James Hardie Board and Batten Siding — A Growing Trend in Northwest Indiana
Board and batten siding has been experiencing a significant revival in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois — and the contemporary version uses James Hardie fiber cement rather than traditional wood. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this look for your home.
What Board and Batten Siding Is
Board and batten is a vertical siding pattern consisting of wide boards installed vertically, with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams between boards. This creates a distinctive textured, vertical-line aesthetic that differs sharply from the horizontal lap siding most Midwest homes use.
The traditional version used wood planks — which required significant maintenance in our climate. James Hardie’s HardiePanel with HardieTrim battens brings this look into the modern era with fiber cement’s durability.
Why It’s Growing in Popularity
Modern farmhouse aesthetic: The board and batten look is synonymous with the modern farmhouse style that has dominated home design for the past decade. It works equally well on new construction and on exterior renovations of existing homes.
Distinctive curb appeal: In neighborhoods full of horizontal lap siding, board and batten stands out — in a positive way. The vertical orientation draws the eye up and can make a home appear taller and more architecturally interesting.
Full exterior or accent use: Board and batten can be used as the primary siding across the entire home, or as an accent on specific architectural elements — gable ends, lower foundations, dormers — paired with horizontal HardiePlank on the rest of the home. This mixed approach is increasingly popular.
Hardie’s durability in our climate: The same fiber cement advantages that make HardiePlank a strong choice apply to HardiePanel — fire resistance, impact resistance, and climate-specific engineering for Midwest freeze-thaw conditions.
How Hardie Board and Batten Installation Works
HardiePanel is installed in large vertical sheets (typically 4×8 or 4×9 feet), then HardieTrim battens are face-nailed over the seams. The system requires:
- A weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) over the sheathing
- Proper clearance from grade, rooflines, and horizontal surfaces for moisture management
- All cut edges must be primed to maintain moisture resistance
- All penetrations and trim connections must be caulked with appropriate flexible sealant
Correct installation is critical for both appearance and performance. James Hardie’s installation standards are specific — improper installation voids the material warranty and creates performance problems.
Color and Finish Options
HardiePanel is available in:
– Primed (field-painted): Any color from any paint manufacturer. Requires painting within 180 days of installation. Typical repaint cycle of 8-12 years.
– ColorPlus factory finish: Pre-applied factory bake-on finish in Hardie’s color palette. 15-year color warranty against fading, peeling, and cracking.
ColorPlus in popular board-and-batten colors (particularly Arctic White and Cobblestone) is the most common specification in our market.
What It Costs vs. Traditional Lap Siding
Board and batten installation typically runs 10-20% more than HardiePlank horizontal lap siding due to:
– More material waste in cutting vertical panels to fit irregular elements
– More complex trim and batten installation
– More caulking and sealing requirements
For most homes, the premium is $1,500-$4,000 more than an equivalent horizontal siding project — a modest premium for a significantly different visual result.
Is Board and Batten Right for Your Home?
Works well for:
– Ranch and single-story homes where vertical lines add visual height
– New construction or full exterior renovation
– Farmhouse, craftsman, and contemporary home styles
– Mixed siding approaches (board and batten on gable, lap on walls)
Less ideal for:
– Traditional colonial or Tudor homes where the aesthetic doesn’t fit the architecture
– Homes where budget is a primary constraint
Call (219) 224-2636 to discuss board and batten and get a free siding estimate.
About Alamo Roofing Contractors
Alamo Roofing Contractors is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing contractor serving Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois since 2017. Based in Portage, Indiana at 6064 Lute Rd, we serve Lake County, Porter County, LaPorte County, Cook County, Will County, and DuPage County with residential and commercial roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior services.
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