For many people, building a house happens once in a lifetime. The term “dream house” has a deep meaning for them. It is a long-term investment, which is why first-time builders make sure the structure will last a long time. Sound planning, proper construction procedures, and using the best building materials are a must.
But some people make the mistake of sacrificing quality for cost. They end up getting cheap alternatives, or get tricked into buying fake building materials.
Cheap vs. cost efficient
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 are less durable, and can easily get damaged.
But when the customer buys products that will last longer and perform better, he saves more in the long run.
Products like genuine HardieFlex® fiber cement boards by James Hardie do not need constant repairs or replacement (when installed and maintained correctly) since they are resistant to moisture damage, termites, impact, and rotting.
Harmful vs health vs. environment-friendly
Another advantage of getting genuine fiber cement board is the benefit of using materials that will not pose a risk to people, or to the environment. Plywood and fake fiber cement boards usually have high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or contain asbestos, which can harm a resident’s health, as well as the environment.
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.
James Hardie, maker of HardieFlex®, empowers its customers to avoid buying substandard building products. Its latest initiative involves 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.
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®