James Hardie siding replacement in San Jose, CA

Custom Exteriors now replaces siding on San Jose homes with James Hardie fiber cement, installed by our own full-time crews, not subcontractors. James Hardie siding resists rot, moisture, and pests, is classified as noncombustible, and carries a 30-year non-prorated product warranty. We have served Bay Area homeowners since 1997, with 30,000+ completed projects, and we handle San Jose's siding permit process for you.

San Jose homes we work on, and what each one needs

San Jose is too big for one siding answer. The right James Hardie profile, and the rules you need to plan around, depend on where your home is and when it was built.

Willow Glen and other Eichler neighborhoods

Eichler homes need siding that keeps their clean vertical lines. San Jose has 484 Eichler homes in seven tracts across four neighborhoods, built between 1952 and 1963. The largest group is the Fairglen Additions in Willow Glen, 218 homes built between 1959 and 1961.

Eichlers were originally clad in vertical-grooved plywood siding. After 60-plus years, that siding often shows delaminating panels, soft bottom edges, and paint that will not hold.

HardiePanel vertical siding recreates the vertical lines of original Eichler siding in fiber cement that will not delaminate or rot.
Check design rules first. San Jose has design guidance for its Eichler neighborhoods, and some Eichler tracts have historic designations. Some may require materials that closely match the original. We will help you confirm what applies before you choose.

Hillside homes in Almaden Valley and the East Foothills

If your home is in the hills, noncombustible siding is the priority. The City of San Jose identifies the East Foothills and Almaden Valley as especially vulnerable to wildfire. Under the 2025 State Fire Marshal maps, San Jose saw the largest increase in High and Very High acreage of any Bay Area city, with roughly 7,200 acres now rated Very High.

James Hardie fiber cement is noncombustible under ASTM E136, with a Class A flame spread rating under ASTM E84.
HardieSoffit panels box in open eaves where embers collect.
HardieTrim boards replace wood trim around windows, doors, and corners.

Post-war and newer tract homes across the city

For most of San Jose's ranch and two-story tract homes, the goal is lower upkeep and a fresh look. Original wood, hardboard, and plywood panel siding on these homes is often decades old and on a constant repainting cycle.

HardiePlank lap siding is the most common replacement for original lap siding.
HardiePanel vertical siding replaces plywood panel (T1-11) siding, or creates a board and batten look.
HardieShingle siding adds a cedar shake look on gables and accents.

San Jose's siding permit rules

San Jose requires a building permit to replace siding, and Custom Exteriors handles it for you. The City publishes specific guidance for siding and stucco projects:

Small repairs. Repairs under 10 square feet of wall area do not need a permit.
Like-for-like replacements. Some qualifying like-for-like projects can be permitted over the counter at the Permit Center.
Everything else. Other siding projects go through the City's standard plan review.
Historic properties. Homes on San Jose's Historic Resources Inventory need planning clearance before a permit is issued.
Inspections. The City inspects the work, and the permit card stays on site for the inspector.

The City also notes that unpermitted siding work can create problems with insurance claims. A properly permitted and inspected project protects you.

San Jose's wildfire building rules reach further than most cities

San Jose's Wildland-Urban Interface Area includes Moderate, High, and Very High fire hazard zones adopted by the City, plus additional areas the City designates. That is broader than many Bay Area cities, so more San Jose homes may be affected than homeowners expect.

Whether wildfire construction standards apply to your siding project depends on your zone and the scope of work, and the City makes that determination. Use the City of San Jose's Fire Hazard Severity Zone finder to check your address. Because James Hardie siding is noncombustible, it meets the exterior wall covering requirement in California's wildfire construction standards on its own.

No siding is fireproof. A home's fire resistance also depends on its roof, vents, eaves, windows, and the area around the house.

Why we install James Hardie siding

James Hardie fiber cement is the only siding we install, because it fixes the problems that wear out wood, hardboard, and plywood siding. After evaluating siding products for nearly three decades, it is what we recommend to every homeowner.

