Roofing Professionals in Pennsylvania
Learning Center: James Hardie® Siding, Roofing, Windows and Decking FAQs
Welcome to the Kesting Construction Learning Center—our “They Ask, You Answer” hub built to give homeowners clear, honest guidance before they request an estimate. We specialize in James Hardie® fiber cement siding and provide full-service exterior remodeling—siding, roofing, windows, doors, and decking—for homeowners across Montgomery County and nearby Pennsylvania communities. kestingconstruction.com+1
Transparency note (important): Every home is different. Pricing ranges, timelines, and product recommendations below are meant to help you plan smarter—not replace an on-site evaluation. When we don’t know something without seeing your home, we’ll say so.
Kesting Construction has excellent service and craftsmanship.
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Key Questions About James Hardie Siding: Cost, Life, Upkeep & Warranty
James Hardie siding is fiber cement siding designed to deliver the look of wood with significantly better resistance to moisture, pests, and weather. In Pennsylvania’s freeze/thaw cycles and humid summers, it’s popular because it’s durable, low maintenance, and curb-appeal focused. kestingconstruction.com+1
Beyond performance, Hardie also offers multiple styles—lap siding, shingles, and board-and-batten—so homeowners can match traditional or modern architecture.
Yes—Kesting Construction states that it is recognized as a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, which is Hardie’s highest credential tier. kestingconstruction.com
If you’d like, ask us during your estimate and we’ll walk you through what that designation means for training, installation standards, and your project documentation.
Most Hardie siding projects fall into a wide range because home size, style, trim detail, and prep work vary. As a planning range, Hardie siding installation is often $25,000 to $55,000+ depending on scope and complexity.
The fastest way to get a real number is an on-site evaluation so we can account for tear-off, trim package, soffit/fascia, flashing, and any sheathing repairs.
The biggest cost drivers are square footage, number of stories, trim complexity, material choice, and how much prep/repair is needed under the old siding. If your home needs sheathing repairs, moisture remediation, or custom detail work (corners, frieze boards, light blocks), the price typically rises.
We’re transparent about line items—so you know what’s “must-do” for performance vs. “nice-to-have” for looks.
Hardie siding is engineered for long service life—often 30–50+ years when installed correctly and maintained. kestingconstruction.com
Longevity depends on proper flashing, clean water management, correct clearances to grade/rooflines, and good sealing at penetrations (hoses, vents, lights).
No—Hardie is considered low maintenance compared with wood. Typical care is periodic rinsing and annual checks of caulked joints and penetrations. kestingconstruction.com
If you choose factory-finished ColorPlus®, you generally avoid frequent repaint cycles for many years (see warranty details below).
ColorPlus® is James Hardie’s factory-applied, baked-on finish designed to provide consistent color and long-term performance. It’s often worth it if you want less painting/maintenance and a cleaner finished look from day one. kestingconstruction.com
It can cost more upfront than field painting, but many homeowners like the predictability and the finish warranty coverage.
James Hardie commonly offers a 30-year limited product warranty, and ColorPlus® finishes commonly include a 15-year warranty. kestingconstruction.com
Warranty terms can vary by product line and installation requirements—so we’ll confirm the exact warranty that applies to your selected products and document it with your project file.
Hardie siding is widely chosen for curb appeal and perceived quality, which can help resale. The real value depends on your neighborhood, the design choices, and whether the project improves the home’s exterior “envelope” (water management, flashing, ventilation).
If ROI is your priority, we’ll help you pick styles/colors that fit your home’s architecture and local market expectations.
Fiber cement is non-combustible, which can provide added peace of mind compared to more combustible cladding types. James Hardie notes that fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which can be damaged/char when exposed to flames. James Hardie
If fire ratings matter for your property, we’ll review product documentation and local requirements together.
Often, yes—weather and site conditions matter more than the calendar. Cold temperatures can affect sealants/caulks and scheduling, so winter installs typically require tighter planning and quality checks.
If conditions aren’t right, we’ll be upfront about it—because rushing exterior work in poor conditions can shorten the life of the system.
In most full replacements, yes—updating your weather-resistive barrier (WRB) and detailing flashing is a major part of improving performance. A new WRB helps manage bulk water intrusion behind the cladding and supports long-term durability.
We’ll explain what your home currently has and whether a full WRB update is appropriate once we see the existing layers.
HardiePlank® is the classic horizontal lap siding look; board-and-batten creates a vertical, modern farmhouse style; HardieShingle® mimics the texture and charm of cedar shingles with fiber cement strength. James Hardie
Style choice comes down to architecture, neighborhood fit, and how much contrast/detail you want (trim and accents matter a lot here).
Sometimes—but it depends on what’s already there and whether it’s flat, stable, and dry. In many cases, a full tear-off is the best way to inspect sheathing, correct flashing, and eliminate trapped moisture risks.
