Additionally, Hardie Backer Board is very durable and long-lasting. Unlike other wall surface materials that may need to be replaced every few years, Hardie Backer Board can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
Hardie siding is a lifelong solution, lasting upwards of 50 years and beyond on your home. Their warranty covers Hardie siding for 30 years and trim boards for 15 years. However, it is true that it can last beyond then when properly installed and cared for.
With the proper care, your James Hardie fiber cement siding will outlast its 30-year warranty. It can even last up to 50 years if cared for properly.
It's not going to deteriorate the way that traditional wood siding does. Not only is James Hardie fiber cement siding going to outlast other kinds of siding, but it's also warranted for 30 years. Other types of siding can last around 15-20 years.
It's a popular choice for homes because it's low maintenance, it comes in a wide variety of colors, and it has the textured look of wood, but it won't rot. Unfortunately, Hardie board siding also fades faster than wood, and over time you may see a chalky residue that won't wash off.
James Hardie siding is more expensive than other siding types. One of the main disadvantages of James Hardie siding is that it is more expensive than other types of siding. This increase in cost is because of the quality of the siding materials and installation.
Materials like Hardie siding can trap moisture, causing panel damage, rot, and even mold growth. Moisture can also cause the siding's paint to crumble, swell, crack, and peel. One of the reasons why this kind of siding absorbs moisture is the nature of how it was installed.
Wash down the exterior surfaces every 6 to 12 months with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris, gently clean the siding with the soft brush or wet soft cloth in a side to side motion in the direction of the plank siding.
Hardie siding does a great job of wicking moisture when it is installed on the wall, but when it's uncovered and flat on the ground it will absorb water. If your contractor installs Hardie siding when it's saturated, it may show signs of shrinkage or even staining over time.
It is resistant to mold, mildew, and fading but can get dirty over time. Luckily, it's extremely easy to clean. However, before you start cleaning, you should understand there's a right way and a wrong way! That's why the team at Opal Enterprises is here to teach you how to clean James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Hardie Board siding resists pests including termites and carpenter ants. It's also woodpecker resistant, so you don't have to worry about the hassles of repairing termite or woodpecker damage.
Fiber Cement Siding is Difficult to Install Properly
If the possibility of peeling paint and crumbling siding in areas of moisture isn't alarming, you should also know that fiber cement is incredibly difficult to install in exact compliance with the manufacturers' guidelines.
Replacing your existing siding with new fiber cement siding (such as James Hardie products) may add as much as about $17,130 in value, according to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report.
Maintenance. Due to the nature of its engineering, Hardie Board is both durable and inherently low-maintenance. Simple cleaning with a power washer is often all that is required to get a Hardie Board siding looking new again.
When the paint of fiber cement cladding peels, it often occurs in areas where moisture can collect or splash back, such as under windows and near roofs. This can cause paint to peel prematurely.
Installation and Labor Costs
The installation process for fiber cement siding is longer and more expensive than the vinyl siding installation process. James Hardie fiber cement siding is heavy and requires specialized installation and an increased amount of labor.
For Hardie siding, it's recommended to use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails. You can either nail by hand or use a pneumatic nailer. However, it's best to use a pneumatic nailer for speed and consistency. At the bottom, the siding should be face nailed, and at the top, it should be blind nailed.
Hardie® Backer Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology permits time-savings on install by allowing you to skip the step of applying waterproof coating across the entire board surface area. Just waterproof the joints and fasteners and then move on to the next step.
When James Hardie siding products butt into wood-based materials, a 1/8" gap will allow for expansion and contraction of the wood-based product. Caulks and Sealants: James Hardie recommends the use of caulks and sealants that remain permanently flexible.
High pressure water blast and sand blasting may damage the surface of the fiber cement product. Low pressure water spray, a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is most suitable for cleaning fiber cement products. Acid washing can damage the fiber cement surface and is not recommended.
Don't use a high-pressure power washer to get the job done, as it turns out a low-pressure hose and a soft medium bristle (nonmetal) brush is the best way to remove dirt and debris from James Hardie® siding and trim.
Yes, you can, and you should. Painting Hardie board siding will significantly improve its look and its longevity. Siding finishes generally last for around 15 years, so you need to do it, and do it right. Painting, when done properly can really bring out the wood feel of the Hardie board.
Since Hardie Board is so durable, it's also resistant to storms and wind damage. Many homeowners specifically choose Hardie Board because of its storm resistance capabilities. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather conditions, Hardie Board may be the perfect siding option for you.
It is important to paint pre-primed Hardie board siding within 180 days after installation; otherwise, it will lose moisture and will crack.
Poor Installation
Unfortunately, shoddy craftsmanship may be to blame for your siding damage. Siding cracks can occur when the boards are nailed too tightly to your home's exterior. Additionally, siding that was improperly placed on your exterior during your installation can begin to warp, ripple, or loosen over time.