James Hardie Debuts Hardie™ Designer, Powered by Hover's AI Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

James Hardie Building Products (NYSE: JHX) has launched Hardie™ Designer, an AI-powered design tool in collaboration with Hover, making it the first siding manufacturer to adopt Hover's flagship design product. The tool allows homeowners to visualize exterior renovation designs using Hardie® products through a single photo upload on JamesHardie.com.

The innovative platform enables real-time visualization of different design styles, from Farmhouse to Contemporary, with instant editing capabilities for Hardie® profiles and colors. As the #1 brand of siding in North America, James Hardie aims to transform the home renovation planning process by offering photorealistic, immediate visualization of their products on customers' actual homes.

Positive

• First-to-market advantage in siding visualization technology
• Partnership with established tech provider Hover enhances product offering
• Potential to increase customer conversion and sales through improved visualization
• Maintains market leadership position as #1 siding brand in North America

Negative

• Significant investment in new technology implementation
• Dependence on third-party technology provider (Hover) for core feature

First-of-its-kind experience on JamesHardie.com transforms home exterior renovation planning with photorealistic, real-time designs of Hardie^® products on user's actual homes

CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- James Hardie Building Products Inc. (James Hardie), a subsidiary of James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX; NYSE: JHX) and the #1 brand of siding in North America*, and Hover, a leader in 3D property technology, today announced the launch of Hardie^™ Designer, an AI design tool powered by Hover. James Hardie is the first siding manufacturer to adopt Hover's flagship design product, making it easier than ever for homeowners to see design possibilities with actual Hardie^® products in a matter of seconds, using only a single photo of their home.

"At James Hardie, we are committed to leading the industry in innovation. We are excited to harness the power of Hover's technology to offer better, smarter home renovation solutions," said Sean Gadd, President of James Hardie North America. "Hardie^™ Designer allows homeowners to easily experiment with the look of Hardie^® products, including textures and trending colors, helping them visualize their dream home with just a few clicks. We are setting a new standard for how homeowners engage with our industry-leading products in a way that has never been possible before."

When planning an exterior home renovation, the design process can be overwhelming. Historically, homeowners have had to make costly decisions based solely on sketches and small product samples, or photos of other people's homes. Now, with Hardie^™ Designer powered by Hover, homeowners can effortlessly visualize the possibilities of Hardie^® materials – like a virtual try-on for their home.

Any homeowner visiting JamesHardie.com can upload a single photo of their home's exterior and see their home redesigned in seconds, with multiple possibilities and design styles, from Farmhouse to Contemporary. From there, they can instantly edit and apply Hardie^® profiles and colors to their home's exterior. Users can easily share their designs with family, friends and contractors to help in their decision-making.

"Homeowners today expect to see what they're buying before they commit, and the companies that offer real-time design will win," said A.J. Altman, founder and CEO at Hover. "We are excited to collaborate with James Hardie to further simplify the home renovation process. Hover's technology is built on more than a decade of real home property data. Now, industry leaders like James Hardie can leverage what we've built, delivering immediate value to prospective customers. Exterior renovations are an investment, and this collaboration is another step toward giving homeowners the clarity and confidence they need to move forward."

To experience Hardie^™ Designer powered by Hover and begin designing your dream home, visit jameshardie.com/hardie-designer.

*Based on Freedonia 2022 Global Siding (Cladding) demand estimates and James Hardie sales in North America.

James Hardie Building Products Inc.
James Hardie is the North American leader in high-performance fiber cement exterior design solutions. Hardie^® products offer long lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. As the #1 producer of high-performance fiber cement building solutions in the United States, James Hardie offers siding and accessories for every style. Hardie^® products are noncombustible** and stand up to weather and time while empowering homeowners and building professionals to achieve the home of their dreams. James Hardie operates with an inclusive company culture and an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse workforce of over 3,700 employees in North America.

For more information and media resources, visit JamesHardie.com and JamesHardie.com/all-about-james-hardie/media-resources. For investor information, please visit ir.jameshardie.com.au.

**Hardie® siding complies with ASTM E136 as a noncombustible cladding. Noncombustible siding, when combined with other fire mitigation measures, can help harden a home against external fire.

Connect with James Hardie on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
X (formerly Twitter)

Hover
Hover brings a transformative digital experience to the built world. With a mobile app that designs, measures, and estimates home improvement and construction projects all in one place, Hover provides a faster, easier, and more transparent experience for homeowners and drives workflow efficiencies for contractors. With stunningly easy-to-use 3D models, reliable measurements, and precise project estimates, Hover offers contractors solutions and customizable automation for exterior and interior trades, jobs, or teams.

Every two seconds, a property is captured with Hover. Over 300,000 contractors and home improvement professionals, and over 500,000 homeowners have scanned and modeled billions of square feet using Hover's technology. For more information, visit Hover.to.

Media Contacts:
James Hardie
jameshardieuspr@webershandwick.com 

Hover
pr@hover.to 

Investor Contact:
Joe Ahlersmeyer, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@jameshardie.com 

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SOURCE James Hardie Building Products Inc.

FAQ

What is the new Hardie™ Designer tool launched by JHX?

Hardie™ Designer is an AI-powered visualization tool that allows homeowners to see how Hardie® siding products would look on their home by uploading a single photo, offering real-time design capabilities and instant editing of profiles and colors.

How does the JHX Hardie™ Designer technology work?

Users upload one photo of their home to JamesHardie.com, and the AI technology powered by Hover instantly generates photorealistic visualizations of different Hardie® products, colors, and design styles on their actual home.

What makes JHX's Hardie™ Designer unique in the market?

James Hardie is the first siding manufacturer to implement Hover's flagship design product, offering homeowners an innovative way to visualize renovation possibilities with actual Hardie® products in seconds.

What features does the new JHX Hardie™ Designer tool offer?

The tool offers real-time design visualization, multiple design style options (Farmhouse to Contemporary), instant editing of profiles and colors, and the ability to share designs with family, friends, and contractors.