Genuine HardieFlex boards offer a better deal than fakes

For many people, building a house may only happen once, and the term “dream house” holds a deeper meaning for them. Building their dream home is a long-term investment, and that’s why it’s important for them to ensure that the house will last for a long time. Sound planning, proper construction procedures and using the best building materials are a must. 

When budget considerations come in, some people err in sacrificing quality for cost by choosing the cheapest building materials. They end up either getting low-cost alternatives, or getting tricked into buying fake building materials. For instance, a few would rather use cheap and substandard plywood, while others who prefer more durable fiber cement boards end up getting only imitations. In both cases, the disadvantages outnumber the advantages.

Initially paying a small amount for building materials doesn’t necessarily mean savings for consumers. When plywood or fake fiber cement boards are used for interior walls, ceilings, sidings, fascia, eaves and flooring, additional costs could be incurred in repairing or replacing them, as these can be less durable and get damaged more easily.

In contrast, when customers buy pricier products that will last longer and perform better, they would save more in the long run. Cost-efficient products, like genuine HardieFlex fiber cement boards by James Hardie, doesn’t need constant repairs or replacement (if installed and maintained correctly), since they are more durable and resistant to moisture damage, termites and rotting.

Another little-known advantage of getting genuine HardieFlex fiber cement boards that they would not pose a risk to home-dwellers or the environment. Plywood and fake fiber cement boards usually have high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or contain asbestos, which can harm people’s health, as well as the environment.

Original HardieFlex® fiber cement boards have zero asbestos and low VOCs, and use sustainable raw materials, so they’re good for both people and the ecology.

While many people are already convinced about the advantages of using genuine HardieFlex® fiber cement boards, there’s still a chance that they are not getting what they’re paying for, because there are imitation products in the market, and not everyone knows how to differentiate the authentic from the fakes.

James Hardie is empowering its customers to avoid buying substandard building products. Its latest initiative involves teaching consumers how to spot original HardieFlex products, which the company made simple by incorporating two indicators.

The first is that an original HardieFlex has a back branding on each HardieFlex sheet. The back branding indicates the product name, thickness and batch number. This also protects consumers not only from fake fiber cement boards, but also product defects.

And second, a green stripe at the left-side corner of the sheet (see photo) is a sure sign that it is a genuine HardieFlex sheet. But beware: imitation products may be doing the same thing.

With this initiative, James Hardie aims to decrease the number of people buying and patronizing fake and low-quality fiber cement boards. The company encourages more people to avoid believing the short-term benefits of such boards and, instead, choose items that offer true performance, cost-efficiency and sustainability.

For more information, call (632) 895-5427 or send an e-mail to jhcs@jameshardie.com.ph.