Many a roofing contractor can cite that according to the Köppen classification system, the contiguous United States has five major climate zones: moist subtropical mid-latitude, moist continental mid-latitude, dry, highlands, and tropical. It stands to reason that the housing materials in one region may not always work as well as in others, given the amount of precipitation, humidity, and sunlight, among other environmental factors.

This is why James Hardie®, famed for its fiber cement line of products, has engineered the HardieZone® system. This is a line of siding products that are designed especially to work in a given climate. In today’s post, we look at this system closely.
What Is HardieZone?
HardieZone doesn’t use the Köppen system but instead bases it on a proprietary climate classification. It breaks the United States into 10 “zones” and eight climatic variables. James Hardie has designated a unique HardieZone product line for zones 1-5 and zones 6-10. Each product line is specific for that climate zone and may not work as well for others.
HZ5®
HZ5 is the siding product line for zones 1-5, which are made particularly for areas that experience cold temperatures, and are thus prone to snow, ice dams, and extreme temperature variance. To counter these weather events, your residential roofing contractor points out that HZ5 siding products are ideal for moisture resistance and paint adhesion. HZ5 products also have a drip edge to manage water flow once the snow thaws.
HZ10®
HZ10 meanwhile is the HardieZone line that’s specifically designed for areas that are on the path of brutal weather, such as hurricanes. While HZ5 siding products are made to last aesthetically, HZ10s are built to last. They are rated to resist hurricanes, the salty, humid air of the coast, and the muggy environs of the Deep South. They don’t crack, split, and rot like ordinary siding.
A1 Siding & Roofing is also the area’s top expert on commercial roofing and services. Learn what we can do for you by calling us at (603) 627-7339 or filling out our contact form. We serve residents of Manchester, NH and nearby areas.