There is no doubt that Celect siding and James Hardie siding are the top contestants when it comes to high-quality siding. However, you might have doubts as to which one is the best. Here, we’ll compare the advantages and disadvantages of Celect siding and James Hardie siding, and we’ll help you choose the one that would best fit your home.
Contents
- Celect Siding vs James Hardie Siding
- Major differences between Celect siding and James Hardie siding
- Advantages of Hardie planks
- Advantages of Celect siding
- Celect siding vs Hardie board price
- Celect siding vs Hardie board installation time
When putting new siding on your home, the most important thing is installing a product that will last for a while and beautify your home at the same time. It’s very important to have high-quality siding as it’s the first line of exterior protection your house has against the elements. In Why new siding, we explain what are the signs your home needs new siding and how to know when your siding needs to be repaired urgently. If you think it’s time to replace the exterior covering of your home, you’re in luck because we’re the experts in replacing siding in Ottawa. In this article, we’ll compare two of our favorite types of siding: Hardie planks and Celect siding, both known for their durability and long-lasting performance.
These two products are quite different. On one side, the Hardie planks offer the sturdiness of fiber cement siding, also known as fiber board siding. James Hardie siding installation in Ottawa combines the realistic grain of wood with a smooth texture, creating a clean, modern appearance. This type of siding not only looks great, but it also lasts considerably longer than traditional exterior wall cladding or vinyl siding, making it an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting siding options.

Celect siding is also a fantastic product. It’s made of cellular PVC composite (Polyvinyl Chloride), making it one of the top composite siding brands available. It is the same type of material used in vinyl fences and siding. When comparing composite siding vs vinyl, Celect offers superior durability and aesthetics. It is 100% recyclable and looks just like natural wood, thanks to its wood-like finish. Because this celect cellular composite siding is a plastic-based material, it requires very low maintenance. It won’t build up mildew or rot. The planks will retain their color over time. It’s easy to clean them, and they don’t stain. Also, these exterior siding planks are scratch-resistant because of the rigidity of the material they’re made with.
If you’re still on the fence about which siding product you should choose, don’t worry. We’ve spent years comparing these products, and today we’ll tell you which one is the best for you!

Major differences between Celect siding and James Hardie siding
Comparing Hardie planks and Celect siding and determining which product is the best sure is a tough job! First of all, because these two products are both absolutely amazing! But more importantly, because they are quite different. Determining which one is the best really depends on what kind of style and advantages you’re looking for when thinking of new siding for your home.
Here are some major differences and side-by-side comparisons of Hardie planks and Celect siding:
These products are made of very different materials
The first notable difference between these two products is their composition. Although they both offer the look of real wood, they’re made of totally different materials. This also affects their sturdiness, resistance to the elements, and how long they can last.
Hardie planks
Hardie boards are super durable. When considering what is Hardie board made of, it’s a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers combined to create an amazing material that will both protect and beautify your home. Because it’s composed mainly of cement, this siding is a non-combustible product. As you can read in 6 Advantages of James Hardie Siding, this type of siding is virtually fire-proof. While vinyl and aluminum siding tend to melt if exposed to very high temperatures, James Hardie won’t be affected by the heat. Hardie boards are 90 percent sand and cement, which makes them extremely resistant to fire. Not only will James Hardie siding protect your home in the event of a fire, but it could also prevent fire from spreading to other buildings.

Celect siding
Celect siding, a cellular composite siding, is made of cellular PVC, and it’s designed to mimic faithfully the natural grain of wood without its corresponding hazards and headaches. Because this siding is a plastic-based material, it requires very low maintenance. It won’t build up mildew or rot. The planks will retain their color over time. It’s easy to clean them, and they don’t stain. Also, these exterior siding planks are scratch-resistant because of the rigidity of the material they’re made with. The Kynar Aquatec coating adds an extra layer of protection, enhancing its durability and UV resistance.
Celect siding and Hardie planks offer very different advantages
Because of their composition, these two products offer very different advantages. Here are just a few of the most notable advantages for both James Hardie and Celect siding:
Advantages of Hardie planks
James Hardie siding is extremely resistant to the weather and the elements
This is probably the biggest advantage of James Hardie siding. This type of siding is extremely strong and sturdy. The planks are guaranteed to withstand the weather for up to 30 years. Because they are so thick, the planks have an improved resistance to the impact of hail and branches. It’s the perfect type of siding if you live in an area prone to hail storms and bad weather. Hardie planks won’t accumulate mildew or rot, and they’re unaffected by insects, offering excellent pest resistance.