We’ll recommend the approach that protects the home long-term, not the one that only looks fastest on paper.
If damage is isolated (a few boards, a small impact zone), repair may be reasonable. If you have widespread cracking/warping, recurring moisture issues, or an aging system with multiple failures, replacement typically makes more sense.
We’ll walk you through what we see and explain “repair vs. replace” with photos and plain language.
A legitimate quote should specify materials (brand/line), tear-off scope, WRB and flashing approach, trim/soffit/fascia work, caulking/paint (if any), debris removal, and workmanship warranty terms.
If anything is vague, ask questions—transparency protects you as the homeowner.
Many projects fall in the multi-day to multi-week range depending on home size, complexity, weather, and scope (trim, soffit, stone, windows). The honest answer: we can’t give an exact timeline without seeing the home and the access conditions.
Once we scope the job, we’ll provide a realistic schedule and communicate changes quickly.
Sometimes. Permit needs vary by municipality, scope (structural changes), and whether you’re altering openings or adding elements.
We’ll help you understand what your local code office typically requires for siding work in your area.
For homeowners comparing options, common alternatives include vinyl, engineered wood, and traditional wood—each with pros/cons around cost, maintenance, and durability. Hardie is often chosen when homeowners want a more premium look with strong weather resistance. kestingconstruction.com
We’ll help you weigh aesthetics, maintenance tolerance, and budget—without pushing what doesn’t fit your goals.
Siding itself isn’t “insulation,” but a replacement project can improve comfort when it includes air sealing, proper WRB detailing, and (where appropriate) insulated accessories or foam. The biggest gains usually come from fixing drafts, moisture intrusion, and ventilation issues.
If energy efficiency is your priority, we’ll look at the whole exterior envelope—siding + windows/doors + attic ventilation.
Key Questions About Roofing: Cost, Life, Upkeep & Warranty
Late spring through fall is common because weather is more predictable, but roofs can often be replaced whenever conditions are safe. What matters most is crew availability, weather windows, and protecting your home during tear-off.
If you’re seeing leaks or missing shingles, don’t wait for the “perfect season”—get an inspection.Beyond performance, Hardie also offers multiple styles—lap siding, shingles, and board-and-batten—so homeowners can match traditional or modern architecture.
A typical asphalt shingle roof often needs replacement around every ~20 years, though real life depends on ventilation, storm exposure, and installation quality. kestingconstruction.com
If you see shingle granules, lifting, or recurring leaks, it’s time for an inspection.
Kesting Construction lists experience with multiple roofing types, including asphalt and other material categories, as part of its exterior services. kestingconstruction.com+1
In your estimate, we’ll talk through the best-fit roof system for your home’s pitch, aesthetic, and budget.
Often, yes—if both are near end-of-life or if flashing and water management are compromised. Doing both together can improve detailing continuity, streamline scheduling, and create a more cohesive finished look.
We’ll only recommend a combined project if it genuinely reduces risk/cost or improves results—not just for convenience.
A repair addresses a specific failure (leak point, small damaged area). A replacement is typically needed when the system has widespread wear, repeated leaks, or age-related failure where repairs become a cycle.
We’ll show you what we see and explain whether you’re buying time (repair) or solving the root issue (replacement).
Key Questions About Windows, Decking, and Exterior Remodeling
If your windows are drafty, difficult to operate, visibly rotting, or you’re changing trim/siding details, it can be smart to coordinate window replacement with siding. Doing so helps integrate flashing and trim work cleanly and reduces the chance of water issues.
We’ll help you prioritize based on budget and the condition of what you have.
Low-maintenance decking is usually about resisting rot, splintering, and frequent refinishing. The “best” option depends on sun exposure, aesthetics, and budget, so we’ll recommend what fits your lifestyle after seeing your space and how you use it.
If you want a natural look with less upkeep, we can discuss material paths and realistic maintenance expectations.
Look for clear scope, documented products, a proven process, and transparency about timelines, change orders, and warranties. A good contractor will explain trade-offs and never pressure you into upgrades you don’t need.
Kesting Construction is a full-service exterior remodeling contractor based in Schwenksville, PA, serving many nearby communities including Yardley and Bethlehem. kestingconstruction.com
Kesting Construction lists service across Harleysville and many surrounding towns and cities—including Yardley, Bethlehem, Doylestown, Allentown, Pottstown, Newtown, Philadelphia, and more. kestingconstruction.com
If you’re unsure whether your specific neighborhood is included, the fastest answer is a quick call.
You can request an estimate through Kesting Construction’s contact process or call directly at 267.441.3070. kestingconstruction.com
After you reach out, we’ll schedule a visit (or next steps), learn your goals, evaluate the exterior, and provide a clear scope so you understand exactly what’s included.