The World of Fiber Cement: Evolution of Fiber Cement Siding:

A Look at James Hardie and AlluraThe story of fiber cement siding is one of innovation, adaptation, and a constant pursuit of durable and aesthetically pleasing building materials. While the concept of fiber-reinforced cement emerged in the early 20th century with the patenting of “Eternit” in Austria in 1901, its widespread adoption and refinement, particularly in North America, is closely linked to the history of James Hardie Building Products. More recently, companies like Allura have emerged as significant players, contributing their own advancements and competitive dynamics to the market.James Hardie: Pioneering the Fiber Cement RevolutionThe origins of James Hardie Industries trace back to 1888 when James Hardie, a young and ambitious Scotsman, emigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Initially focused on importing tanning supplies, the company evolved through a partnership with Andrew Reid and later diversified into various building products.A pivotal moment arrived in the mid-1980s when James Hardie pioneered the development of modern, asbestos-free fiber cement technology. Recognizing the need for a durable, versatile, and strong alternative to existing siding materials like vinyl, wood, and aluminum, the company invested heavily in research and development. This breakthrough led to the creation of a wide range of fiber cement building products.In the early 1990s, James Hardie entered the North American market with the launch of HardiePlank® lap siding. This introduction marked a significant shift in the siding industry, as fiber cement quickly gained popularity due to its resistance to fire, rot, pests, and harsh weather conditions. James Hardie further innovated by introducing the HardieZone® system, which engineered siding products specifically for different climate regions within the United States, addressing localized challenges like extreme temperatures and humidity. Their ColorPlus® Technology, a baked-on finish, also enhanced durability and fade resistance.Over time, “Hardie Board” and “HardiPlank” became almost synonymous with fiber cement siding in North America, a testament to James Hardie’s early dominance and successful branding. The company expanded its product lines to include various styles like HardiePanel® vertical siding, HardieShingle® siding, HardieTrim®, and HardieSoffit®, offering comprehensive exterior solutions. With multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, James Hardie established itself as the leading manufacturer in the fiber cement siding market.Allura: A Growing Competitor with a Strong FoundationWhile James Hardie established an early and strong foothold, the fiber cement landscape has seen the emergence of other significant players. Allura is one such company with a history rooted in building materials expertise. Originally operating as CertainTeed’s fiber cement division, the business was acquired by Plycem USA in 2013 and subsequently rebranded as Allura.Despite being a newer brand name in the North American market, Allura benefits from the long-standing manufacturing experience of its parent company, Elementia. Elementia has been producing fiber cement products internationally for over 80 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge and manufacturing capabilities to the Allura brand.Since its rebranding, Allura has focused on aggressively expanding its presence in North America, establishing manufacturing plants in Oregon, Indiana, and North Carolina. Allura offers a comprehensive range of fiber cement products, directly competing with James Hardie in categories like lap siding, panels, shakes, soffit, and trim.Allura emphasizes the durability and aesthetic appeal of its products, often highlighting a deeper, more realistic wood grain texture. They also offer a wide spectrum of pre-painted colors and stains, providing homeowners with numerous design options. Some sources suggest that Allura focuses on manufacturing techniques that result in a denser and potentially more impact-resistant board.While James Hardie has historically held a larger market share, Allura has been gaining ground by offering competitive pricing and a broad product portfolio. The competition between these two major manufacturers continues to drive innovation and provide homeowners with a wider range of high-quality fiber cement siding options.In conclusion, the history of fiber cement siding in North America is significantly shaped by James Hardie’s pioneering efforts and continuous innovation. However, the emergence of companies like Allura, with their own strengths and manufacturing expertise, demonstrates the ongoing evolution and increasing competitiveness of this important segment of the building materials industry. Both companies have played crucial roles in establishing fiber cement as a leading choice for durable and attractive home exteriors.Stop Mistakes, Start Excellence: Fiber Cement Training. Equip your workers with the knowledge and skills for perfect fiber cement siding and envelope installations. Reduce errors, increase efficiency, and deliver superior results with training from a seasoned pro.>

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