Rot and pest resistant. Fiber cement does not rot, swell, or delaminate when it gets wet, and does not attract termites or woodpeckers.
Noncombustible. Classified as noncombustible under ASTM E136, with a Class A flame spread rating under ASTM E84.
A finish that lasts. ColorPlus Technology is a factory-baked finish that holds color longer than paint applied on site, backed by a 15-year limited finish warranty.
A real warranty. A 30-year non-prorated limited product warranty on the siding.

If your home was built before 1978, including most Eichlers, older paint layers may contain lead. We are EPA Lead-Safe RRP Certified and follow lead-safe work practices during removal.

Learn more about James Hardie siding

Replacing siding and windows together

If your windows are original, replacing them with your siding usually gives you a better result. With the siding off, we can install new windows using the new construction method, so each opening is fully flashed and sealed. On Eichlers, it is also the best time to address the large glass walls and clerestory windows that define the house.

See our San Jose windows page for the Infinity by Marvin fiberglass windows we install.

Why San Jose homeowners choose Custom Exteriors

San Jose homeowners hire us because they can verify who does the work and who stands behind it.

Full-time employee installers, not subcontractors. The crew that installs your siding works for Custom Exteriors. Here is why that matters.
Since 1997. We have served Bay Area homeowners for nearly three decades, with 30,000+ completed projects.
San Jose permits handled, including planning clearance for historic properties and any wildfire code requirements.
Third-party recognition. Diamond Certified and BBB Accredited. See our awards and reviews.
Warranty coverage. James Hardie's product warranties plus our own product and labor warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need a permit to replace siding in San Jose? A: Yes, in most cases. San Jose requires a building permit to replace siding. Repairs under 10 square feet of wall area are exempt, some like-for-like projects can be permitted over the counter, and homes on the Historic Resources Inventory need planning clearance first. Custom Exteriors handles the permit and inspections for you.

Q: Can I put James Hardie siding on my Eichler? A: Often, yes. HardiePanel vertical siding recreates the vertical lines of original Eichler siding in fiber cement that will not delaminate or rot. Some Eichler neighborhoods have design guidance or historic designations that may require closely matching the original materials, so check what applies to your home first. We can help you confirm it.

Q: Is my San Jose home in a fire hazard zone? A: It depends on your address. San Jose's 2025 map includes Moderate, High, and Very High zones, concentrated in the East Foothills, Almaden Valley, and other hillside areas. Use the City of San Jose's Fire Hazard Severity Zone finder to check.

Q: Is James Hardie siding fireproof? A: No siding is fireproof, but James Hardie siding is noncombustible. It is classified as noncombustible when tested to ASTM E136 and has a Class A flame spread rating under ASTM E84, so it will not ignite or add fuel to a fire.

Q: Do you serve all of San Jose? A: Yes. We serve homeowners throughout San Jose, from Willow Glen and Almaden Valley to the East Foothills and Evergreen. Our free consultations are done at your home, and our full-size product displays are in our Pleasanton showroom.

Q: How much does James Hardie siding cost in San Jose? A: Cost depends on the size of your home, how much old siding has to come off, the condition of the wall underneath, the profile and finish you choose, and how much trim and soffit is involved. Eichlers and hillside homes often involve more detail work. See our siding pricing guide for the main factors. We provide free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what you are paying for.

Ready to replace the siding on your San Jose home?

Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation at your home. We will look at your current siding, check for damage underneath, walk through profiles, colors, and any design or permit rules that apply, and give you an itemized estimate, with no obligation.

Primary CTA: Schedule a no-pressure consultation Secondary CTA: Visit our Pleasanton showroom (2142 Rheem Drive, Suite E, Pleasanton, CA 94588) Phone: (925) 249-2280

Financing options

We offer 18 months with no payments and no interest if the balance is paid in full within the promotional period, or 4.99% financing on approved credit. Ask about options during your consultation.

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Nearby areas we also serve

Custom Exteriors also installs James Hardie siding in Fremont, and serves nearby Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Milpitas. View our full service area list.