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Our Top Picks for Contractor Materials in 2018


Our Top Picks for Contractor Materials in 2018

Professional contractors need professional-grade building materials—that goes without saying. The problem is that there is a dizzying array of options to choose from and it can be difficult to decide what’s right for a given job, even for a seasoned pro.


We thought that preparing for a job should be a bit easier, so we’ve created a buying guide to showcase our top picks for building materials this year. Read on to eliminate some of the guesswork from your next project!

If you’re going to be tackling roofing installation or repair, nothing will be more critical to the durability of your work than the underlayment you choose.


Designed for shingle and metal roofing applications, Tyvek® Protec™120 features a slip-resistant coating, a polypropylene scrim, a lamination layer to keep water out, and a grooved top layer to channel dirt and water away from the roof. It’s not just good for your client, either. This underlayment also boasts best-in-class walkability, so you’ll be able to safely complete your work without skipping a beat.

Just like its roof, a home’s exterior walls need protection from the harsh elements to ensure comfort indoors all year round. Tyvek® HomeWrap® has everything you need to get your client’s home ready to face any weather condition.


Tyvek® HomeWrap® is made with a unique, nonwoven structure, which allows moisture vapor to pass through. This promotes drying in wall systems to help prevent water and mold damage. Additionally, this wrap prevents air movement through the walls, which increases the insulation’s efficiency and helps to provide a more energy-efficient home.

If your client is looking to beautify the exterior of their home, you need to show them a sample of HardiePlank® lap siding.


This durable product comes in a variety of colors and finishes that will make any home stand out. No matter the climate, it will stand the test of time to provide years of protection from the elements. It’s a rare combination of style and substance that has made HardiePlank® lap siding the most popular brand of siding in America.

If your client loved the look of the HardiePlank® lap siding but are looking for something a bit more luxurious, suggest that they step up to the Artisan Collection by James Hardie. These high-performance siding and trim products are made of fiber cement and are thicker than standard siding. They will create a distinctive and sharp look for the home that no other siding can match.

Looking to create a classic look for the outside of a home? Look no further. The HardieShingle® line of siding has you covered. Use it to create a Cape Cod-style facade or as a beautiful compliment to a contemporary design. It’s durable and low-maintenance, providing a cedar shingle look without the associated headaches.

If your client wants an exterior finish that sets their home apart from the others, it might be time to go vertical. HardiePanel® vertical siding offers all of the same benefits of the other Hardie siding products in a unique, contemporary design. Use it to emulate cedar or stucco, or create a wood grain or smooth-plank surface that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Once you’ve created the perfect look for your client’s home, add the finishing touches with HardieTrim® boards. They are available in several colors and sizes and are designed as perfect companions to the other Hardie siding products. Use them around doors and windows, to accent corners and columns, and everywhere in between.

When it’s time to join the new exterior walls to the new roof, choose HardieSoffit® panels to protect the vulnerable gap between them. They come in vented and non-vented configurations and are available in eight colors that will be the perfect accent to the home’s new siding. You can also choose from three different panel widths to ensure easy installation no matter how much space you need to fill.

If your project includes indoor tilework, make sure to choose HardiBacker® cement boards as your go-to underlayment. They’re designed to stand up to wet environments such as those found in kitchens and bathrooms, and they are mold resistant, as well. Don’t just take our word for it, though. HardiBacker® cement boards were ranked number one by installers and contractors just like you in the 2015 Tile and Stone Report, so there’s no doubt you’ll be happy with your choice!

As you can tell, no matter what your project entails, inside or out, we’ve got everything you’ll need to get the job done. Come on in to any of our locations to go over your project with one of our knowledgeable staff members today, and they’ll get you ready to work. You (and your clients) will be glad you did!

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