Double Wall Siding: The Better Standard for Kansas City New Homes

At Ashlar Homes, quality starts with what’s behind the walls. That’s why James Hardie Double Wall Siding is a standard feature in every home and floor plan we build, not an optional upgrade.

When comparing new construction homes in the Kansas City metro, it’s easy to focus on the features you see first: the kitchen, the floor plan, the finishes, and the curb appeal. But the materials and construction behind a home’s exterior matter, too. They can influence durability, moisture management, energy efficiency, sound control, and long-term maintenance.

Ashlar Homes believes thoughtful construction should be part of every home from the start. Here’s what to know about James Hardie siding, double-wall construction, and why this standard sets our homes apart.

What Is James Hardie Siding?

James Hardie is a leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding, an exterior material made from a blend of cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and other ingredients. It is designed to combine lasting performance with the appearance of traditional siding.

Unlike wood siding, fiber cement is designed to resist common issues such as rot and damage from wood-destroying pests. It also comes in a variety of profiles, textures, and finishes, giving homeowners options to complement their home’s architectural style.

For homeowners, that means an exterior material selected for both its appearance and its durability. While no siding is completely maintenance-free, James Hardie siding can offer a durable alternative to traditional wood siding with appropriate installation and care.

What Does Double-Wall Construction Mean?

Double-wall construction refers to a wall assembly that incorporates two layers of wall framing or construction. The materials and configuration behind the exterior help determine how the overall wall performs.

It’s important to understand that James Hardie siding is the exterior material, while double-wall construction refers to the wall assembly behind it. Together, they are part of the home’s overall exterior system.

Why does that matter? Because a home’s performance depends on more than the material visible from the street. The construction behind the siding can influence how the home manages moisture, maintains indoor comfort, and limits sound transmission.

Depending on the wall assembly and installation, double-wall construction may also create opportunities for enhanced insulation and energy performance. Actual results depend on the complete home design, materials, and construction details.

At Ashlar Homes, this approach is included in every home and floor plan, giving buyers access to this construction feature without having to select it as an upgrade.

The Benefits of James Hardie Double Wall Siding

When evaluating new homes in Kansas City, it’s worth looking beyond exterior appearance. Here are several potential benefits of this combination of siding and wall construction.

1. Durability for Everyday Living

A home’s exterior faces changing temperatures, rain, wind, humidity, and seasonal weather. James Hardie siding is designed to resist rot, wood-destroying pests, and many common sources of exterior deterioration. Its durability makes it a practical option for homeowners looking for an exterior that can maintain its appearance with proper care.

2. Support for Moisture Management

Moisture protection is an important part of a home’s construction, particularly in a climate with changing seasons. James Hardie siding is designed to resist moisture-related damage, while the wall assembly and proper installation details also play important roles in managing water around the exterior.

Together, the siding and underlying construction can contribute to a home’s overall moisture-management strategy.

3. Potential for Improved Energy Performance

Energy efficiency depends on several factors, including insulation, air sealing, windows, and wall construction. Depending on its design, double-wall construction can provide opportunities for additional insulation and improved thermal performance.

While specific energy savings vary by home and construction details, the wall assembly is an important consideration when comparing new construction options.

4. Curb Appeal That Lasts

The exterior of a home helps create its character. James Hardie siding offers a variety of styles and textures to complement different architectural designs, allowing homeowners to enjoy an exterior that balances visual appeal with practical performance.

What Makes Ashlar Homes Different?

Many builders offer a range of exterior materials and upgrades. At Ashlar Homes, James Hardie Double Wall Siding is standard in every home and floor plan we build.

That means buyers don’t have to decide whether to pay extra to include this feature. It is part of our approach from the beginning, reflecting our belief that important construction choices should be built into the home rather than treated as optional additions.

We believe homeownership should feel simple, transparent, and personal. By making this feature standard, we give buyers one less upgrade decision to navigate while reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful construction and attainable homeownership.

It’s one way we put our vision, We Build Community, into practice: by creating homes with the details that matter to everyday living in mind.

Look Beyond the Surface When Choosing a New Home

When comparing new construction homes in the Kansas City metro, ask what siding materials builders use, how their exterior walls are constructed, and which features come standard.

James Hardie fiber cement siding offers durability, design flexibility, and resistance to common forms of exterior damage. Double-wall construction may also provide opportunities to enhance moisture management, energy performance, and sound control.

At Ashlar Homes, we believe these considerations deserve attention from the very beginning. That’s why James Hardie Double Wall Siding is included in every home and floor plan we build, without requiring buyers to add it as an upgrade.

Quality should be built in, not added on.

Explore Ashlar Homes’ new construction homes and communities across the Kansas City metro at ashlarhomeskc.com.

Explore What Home Could Be

Discover available homes or explore our communities to find the right fit for your lifestyle.