Low maintenance costs
With James Hardie siding, you can say goodbye to maintenance costs. Even though the installation of this siding can be costly, with the Hardie board cost per square foot being higher than some alternatives, you’ll end up saving money in the long run. Over the years, you could end up saving thousands of dollars.
Improve your home’s value
The ROI of installing Hardie planks on your home is extremely good. You can be sure that it’s totally worth the investment as it’s a great way to increase your home’s value and costs a lot less than many other property investments. The Hardie board and batten cost might be higher initially, but it pays off in the long term. If these advantages convinced you, call us for a free James Hardie estimate today! For a complete list of all the James Hardie advantages, read 6 Advantages of James Hardie Siding.
Advantages of Celect siding
Low maintenance costs
Celect siding also requires very low maintenance. It’s extremely sturdy and uses an interlocking design that won’t require regular repairs. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking for long-lasting siding solutions.
Unaffected by humidity, rot, and mildew
This Royal product is totally immune to rotting because of its composition. Its factory finish will stand up to moisture and repel mildew. Hardie planks are also quite resistant to humidity, but you’ll have to make sure that the bottom planks are high above the ground, and if you live in an area with a lot of snow, you might even have to replace them regularly. This is definitely an advantage that Celect siding has over Hardie planks. Another great advantage of this product is that its interlocking design will keep all the moisture out, providing excellent moisture resistance.
A huge variety of styles and designs
Another major advantage of Celect siding is the design flexibility it gives to homeowners. These planks come in 15 contemporary Celect siding colors that can reflect both upscale and more traditional homes. The planks have a rich grain texture with a seamless finish. The seams are virtually undetectable from just a few feet away, enhancing the overall aesthetics and curb appeal of your home.
A brilliant interlocking system
A great feature of Celect siding is the interlocking system it uses. This system offers tons of great advantages. The first one is the total absence of visible seams between the joints. Unlike other siding products, Celect’s patented interlocking joint system makes seams on the siding nearly invisible! Another fantastic advantage of the interlocking system is the way it keeps all the moisture out and renders maintenance obsolete. Finally, this system accelerates the installation process of the planks and makes it super easy for a small team to install the siding on your house.
If these advantages convinced you, call us for a free Celect siding estimate today! For a complete list of all the Celect siding advantages, read Celect siding Ottawa – 5 Top Things you Need to Know about Celect Siding.
Celect siding vs Hardie board price
When it comes to the price of these different types of siding, Celect siding cost is generally higher than Hardie board. The labor pricing can change a bit for both types of siding depending on how many windows you have and a few more factors. If you’d want to know all the factors that can influence the price of a Hardie board installation, read James Hardie siding cost in Ottawa.
For the different factors that could influence the price of a Celect siding installation, read 5 Top Things you Need to Know about Celect Siding. It’s worth noting that while the initial cost might be higher, both options offer excellent value in terms of durability and long-term performance.

Celect siding vs Hardie board installation time
One of the biggest differences between Celect siding and James Hardie boards is the installation time of both products. Overall, it will take a lot less time to install Celect siding as it’s a lot lighter, and the boards clip unto each other without problem. Hardie boards, on the other hand, are a bit heavier, and the installation process is not as straightforward as it is with Celect. Because of this, the installation can take a bit longer.

When considering celect siding vs James Hardie siding, it’s important to weigh factors such as installation time, cost, and long-term performance. Both options offer excellent durability and weather resistance, but they differ in terms of material composition and aesthetic options. Celect siding, available in Canada through authorized dealers, offers a wide range of color options and a unique interlocking system. On the other hand, James Hardie siding is renowned for its fire resistance and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
While both siding options have their strengths, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks. Some celect siding reviews mention concerns about expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures, while royal celect siding problems can include color fading over time. However, these issues are relatively rare and often covered under warranty.
For those looking for hardie board alternatives, Celect siding presents an excellent option, offering similar durability with added benefits like easier installation and a wider range of design options. The celect board and batten siding style, in particular, provides a classic look that can enhance the curb appeal of any home.
In terms of energy efficiency, both Celect and Hardie siding contribute to better insulation, though the exact R-value can vary depending on the specific product and installation method. This improved insulation can lead to lower energy costs and a more comfortable home environment.
If our analysis of James Hardie siding and Celect siding has convinced you that this product is absolutely worth the investment, we’d be very happy to work with you and help you create your dream home. At NorthCo, we specialize in installing high-end siding, and there is absolutely no project that we can’t tackle. We’re one of the top exterior refacing contractors in Ottawa, and we’re known for excellent and thorough work on all of our siding projects. Our northco services reviews speak to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for the classic appeal of cape cod siding or the modern look of cellular composite siding, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for your free estimate and let us create your dream home with long-lasting, beautiful siding that will protect and enhance your property for years to come.