Go for the Real HardieFlex

The advantages of buying genuine HardieFlex fiber cement boards, and how to make sure you’re really getting the original

For many people, building a house may happen just once in a lifetime, and the term “dream house” really takes on a deep meaning for them. It’s a long-term investment, that’s why it’s important to ensure that the structure will really last and stay picturesque for a long time. Sound planning, proper construction procedures, and using the best building materials are a must.

When budget considerations come into the picture, some people err in sacrificing quality for cost, choosing the least priced building materials. They end up either knowingly getting cheap alternatives, or get tricked into buying fake building materials. For instance, a few would rather use cheap, substandard plywood, while others actually want to go for the more durable fiber cement boards but end up getting only imitation boards. In both cases, there are more disadvantages than benefits.

Cheap vs. Cost Efficient Initially paying a small amount for building materials doesn’t necessarily give the consumers savings. When plywood or fake fiber cement boards are used for interior walls, ceilings, sidings, fascia, eaves, and flooring there can be recurring costs in terms of repair and replacements, as those products can be less durable, and can get damaged more easily.

In contrast, when the customer buys products that will last longer and perform better, though those may be pricier in the beginning, the customer will 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 (when installed and maintained correctly) since they are more durable and resistant to moisture damage, termites, impact, and rotting.

Harmful vs health- and environment-friendly
Another not-so-well-known advantage of getting genuine fiber cement board is the benefit of using materials that will not pose a risk to the home dwellers nor to 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, low VOCs, and use sustainable raw materials, so they're good for both people and the ecology.

Fake HardieFlex vs. genuine HardieFlex
While people are already convinced about the advantages of using genuine HardieFlex, there is still a chance they are not getting what they’re paying for, because there are imitation products in the market, and because not everyone knows how to differentiate the authentic from the imitation products.

James Hardie, pioneer innovator in the fiber cement board industry and maker of HardieFlex, empowers its customers to avoid buying substandard building products.

Its latest initiative consists of educating the consumers on how to spot original HardieFlex products, which the company made simple by incorporating two indicators. First, an original HardieFlex has a back branding located at the back of each HardieFlex sheet. The back branding indicates the product name, thickness, and batch number. The back branding also protects the consumers not just against fake fiber cement boards but against product defects as well.

Second, a green stripe located at the corner, left-side of each HardieFlex sheet is a sure sign that it is a bona fide HardieFlex but beware of imitation products doing the same thing.

With this initiative, James Hardie aims to decrease the number of persons buying and patronizing fake and low quality fiber cement boards. The market leader in the fiber cement industry encourages more people to avoid being fooled by the short-term benefits of fake and low quality fiber cement boards. Instead, consumers can choose items that offer true performance, cost-efficiency and sustainability.

To know more about James Hardie Philippines and its range of quality products and services, contact their technical and customer support hotline at (02) 895-5427 or email jhcs@jameshardie.com.ph.