close.
What to know
What is fiber-cement siding, and why does it suit the Fraser Valley?
Fiber-cement is a dense board made from cement, sand and cellulose fibre. It does not rot, does not feed insects, and does not warp or swell the way wood and engineered wood can when they sit through a wet Lower Mainland winter. That matters here: the Fraser Valley sees heavy, sustained rain, and the failure point on most older homes is moisture getting behind the cladding. Fiber-cement, installed over a proper rainscreen gap with correct flashing, gives the wall a durable outer skin and a drainage path so any water that gets in can get back out.
Is the install or the product what fails?
On the jobs we get called to fix, it is almost always the install, not the board. Hardie that is face-nailed too tight, butted without proper joint treatment, or run without a rainscreen and kick-out flashing will let water track behind it and rot the sheathing, even though the cladding itself looks fine. We install to James Hardie's published specifications because that is also what keeps the product warranty intact. The detailing around windows, transitions and the bottom course is where a good siding crew earns its money.
Materials & options
What we work with.
HardiePlank lap siding
The classic horizontal lap board. Comes in smooth or cedarmill (wood-grain) texture and several exposures.
Best for: Traditional and craftsman homes; the most common Fraser Valley choice.
HardiePanel / board & batten
Vertical sheet siding, often combined with battens for a board-and-batten look that reads modern-farmhouse.
Best for: Gables, accent walls and modern-farmhouse exteriors.
HardieShingle
Shingle-look panels for texture without the maintenance of real cedar shakes.
Best for: Accents, dormers and coastal-style facades.
ColorPlus vs. primed
ColorPlus arrives factory-finished with a baked-on colour and a long finish warranty; primed board is painted on site for full colour freedom.
Best for: ColorPlus for lowest maintenance; primed when you want a custom colour.
Our process
How we do it.
Assessment & scope
We inspect the existing wall, check for hidden moisture damage, and confirm the scope and detailing in writing.
Tear-off & sheathing check
On a re-clad we remove the old cladding and inspect the sheathing, repairing any rot before it gets covered up.
WRB & rainscreen
We install the weather-resistive barrier, flashings, and a rainscreen gap so the wall can drain and dry.
Siding & trim
We install the Hardie board and trim to spec, with correct fastening, joints and clearances.
Caulk, paint & walkthrough
We finish caulking and painting where required, clean the site, and walk the completed work with you.
Good to know
A few things worth knowing.
Is Hardie better than vinyl siding?+
For this climate, generally yes. Fiber-cement resists fire, impact, fading and moisture far better than vinyl, and looks more like real wood. Vinyl is cheaper up front, but Hardie's 30-to-50-year lifespan and higher resale appeal usually win on total cost over time.
How long does Hardie siding last here?+
A properly installed Hardie exterior lasts 30 to 50 years in the Fraser Valley. The board itself carries a long manufacturer warranty; lifespan in practice comes down to the install, correct rainscreen, flashing and fastening are what keep moisture out of the wall.
Why tear off the old siding instead of going over it?+
Going over the top hides any rot in the sheathing and skips the rainscreen and flashing detailing that keeps a new wall dry. A clean tear-off lets us inspect and rebuild the wall assembly properly, which is what prevents an expensive problem down the road.
How often does Hardie need painting?+
Factory-finished ColorPlus typically holds its colour for 15 years before it needs attention. Site-painted primed board generally needs repainting every 10 to 15 years. Either way it is far less upkeep than wood siding, which needs refinishing every few years.
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